Lobbying is an attempt to influence government decision-making. Legislative Law Article 1-A, also known as the “Lobbying Act”, requires the registration and reporting of individuals and organizations that either spend, or anticipate spending, more than the lobbying threshold on efforts to influence certain government activities including legislation, executive orders, regulations, and governmental procurements.

The Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government promotes transparency of lobbying activities through oversight and disclosure of the expenses, compensation, and activities of registered lobbyists and their clients.  The Commission does not limit lobbying efforts.  All lobbying reports required by Legislative Law Article 1-A, known as the “Lobbying Act,” are publicly available filings.

... the operation of responsible democratic government requires that the fullest opportunity be afforded to the people to petition their government for the redress of grievances and to express freely to appropriate officials their opinions on legislation and governmental operations; and that, to preserve and maintain the integrity of the governmental decision-making process in this state, it is necessary that the identity, expenditures and activities of persons and organizations retained, employed or designated to influence the passage or defeat of any legislation...be publicly and regularly disclosed.