Frequently Asked Questions:

About Lobbying in Pennsylvania

What is a lobbyist or a lobbying firm?
Under Pennsylvania law, a lobbyist is “any individual, association, corporation, partnership, business trust or other entity that engages in lobbying on behalf of a principal for economic consideration.” A lobbying firm is an “entity that engages in lobbying for economic consideration on behalf of a principal other than the entity itself”. Act 134 of 2006.

What is a principal?

A principal is “an individual, association, corporation, partnership, business trust or other entity (1) on whose behalf a lobbying firm or lobbyist engages in lobbying or (2) that engages in lobbying on the principal’s own behalf”. Act 134 of 2006. In other words, for a lobbyist that works full time for one entity, the principal is the employer. For a lobbyist that works for multiple principals, they are the clients.

Okay, so then what is lobbying?
State law defines lobbying as “an effort to influence legislative action or administrative action”. This can be done through direct or indirect communication and through providing gifts, hospitality, transportation or lodging to a state official or employee. Direct communication is an activity of a lobbyist or principal to influence a state official or employee by personal oral or written means. Indirect communication, on the other hand, is the activity of getting others than the lobbyist or principal to attempt to influence the decision of a state official or employee. An example of this would be placing ads in the newspaper or on television asking citizens to write to their legislator asking support or opposition to a pending bill.

Does the state regulate lobbying?

Yes. Act 134 was passed in 2006 and requires that all lobbyists and principals register with state. Lobbyists must show who they are representing, and principals must list all their lobbyists. The law also requires that all lobbyists and principals must report quarterly to the Department of State on how much money they spent on lobbying in the previous quarter year. David Tive was very involved in working with the House, Senate and Governor’s Office in the drafting and passage of Act 134. His involvement was due to his long-standing belief that Pennsylvania needed a new, comprehensive and effective lobbying law.

 Is Tive Lobbying registered?
Yes, Tive Lobbying is registered as a lobbying firm, and David Tive is registered as a lobbyist. All of the firm’s clients who are required under law to register have done so, and quarterly reports have been filed on a regular basis since the law first took effect. You can view these and all other lobbying registrations and expense reports in Pennsylvania at www.palobbyingservices.state.pa.us.