Bill
SB 2890
Requires registered lobbyists to disclose representation of foreign adversary clients, with disclosures entering the public lobbying registry.
Overview
SB 2890 seeks to enhance transparency in lobbying by mandating disclosure when registered lobbyists represent clients identified as foreign adversaries. The bill is currently listed as “Died In Committee.” It has a companion measure in the House, HB 512.
What the bill would do
- Require registered lobbyists to disclose, as part of their lobbying records, any representation of a foreign adversary client.
- Integrate these disclosures into the existing lobbying registration framework, making such representations publicly accessible.
- Define or designate what constitutes a “foreign adversary client” for purposes of disclosure (the bill would establish the definition within its text).
Key provisions (as indicated by the bill’s title and general scope)
- Disclosure requirement: Lobbyists must report when they are representing a client that is a foreign adversary.
- Public register: Disclosures would appear in the publicly accessible lobbying registry maintained by the relevant oversight office or ethics committee.
- Timing and updates: The bill would specify when disclosures must be updated (e.g., within a set timeframe after engagement), though exact timing details are not provided in the summary available here.
- Relationship to registration: The requirement appears to complement existing registration and reporting requirements for lobbyists, adding a foreign adversary dimension to client representation.
Who would be affected
- Registered lobbyists and lobbying firms that represent foreign adversary clients.
- Clients identified as foreign adversaries seeking to influence public policy through lobbying.
- State ethics or filing offices overseeing lobbyist registrations, who would administer the new disclosure and maintain the public record.
- General public and journalists, who would benefit from increased transparency regarding foreign influence in lobbying.
Procedural and timeline aspects
- Introduced: March 14, 2025.
- Legislative actions (selected):
- Referred to Accountability, Efficiency, Transparency (Jan 20, 2025).
- Died In Committee (Feb 4, 2025).
- Read first time and referred further (April 7, 2025) with a subsequent referral to Business & Commerce.
- Status: Died In Committee (as recorded).
- Related: Companion bill HB 512 in the House.
Potential impact and considerations
- Public transparency: Could improve visibility into foreign influence and how it is managed by lobbyists.
- Compliance and enforcement: Would create new reporting obligations and possible penalties for noncompliance under the bill’s enforcement provisions.
- Administrative workload: May require updates to the lobbyist registry system and staff to process disclosures.
Next steps
- If reintroduced or amended, SB 2890 could be considered in a future session; keep an eye on committee referrals and status updates for any changes or new companion actions with HB 512.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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