Center for the Study of Ethics in the Professions at IIT

This pamphlet briefly summarizes the main provisions of the Governmental Ethics Ordinance (Chapter 2-156 of the Municipal Code of Chicago) that apply to people who lobby City government. To the extent that the summary differs from the language of the Ordinance, the language of the Ordinance is controlling. Complete copies of the Ordinance are available upon request.

WHO ARE LOBBYISTS?

A lobbyist is any person:

(1) who for compensation undertakes to influence any legislative or administrative action; or

(2) who on behalf of any person other than himself or herself undertakes to influence any legislative or administrative action; or

(3) whose duties as an employee of another include undertaking to influence any legislative or administrative action.

LOBBYIST REGISTRATION

Every lobbyist whose lobbying-related compensation or expenses total $5,000 or more in the preceding or current calendar year must register with the Board of Ethics no later than January 20th of each year, or within five business days of engaging in lobbying activities.

In the event any substantial change or addition occurs with respect to the information required in the registration statement, the lobbyist must file an amended statement within 14 days of the change.

LOBBYIST ACTIVITY REPORTS

No later than January 20 and July 20 of each year, every registered lobbyist must file with the Board of Ethics a notarized disclosure report of his or her lobbying activities during the previous six months.

Registered lobbyists are required to file disclosure reports even if they receive no compensation and make no expenditures during a six month reporting period.

Every registered lobbyist who fails to file a disclosure report will receive a notice from the Board of Ethics. If no report is filed within 10 days of the notice, the lobbyist shall be subject to a fine of $100 per day until the report is filed.

CONTINGENT FEES PROHIBITED

Compensation that is dependent upon the or disapproval of any legislative or administrative matter is prohibited.

TERMINATION NOTICE REQUIRED

Registered lobbyists who end their lobbying must file a Termination Notice with the

Ethics, as well as a final disclosure report

PUBLIC ACCESS TO INFORMATION

A list of registered lobbyists as well as their registration statements, amendments to statements, activity disclosure reports, and notices of termination, are available upon request.

Persons subject to lobbying efforts who have not yet received a list of registered lobbyists should contact the Board of Ethics.

Last Modified December 19, 2007