EXPLANATION
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this ordinance is to amend Section 2321.54 of the Columbus City Codes which pertains to the registration of legislative agents and the filing of disclosure reports relating to their activity with the City of Columbus.
In 2006, Columbus City Council established a registry for agents who actively advocate before municipal legislative and executive offices. Further, City Code would require that those agents update their registration information as they are retained, or are no longer representing such interests, and that the City Clerk would ensure all record of registration be available for public viewing and use.
The City of Columbus has an opportunity to enhance transparency and accountability for agents who actively advocate before municipal offices, by significantly expanding and enhancing agent registration requirements. These new requirements will mirror the stricter state law definition of who must register with the City Clerk as an agent, including those who advocate before city elected officials and/or municipal offices.
This legislation will also require a new disclosure report for registered agents, increasing the number of annual reports. It will also increase the penalties for violation of these disclosure requirements.
Building on Council’s 2006 efforts to provide greater transparency in the legislative process, these additional safeguards further Council’s efforts to enhance transparency and accountability in the legislative process by significantly expanding and increasing registration requirements.
TITLE
To amend Section 2321.54 of the Columbus City Codes to increase legislative agent disclosure requirements and to enhance penalties for violations of this section.
BODY
WHEREAS, Section 2321.54 of the Columbus City Codes establishes a registry for legislative agents (“agents’) who actively advocate before municipal legislative and/or executive offices, as well as requires disclosure...
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