This article was originally published in Venable's Political Law Briefing blog on August 30, 2016.
The Fair Political Practices Commission – the agency responsible for administering and enforcing California’s campaign finance and lobbying laws – has unanimously approved a rule change intended to force more consultants to register as lobbyists and strengthen the agency’s hand in enforcing state lobbying laws. The rule will take effect September 16, 2016.
FPPC chair Jodi Remke has called this the "first step" in cracking down on "shadow lobbying," and has indicated that the agency intends to focus on lobbying compliance in the coming year.