The bill amends existing Vermont law regarding the definitions and regulations surrounding lobbying activities. It modifies the definition of "lobbying" by removing the requirement for communication to be "orally or in writing," thereby broadening the scope of what constitutes lobbying. Additionally, it updates the requirements for advertisements intended to influence legislative action, mandating that such advertisements disclose the name of the lobbyist or lobbying firm responsible for the expenditure and include specific details about the advertisement or campaign, such as the amount spent, the date, and the nature of the content.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new reporting requirements for lobbyists, lobbying firms, or lobbyist employers who spend $1,000 or more on advertisements aimed at influencing legislative action. These reports must include detailed information about the expenditure and the advertisement's content, including any bills or issues featured and the stance taken (support, opposition, or neutrality). The bill also clarifies that if the necessary reports have already been filed under a different statute, a separate advertisement report is not required. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2-264c
As Passed By the House -- Official: 2-264c, 2-261
As Passed By the House -- Unofficial: 2-261, 2-264c
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Official: 2-264c, 2-261
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Unofficial: 2-261, 2-264c
As Enacted: 2-261, 2-264c