All lobbyists, whether compensated or not, must file an Application for Registration as a Lobbyist with the Clerk of the Legislature prior to commencing lobbying activity. The registration is valid through the end of the calendar year in which the lobbyist registered. A registration may be terminated at an earlier date by filing a Termination of Lobbyist's Registration. A registration fee of $200 is required of every lobbyist who receives or will receive compensation from his or her principal. A registration fee of $15 is required for each application by a lobbyist who does not receive compensation and who does not anticipate receiving compensation at the time of his or her application for registration. An employee of a principal who engages in lobbying activity is considered to be a compensated lobbyist and is subject to the $200 registration fee. In addition, a member of a principal whose duties of employment, office or membership include engaging in lobbying activities is a compensated lobbyist.
An officer of member of a principal is not considered to be a compensated lobbyist if the officer or member receives no compensation from the principal for any of the activities or duties performed for the principal.
Any lobbyist who receives compensation who did not anticipate receiving such compensation at the time of application for registration shall, within five days of receipt of any compensation, file an amended registration form with respect to such principal, which amended registration form shall be accompanied by an additional fee of $185.
Exceptions to the Requirement to Register:
1. A public official or employee of a branch of state government except the University of Nebraska, or an elected official of a political subdivision who is acting in the course or scope of his or her office or employment;
2. An employee of a political subdivision whose regular duties of employment do not ordinarily include lobbying activities as long as the employee is not additionally compensated for such lobbying activities, other than his or her regular salary, and is not reimbursed for any lobbying expenditures except his or her travel, lodging, and meals and the meal expenses for members of the Legislature.
3. Any publisher, owner, or working member of the press, radio, or television while disseminating news or editorial comment to the general public in the ordinary course of business;
4. An employee of a principal or lobbyist whose duties are confined to typing, filing, and other types of clerical office work; or
5. Any person who limits his or her activities (i) to appearances before legislative committees as long as he or she advises the committee at the time of the appearance whom he or she represents or that he or she appears at the invitation of a named member of the Legislature or at the direction of the governor, or (ii) to writing letters or furnishing written material to individual members of the Legislature or to the committees thereof.
