Relating to lobbyist’s client reports, including verification of and the filing location for the reports, and making penalties applicable

This bill relates to lobbyist’s client reports. Under current law, a lobbyist’s client is annually required to file with the general assembly a report that contains information on all salaries, fees, retainers, and reimbursement of expenses the lobbyist’s client paid to the lobbyist for lobbying purposes during the preceding year. The bill requires that the reports are instead filed with the Iowa ethics and campaign disclosure board (board). The bill also requires a lobbyist’s client to submit all documents necessary to verify the information and the board to verify the information. The board may require a lobbyist’s client to provide additional documents, which the client must provide. Verification documents a lobbyist’s client submits to the board are confidential. The first report for which the provisions of the bill will apply is due by July 31, 2020, for the reporting period of July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020. A person who knowingly and intentionally violates a provision of the bill is guilty of a serious misdemeanor and may be reprimanded, suspended, or dismissed from the person’s position or otherwise sanctioned. A serious misdemeanor is punishable by confinement for no more than one year and a fine of at least $315 but not more than $1,875.