Governor expands reporting rule for lobbyists

Gov. Jim Risch issued an executive order this afternoon expanding HB 707, the bill that required those who lobby the executive branch to register and disclose spending just like those who lobby the legislative branch, to also specifically cover people who lobby his staff.

“In reviewing the law, it appears that it does not cover employees of my office,” said Risch, a lawyer. “While the law requires registration and reporting by lobbyists that discuss issues with me, due to time and schedule constraints, those same people will often talk to my staff instead. The purpose of this law is to report the expenditures of lobbyists that work to influence a decision. This Executive Order will extend that law and require registration and reporting when contact is made with my staff as well.”

The executive order is good through Dec. 1, 2006 – the remainder of Risch’s term in office. HB 707 passed the Legislature this year unanimously.