Explanation
This legislation enacts new Section 2321.54 of Columbus City Codes to provide a comprehensive plan for the registration of legislative agents and those that they are hired to represent, helping to make City government operations as open and accountable as possible.
This legislation requires all individuals who are paid lobbyists to register with the City of Columbus if those individuals intend to lobby administrative staff or elected officials as part of their regular duties. Further, the legislation requires that those lobbyists update their registration information as they are retained or when they are no longer representing such interests, and that the City Clerk ensure all records of registration are available for public viewing and use.
Title
To enact new Section 2321.54 of Columbus City Codes, 1959, to implement registration requirements and procedures for all legislative agents.
Body
WHEREAS, the Columbus City Council has a continuing commitment to open and accessible government; and,
WHEREAS, full disclosure of the names of individuals who advocate on behalf of others for compensation before elected officials and City staff, is one more step in ensuring an open, representative government, and,
WHEREAS, the State of Ohio has in place comprehensive legislation which requires registration of legislative agents who represent clients before the Ohio General Assembly; and,
WHEREAS, such legislation offers a model for local regulations; and,
WHEREAS, Columbus City Council wants to protect the right of private citizens to contact elected officials and City staff in their capacity as private citizens and without unnecessary restrictions, limitations, and reporting requirements; and,
WHEREAS, Columbus City Council finds that the enactment of legislation requiring the registration of legislative agents, and those they are hired to represent, help to make City government operations as open and accountable as possible, n...
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