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HB 1169

501(C)(3) LOBBYING FEE EXEMPT

104th Regular Session Introduced by Dee Avelar and 18 co-sponsors

Illinois bill exempts 501(c)(3) nonprofits from lobbying registration fees, reducing advocacy costs for charitable organizations while potentially decreasing government lobbying oversight revenue.

Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Dan Swanson
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Bill Summary · HB 1169

Legislative bill overview

HB 1169 would exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations from paying lobbying fees in Illinois. The bill specifically targets charitable, educational, and other qualified nonprofits that engage in legislative advocacy, removing a financial barrier to their participation in the political process.

Why is this important

Nonprofits often operate on tight budgets and use lobbying to advocate for causes like healthcare, education, and social services. Exempting them from fees could increase nonprofit participation in policy discussions, though it also raises questions about whether all lobbying activities should receive equal treatment regardless of funding source or organizational type.

Potential points of contention

  • Competitive disadvantage: For-profit corporations and other entities would still pay lobbying fees, creating unequal cost structures for different types of organizations advocating on similar issues
  • Scope and definition: The bill's language on what qualifies as a 501(c)(3) organization and which lobbying activities are covered could be ambiguous or subject to interpretation
  • Revenue impact: Illinois loses fee revenue that may have funded lobbying disclosure oversight or government operations, requiring alternative funding sources
  • Accountability concerns: Fee structures can serve as disclosure mechanisms; exempting nonprofits might reduce transparency if not paired with other reporting requirements

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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