# Part V – Exemptions

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

## § 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