About Lobbying Disclosure Forms and Reports
Any person or firm that engages in lobbying, which is defined by Pennsylvania law as "an effort to influence legislative action or (government) administrative action," must register with the Department of State.
Those registering must do so through the Department's online filing portal.
The Department then maintains a searchable online database of all registered lobbyists, lobbying firms, and principals. Interested members of the public can search the database at any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The term “lobbyist” includes any individual, firm, association, corporation, partnership, business trust, or business entity that engages in lobbying on behalf of a principal for economic consideration. Economic consideration is defined as anything of value offered or received. The term includes compensation and reimbursement for expenses. The term includes attorneys who engage in lobbying.
More information about registering as a lobbyist or lobbying firm is available on our lobbying disclosure filing portal.
Engaging a lobbyist for lobbying purposes or engaging in lobbying on the principal’s own behalf constitutes acting in the capacity of a principal. The term “principal” includes any individual, association, corporation, partnership, business trust or other entity on whose behalf a lobbying firm or lobbyist engages in lobbying or that engages in lobbying on the principal’s own behalf.
More information about registering as a principal is available on our lobbying disclosure filing portal.
Contact Us
If you have a question about how to file lobbying disclosure forms or reports, please contact the Department of State's Bureau of Campaign Finance and Lobbying Disclosure.