Sponsors (6)
The bill increases public accountability by expanding lobbying disclosure and closing a disclosure loophole, but it also raises compliance costs, administrative burdens, and potential legal uncertainty or chilling effects for advisers, small organizations, and nonprofits.
Taxpayers and the public will see who is trying to influence federal officials because more individuals and entities engaging in lobbying must register, improving transparency about lobbying activities.
Federal employees and the public gain stronger accountability because the bill narrows the de minimis threshold (from 20% to 10%), reducing a loophole that previously let substantial influence avoid disclosure.
Small-business owners, independent consultants, and nonprofit contractors may face higher compliance costs because more people who provide strategic advice could be required to register as lobbyists.
Organizations (especially nonprofits and small firms) will incur additional administrative burden and diversion of resources to meet new disclosure requirements.
Nonprofits, advocacy groups, and advisers could face legal uncertainty and a chilling effect on ordinary political or advocacy advising because broader definitions may capture routine strategic counsel.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Expands who counts as a lobbyist and lowers the de minimis exemption from <20% to <10%, applying to contacts after enactment.
Broadens who counts as a lobbyist and tightens an exemption threshold under the Lobbying Disclosure Act. It expands the definition of lobbying activities, treats certain paid advisors who direct or substantially influence lobbying contacts as making those contacts themselves, and lowers the de minimis test for the registration exemption from less than 20% to less than 10% for contacts made on or after enactment.
Official title: To amend the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to expand the scope of individuals and activities which are subject to the requirements of such Act, and for other purposes.
Introduced January 22, 2026 by Delia Ramirez · Last progress January 22, 2026