Frequently Asked Questions about Lobbyist Exemptions

Are there exemptions to California’s lobbying laws? Yes, the Political Reform Act contains detailed laws related to lobbyists in Chapter 6, and Article 3 of Chapter 6 deals with Exemptions and contains Government Code Section 86300.

Are public officials exempt from the lobbying laws? Yes, any elected public official acting in the official’s official capacity, or any employee of the State of California acting within the scope of the employee’s employment is exempt.

Are news media exempt from the lobbying laws? Yes, any newspaper or other periodical of general circulation, book publisher, radio or television station (including any individual who owns, publishes, or is employed by any such newspaper or periodical or radio or television station) which in the ordinary course of business publishes news items, editorials, or other comments, or paid advertisement, which directly or indirectly urge legislative or administrative action if the newspaper, periodical, book publisher, radio or television station, or individual, engages in no further or other activities in connection with urging legislative or administrative action other than to appear before a committee of the Legislature or before a state agency in support of or in opposition to such action.

Are religious organizations exempt from the lobbying laws? Yes, a person when representing a bona fide church or religious society solely for the purpose of protecting the public right to practice the doctrines of such church is exempt.