# Subtitle 8 – Lobbying

Current through 2026-07-17. Source: City of Balt., Md., Ord. 26-129. Published by the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference.

## Part I – Definitions

### § 8-1 Definitions.

Balt., Md., Code art. 8, § 8-1 (2026)

(a) In this subtitle, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

(b) If lobbying is only part of a person’s employment, “compensation” means a prorated amount of the person’s total compensation, as defined in <cite data-path="|8|§2-7">§ 2-7 of this article</cite>, that is based on the time devoted by the person to lobbying compared to the time devoted to other employment duties.

(c) “Executive action” means any official action or nonaction that:

  (1) is taken by a public servant; and

  (2) is not legislative action, as defined in this section.

(d)

  (1) “Legislative action” means any official action or nonaction relating to:

    (i) any bill, resolution, nomination, appointment, report, or other matter within the jurisdiction of the City Council; or

    (ii) any bill or resolution presented to the Mayor for approval or veto.

  (2) “Legislative action” includes:

    (i) introduction;

    (ii) sponsorship;

    (iii) consideration and debate;

    (iv) amendment;

    (v) passage or defeat; and

    (vi) approval or veto.

(e) “Lobby” means to do any act that requires registration under this subtitle.

(f) “Reporting period” means all or any part of the period from January 1 of any year through December 31 of the same year during which a person is registered or required to be registered with the Ethics Board as a lobbyist.

*History: Ord. 04-795*

*History: Ord. 18-198*

### §§ 8-2 to 8-5

Balt., Md., Code art. 8, § 8-2 to 8-5 (2026)

Reserved

## Part II – Registration Required

### § 8-6 In general.

Balt., Md., Code art. 8, § 8-6 (2026)

Except as otherwise specified in Part V {“Exemptions”} of this subtitle, a person who engages in any activity described in this Part II must register with the Ethics Board.

*History: Ord. 04-795*

### § 8-7 Legislative lobbying.

Balt., Md., Code art. 8, § 8-7 (2026)

A person must register if, during a reporting period, the person:

(1) for the purpose of influencing any legislative action, communicates with a public servant; and

(2) in furtherance of or in connection with all such communications for that or any other legislative action, and all activities relating to those communications:

  (i) expends $100 or more for gifts, including meals, beverages, or special events, to 1 or more public servants;

  (ii) incurs any expenses of $500 or more; or

  (iii) earns $2,500 or more in compensation.

*History: Ord. 04-795*

### § 8-8 Executive lobbying.

Balt., Md., Code art. 8, § 8-8 (2026)

(a) A person must register if, during a reporting period, the person:

  (1) for the purpose of influencing any executive action, communicates with a public servant; and

  (2) in furtherance of or in connection with all such communications for that or any other executive action, and all activities relating to those communications, expends $100 or more for gifts, including meals, beverages, or special events, to 1 or more public servants.

(b) A person must register if, during a reporting period, the person:

  (1) for the purpose of influencing the development, adoption, issuance, or amendment of regulations or of an executive order, communicates with a public servant; and

  (2) in furtherance of or in connection with all such communications for that or any other executive action, and all activities relating to those communications:

    (i) expends $100 or more for gifts, including meals, beverages, or special events, to 1 or more public servants;

    (ii) incurs any expenses of $500 or more; or

    (iii) earns $2,500 or more in compensation.

(c)

  (1) A person must register if, during a reporting period, the person:

    (i) for the purpose of influencing executive action on a procurement contract that exceeds $50,000, communicates with a public servant; and

    (ii) in furtherance of or in connection with all such communications for that or any other executive action, and all activities relating to those communications:

      (A) expends $100 or more for gifts, including meals, beverages, or special events, to 1 or more public servants; or

      (B) except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, is compensated for his or her services.

  (2) Paragraph (1)(ii)(B) of this subsection does not apply to a bona fide salesperson or commercial selling agency employed or maintained by an employer for the purpose of soliciting or securing a procurement contract, as long as the person engages in no other acts during the reporting period that require registration.

(d)

  (1) A person must register if, during a reporting period, the person:

    (i) for the purpose of influencing executive action to secure for a business entity a grant or loan that exceeds $50,000, communicates with a public servant; and

    (ii) in furtherance of or in connection with all such communications for that or any other executive action, and all activities relating to those communications:

      (A) expends $100 or more for gifts, including meals, beverages, or special events, to 1 or more public servants; or

      (B) except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, is compensated for his or her services.

  (2) Paragraph (1)(ii)(B) of this subsection does not apply to either of the following, as long as the person engages in no other acts during the reporting period that require registration:

    (i) a bona fide full-time official or employee of a business entity that is seeking to secure a grant or loan; or

    (ii) a person who is seeking a grant or loan for the purpose of locating, relocating, or expanding a business in or into the City.

*History: Ord. 04-795*

*History: Ord. 06-188*

### § 8-9 “Grass roots” lobbying.

Balt., Md., Code art. 8, § 8-9 (2026)

A person must register if, during a reporting period, the person:

(1) for the purpose of influencing any legislative or executive action, solicits others to communicate with a public servant; and

(2) in furtherance of or in connection with that solicitation, expends $1,000 or more, including expenditures for salaries, contractual employees, postage, telecommunications services, electronic services, advertising, printing, or delivery services.

*History: Ord. 04-795*

### § 8-10

Balt., Md., Code art. 8, § 8-10 (2026)

Reserved

## Part III – Procedure

### § 8-11 Employer authorization required.

Balt., Md., Code art. 8, § 8-11 (2026)

(a) Any person that engages a lobbyist for the purpose of lobbying must provide a written authorization for the lobbyist to act on the person’s behalf.

(b) The authorization must include:

  (1) the person’s full legal name and business address;

  (2) the lobbyist’s full legal name and business address;

  (3) the period during which the lobbyist is authorized to act; and

  (4) the legislative action, executive action, or other matter on which the lobbyist is authorized to act.

(c) The authorization must be signed by:

  (1) the person on whose behalf the lobbyist is being authorized to act; or

  (2) if that person is a corporation, any authorized officer or agent of the corporation other than the lobbyist.

*History: Ord. 04-795*

### § 8-12 Time for registering.

Balt., Md., Code art. 8, § 8-12 (2026)

(a) A lobbyist must register within 5 days after first engaging in any act that requires registration.

(b) A lobbyist must file a new registration on or before January 1 of each year if, on that date, the lobbyist is engaged in lobbying.

*History: Ord. 04-795*

### § 8-13 Registration scope, form, and contents.

Balt., Md., Code art. 8, § 8-13 (2026)

(a) A lobbyist who engages in lobbying on behalf of more than 1 person must file a separate registration for each person.

(b) The registration must be filed on the form the Ethics Board provides.

(c) The registration must include the following information, as applicable:

  (1) the lobbyist’s full legal name and business address;

  (2) the full legal name and business address of each other person that will be lobbying on the lobbyist’s behalf;

  (3) the full legal name, address, and nature of business of the person on whose behalf the lobbyist is acting;

  (4) a statement of whether, because of the lobbyist’s registration and reporting, the person on whose behalf the lobbyist is acting will be exempt from registration under <cite data-path="|8|§8-33">§ 8-33 {“Employer of reporting lobbyist”} of this subtitle</cite>; and

  (5) the identification, by formal designation, if known, of the legislative action, executive action, or other matter on which the lobbyist is acting or expects to act or on which the lobbyist has engaged or expects to engage another person to act.

(d) The registration must be accompanied by the written authorization required by <cite data-path="|8|§8-11">§ 8-11 {“Employer authorization required”} of this subtitle</cite>.

*History: Ord. 04-795*

### § 8-14 Registration filing fee.

Balt., Md., Code art. 8, § 8-14 (2026)

Each lobbying registration must be accompanied by a filing fee of $100.  This fee shall be adjusted annually in accordance with the City Fee Policy and as approved by the Board of Estimates.

*History: Ord. 13-180*

### § 8-15 Termination of registration.

Balt., Md., Code art. 8, § 8-15 (2026)

(a) Unless sooner terminated under subsection (b) of this section, each registration terminates on the earlier of:

  (1) the December 31 that first follows the registration’s filing; or

  (2) the date specified in a written authorization filed under <cite data-path="|8|§8-11">§ 8-11 {“Employer authorization required”} of this subtitle</cite>.

(b) A lobbyist may terminate the registration as of an earlier date than that specified in subsection (a) of this section if the lobbyist:

  (1) ceases all activity that requires registration;

  (2) after ceasing all activity, files a notice of termination with the Ethics Board; and

  (3) within 30 days after filing the notice, files all reports required by this subtitle.

(c)

  (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, if a lobbyist is or becomes subject to regulation under <cite data-path="|8">this article</cite> as a public servant, the lobbyist must:

    (i) immediately cease all activity that requires registration; and

    (ii) terminate his or her registration in accordance with subsection (b) of this section within 30 days of becoming a public servant:

      (A) file a notice of termination with the Ethics Board; and

      (B) file all reports required by this subtitle.

  (2) Paragraph (1) of this subsection does not apply to a lobbyist appointed to an advisory body of limited duration.

*History: Ord. 04-795*

*History: Ord. 13-180*

## Part IV – Activity Reports

### § 8-16 In general.

Balt., Md., Code art. 8, § 8-16 (2026)

(a) A lobbyist must file with the Ethics Board semi-annual activity reports for the reporting period for which the lobbyist is registered or required to be registered.

(b)

  (1) For each reporting period, these semi-annual reports  must be filed as follows:

    (i) on or before July 31, covering the immediately preceding January 1 through June 30; and

    (ii) on or before January 31, covering all of the immediately preceding January 1 through December 31.

  (2) A separate report must be filed for each person on whose behalf the lobbyist acted.

(c)

  (1) Each report must be:

    (i) filed on the form the Ethics Board provides; and

    (ii) signed under oath or affirmation, subject to the penalties of perjury.

  (2) If the lobbyist is not an individual, then an authorized officer or agent of the lobbyist must sign the report.

*History: Ord. 04-795*

*History: Ord. 18-198*

### § 8-17 Contents – Registration information

Balt., Md., Code art. 8, § 8-17 (2026)

Each report must include a complete, current statement of the information required by <cite data-path="|8|§8-13|(c)">§ 8-13(c) {“Registration: Contents”} of this subtitle</cite>.

*History: Ord. 04-795*

### § 8-18 Contents – Compensation.

Balt., Md., Code art. 8, § 8-18 (2026)

(a) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this subsection, each report must include the total compensation paid to the lobbyist in connection with lobbying activities during the period to which that report applies, as specified in <cite data-path="|8|§8-16|(b)|(1)">§ 8-16(b)(1) of this subtitle</cite>.

(b) If the compensation being reported is a prorated amount, it must be so labeled.

(c) This section does not apply to:

  (1) expenses otherwise reported under other sections of this Part IV; or

  (2) salaries, compensation, and reimbursed expenses for the lobbyist’s staff.

*History: Ord. 04-795*

*History: Ord. 18-198*

### § 8-19 Contents – Expenses.

Balt., Md., Code art. 8, § 8-19 (2026)

(a) Except as reported under <cite data-path="|8|§8-18">§ 8-18 {“Contents — Compensation”} of this subtitle</cite>, each report must include the total amount expended in connection with the lobbying activities during the period to which that report applies, as specified in <cite data-path="|8|§8-16|(b)|(1)">§ 8-16(b)(1) of this subtitle</cite>, for:

  (1) office expenses of the lobbyist; and

  (2) professional and technical research and assistance.

(b) Each report must include the total amount expended in connection with the lobbying activities during the period to which that report applies, as specified in <cite data-path="|8|§8-16|(b)|(1)">§ 8-16(b)(1) of this subtitle</cite>, for publications that expressly encourage others to communicate with 1 or more public servants.

(c) Each report must include:

  (1) the total amount expended in connection with lobbying activities for witnesses during the period to which that report applies, as specified in <cite data-path="|8|§8-16|(b)|(1)">§ 8-16(b)(1) of this subtitle</cite>;

  (2) the name of each witness; and

  (3) the fees and expenses paid to each.

(d)

  (1) Each report must include the total amount expended for each of the following during the period to which that report applies, as specified in <cite data-path="|8|§8-16|(b)|(1)">§ 8-16(b)(1) of this subtitle</cite>, whether or not expended in connection with lobbying activities:

    (i) meals and beverages for a public servant or the spouse, parent, child, or sibling of a public servant;

    (ii) special events, including parties, dinners, athletic events, entertainment, and other functions, to which a public servant or the spouse, parent, child, or sibling of a public servant is invited;

    (iii) food, lodging, or scheduled entertainment of a public servant or the spouse, parent, child, or sibling of a public servant while attending a meeting;

    (iv) tickets or free admission for a public servant or the spouse, parent, child, or sibling of a public servant to attend a professional or intercollegiate sporting event or a charitable, cultural, or political event; and

    (v) other gifts to or for a public servant or the spouse, parent, child, or sibling of a public servant.

  (2) The lobbyist must report the name of any public servant or the spouse, parent, child, or sibling of a public servant who benefitted from:

    (i) expenses reported under paragraph (1)(i) of this subsection; or

    (ii) expenses reported under paragraph (1)(iii) of this subsection, if more than $200 was expended for the benefit of the public servant, spouse, parent, child, or sibling.

  (3) Expenses reported under paragraph (1)(ii), (iii), and (iv) of this subsection must be itemized by:

    (i) the date and location of each event or activity; and

    (ii) the total expense of the lobbyist for the event or activity.

(e) Each report must include the total amount expended for all other expenses incurred in connection with the lobbying activities during the period to which that report applies, as specified in § 8 16(b)(1) of this subtitle.

*History: Ord. 04-795*

*History: Ord. 18-198*

### § 8-20 Contents – Gift recipients.

Balt., Md., Code art. 8, § 8-20 (2026)

(a) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, each report must include the name of each public servant or the spouse, parent, child, or sibling of a public servant to or for whom the lobbyist or any person on the lobbyist’s behalf has given, during the reporting period, 1 or more gifts with a cumulative value of $150 or more, whether or not given in connection with lobbying activities.

(b) For reports under subsection (a) of this section, each gift made after the $150 cumulative value is met must be itemized by:

  (1) date;

  (2) beneficiary;

  (3) nature of gift; and

  (4) value of gift.

(c) This section does not apply to gifts reported under § 8-19(d)(1)(ii) or (iii) of this subtitle.

*History: Ord. 04-795*

### § 8-21 Contents – Business transactions.

Balt., Md., Code art. 8, § 8-21 (2026)

(a)

  (1) This section applies to an individual who:

    (i) is a lobbyist under § 8-7 {“Legislative lobbying”} or <cite data-path="|8|§8-8">§ 8-8 {“Executive lobbying”} of this subtitle</cite>; and

    (ii) engages in a business transaction with:

      (A) any of the following officials:

        1. the Mayor;

        2. the City Comptroller;

        3. the President of the City Council;

        4. a member of the City Council;

        5. the head of any department; or

        6. the head of any bureau or division within a department; or

      (B) any of the following related persons:

        1. the spouse, parent, child, or sibling of an official listed in subitem (A);

        2. a business entity in which an official listed in subitem (A) is a proprietor or partner; or

        3. a business entity in which an official listed in subitem (A) has an ownership interest of 10% or more.

  (2) This section does not apply to:

    (i) an individual who is a lobbyist solely under <cite data-path="|8|§8-9">§ 8-9 {“‘Grass roots’ lobbying”} of this subtitle</cite>; or

    (ii) the person who employs a lobbyist.

(b) Each report of a lobbyist subject to this section must disclose any business transaction or series of business transactions that:

  (1) was with a person listed in subsection (a)(1)(ii) of this section;

  (2) occurred during the reporting period; and

  (3) involved consideration of:

    (i) $1,000 or more for a single transaction; or

    (ii) $5,000 or more for a series of transactions.

(c) The disclosure required by this section must include:

  (1) the date or dates of the transaction or series of transactions;

  (2) the name and title of the official who was involved in the transaction or series of transactions;

  (3) the nature of the transaction or series of transactions; and

  (4) the nature and value of anything exchanged in the transaction or series of transactions.

*History: Ord. 04-795*

### §§ 8-22 to 8-25

Balt., Md., Code art. 8, § 8-22 to 8-25 (2026)

Reserved

### § 8-26 Supplemental reports.

Balt., Md., Code art. 8, § 8-26 (2026)

The Ethics Board may require a lobbyist to file any additional or supplemental reports that the Board considers necessary.

*History: Ord. 04-795*

### § 8-27 Reports to be public.

Balt., Md., Code art. 8, § 8-27 (2026)

All reports filed under this subtitle are public documents and must be posted on the Ethics Board’s website.

*History: Ord. 18-198*

### §§ 8-28 to 8-30

Balt., Md., Code art. 8, § 8-28 to 8-30 (2026)

Reserved

## Part V – Exemptions

### § 8-31 General exemptions.

Balt., Md., Code art. 8, § 8-31 (2026)

The following activities are exempt from regulation under this subtitle:

(1) appearances as part of the official duties of an elected or appointed official or employee of the City, the State, the United States, any other state, or a political subdivision of any of them, to the extent that the appearance is not on behalf of any other person;

(2) actions of a member of the news media, to the extent that the actions are in the ordinary course of gathering and disseminating news or making editorial comment to the general public;

(3) representation of a bona fide religious organization, to the extent that the representation is for the purpose of protecting the right of its members to practice the doctrine of the organization; or

(4) appearances as part of the official duties of an officer, director, member, or employee of an association engaged exclusively in representing the State, counties or municipal corporations, to the extent that the appearance is not in behalf of any other person.

*History: Ord. 04-795*

### § 8-32 Qualified exemptions.

Balt., Md., Code art. 8, § 8-32 (2026)

(a) The following activities are exempt from regulation under this subtitle if the individual engages in no other acts during the reporting period that require registration:

  (1) appearances before the City Council, before a committee or subcommittee of the City Council, or before a City agency at the specific request of the body involved; or

  (2) appearances before the City Council, before a committee or subcommittee of the City Council, or before a City agency at the specific request of a lobbyist, if the witness notifies the body that he or she is testifying at the request of the lobbyist.

(b) An elementary, secondary, or pos-tsecondary school student or student organization that communicates as part of a course or student activity is not subject to the registration requirements of this subtitle based on the expense threshold of § 8-7 {“Legislative lobbying”} or <cite data-path="|8|§8-8">§ 8-8 {“Executive lobbying”} of this subtitle</cite>.

*History: Ord. 04-795*

### § 8-33 Employer of reporting lobbyist.

Balt., Md., Code art. 8, § 8-33 (2026)

(a) A person that would otherwise be required to register and report under this subtitle need not do so if that person:

  (1) employs a lobbyist; and

  (2) reasonably believes that the lobbyist will:

    (i) register as required by this subtitle; and

    (ii) timely report all expenses incurred in connection with that person’s lobbying activities.

(b) A person exempt under subsection (a) of this section must still complete the authorization required by <cite data-path="|8|§8-11">§ 8-11 {“Employer authorization required”} of this subtitle</cite>.

(c) If the lobbyist fails to report the information when required by this subtitle, the person previously exempt under this subsection immediately becomes subject to the registration and reporting requirements of this subtitle.

*History: Ord. 04-795*

### §§ 8-34 to 8-35

Balt., Md., Code art. 8, § 8-34 to 8-35 (2026)

Reserved

## Part VI – Prohibited Conduct

### § 8-36 Contingent compensation.

Balt., Md., Code art. 8, § 8-36 (2026)

(a) A lobbyist may not lobby on behalf of any person for compensation that is dependent in any way on:

  (1) the passage, enactment, or defeat of any legislation; or

  (2) any other contingency related to legislative action.

(b) A lobbyist may not lobby on behalf of any person for compensation that is dependent in any way on:

  (1) the outcome of any executive action relating to the solicitation or securing of a procurement contract; or

  (2) any other contingency related to executive action.

*History: Ord. 04-795*

### § 8-37 Gifts.

Balt., Md., Code art. 8, § 8-37 (2026)

A lobbyist may not make a gift to a public servant, directly or indirectly:

(1) if the lobbyist knows or has reason to know that the public servant’s acceptance of the gift would violate Subtitle 6 {“Conflicts of Interest”}, Part IV {“Gifts”} of <cite data-path="|8">this article</cite>; or

(2) if the gift is made as a result of a solicitation or facilitation that the lobbyist knows or has reason to know is prohibited by § 6-26(a)(3).

*History: Ord. 04-795*

*History: Ord. 11-520*

### § 8-38 Loans.

Balt., Md., Code art. 8, § 8-38 (2026)

Unless in the ordinary course of the lobbyist’s business as or for a banking institution, banking association, mortgage broker or lender, sales finance company, or other similarly regulated financial or lending institution, a lobbyist may not make or facilitate the making of any loan of money, goods, or services to a public servant.

*History: Ord. 04-795*

### § 8-39 Fund raisers.

Balt., Md., Code art. 8, § 8-39 (2026)

A lobbyist who is an individual may not engage in any charitable fund-raising activity at the request of a public servant, including soliciting a charitable contribution, transmitting the solicitation of a charitable contribution, or transmitting a charitable contribution.

*History: Ord. 04-795*

### § 8-40 “Bell ringing”.

Balt., Md., Code art. 8, § 8-40 (2026)

A lobbyist may not initiate or encourage the introduction of legislation for the purpose of opposing that legislation.

*History: Ord. 04-795*

### § 8-41 Requesting endorsement.

Balt., Md., Code art. 8, § 8-41 (2026)

A lobbyist may not ask a public servant to recommend to a potential client the lobbyist’s services or the services of any other lobbyist.

*History: Ord. 04-795*

### § 8-42 Veracity and candor.

Balt., Md., Code art. 8, § 8-42 (2026)

(a) While engaging in lobbying activities a lobbyist, or an individual who expects she or he will soon be required to register as a lobbyist, may not knowingly make to a public servant a statement of material fact that relates to the lobbying activity and that the lobbyist knows to be false.

(b) While engaging in lobbying activities a lobbyist, or an individual who expects she or he will soon be required to register as a lobbyist, must, in any interaction with a public servant:

  (1) affirmatively identify themselves as a lobbyist; and

  (2) identify the person on whose behalf they are lobbying.

*History: Ord. 04-795*

*History: Ord. 18-198*