LEGISLATIVE CODE OF ETHICS FOR LOBBYISTS-BEST PRACTICE

Lobbying is an honorable profession and, just like in other professions, the vast majority of those involved in the lobbying profession are honest, trustworthy and hardworking individuals who take their role and profession very seriously. Moreover, lobbyists and the legislators they lobby generally act responsibly and in compliance with applicable laws. However, because there is so much scrutiny on politics and the legislative process, when something improper does occur, it gets into the public domain quickly. As a result, when there is an alleged violation of the law, it becomes a high profile matter that garners public attention and discussion.

Provisions :

1. A lobbyist may not offer employment to any Member or legislative employee which impairs his or her independence of judgment as to his or her official duties.
2. A lobbyist may not offer employment which would require or induce a Member or legislative employee to disclose confidential information.
3. A lobbyist may not use or disclose any confidential information obtained from a Member or legislative employee for personal financial gain or conspire with any person for such purpose.
4. A lobbyist may not offer any employment, fee or any other form of compensation to any Member or legislative employee for appearing, agreeing to appear, or taking any other action on his/her behalf or on a client’s behalf before any public body.
5. A lobbyist may not give or agree to give, directly or indirectly, any compensation, reward, or gift to any Member or legislative employee for any service, advice, assistance, or other matter related to the legislative process.
6. A lobbyist may not offer, arrange for, give or agree to give to any Member or legislative employee, any interest, financial or otherwise, direct or indirect, or engage in any business or transaction or professional activity with that member of legislative employee, which is in substantial conflict with the proper discharge of his or her official duties and responsibilities.
7. Any person is prohibited from inducing or seeking to induce any Member or legislative employee into committing a violation of any provision of the Code of Ethics. A violation is a misdemeanor, but any person who conspires to violate any provision of the Code of Ethics is guilty of a felony.

Furthermore

No lobbyist or lobbying firm shall:

(a) Do anything with the purpose of placing any elected or appointed official, legislative official, agency official, or candidate under personal obligation to the lobbyist, the lobbying firm, or the lobbyist’s or the firm’s employer.
(b) Deceive or attempt to deceive any elected or appointed official, legislative official, agency official, or candidate with regard to any material fact pertinent to any pending or proposed legislative or administrative action.
(c) Cause or influence the introduction of any proposal or amendment thereto for the purpose of thereafter being employed to secure its passage or defeat.
(d) Attempt to create a fictitious appearance of public favor or disfavor of any proposed legislative or administrative action or to cause any communication to be sent to any elected  or appointed official, legislative official, agency official, or candidate in the name of any fictitious person or in the name of any real person, except with the consent of such real person.
(e) Represent falsely, either directly or indirectly, that the lobbyist or the lobbying firm can control the official action of any elected or appointed official, legislative official, or agency official.

f) Accept or agree to accept any payment in any way contingent upon the defeat, enactment, or outcome of any proposed legislative or administrative action