Beginning with the effective date of a lobbying registration and extending through the ending date of the registration period, a lobbyist who lobbies a local official, or a person acting on behalf of the lobbyist, may not: solicit or transmit directly or indirectly a contribution from any person, including a political committee, for the benefit of a local official or candidate; serve on a fund–raising committee of, or a political committee for the benefit of, a local official or candidate; or act as a treasurer or chair of a political committee for the benefit of a local official or candidate. This part may not be construed to prohibit a lobbyist from: making a personal contribution within the limitations established under the Election Law Article; or informing the lobbyist’s employer or others of the positions taken by a particular candidate. A person who knowingly and willfully violates this part is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both. If the person is a business entity and not a natural person, each officer and partner of the business entity who knowingly authorized or participated in the violation is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to the same penalties as the business entity.