2019 Tennessee Code
Title 3 - Legislature
Chapter 6 - Ethics and Lobbying
Part 3 - Lobbyists
§ 3-6-302. Electronic registration of lobbyists and employers of lobbyists -- Lobbyist photographs -- Amendment of inaccuracies -- Consolidated statements -- Fees.

(a)

• (1) Not later than seven (7) days after becoming an employer of a lobbyist, the employer shall electronically register with the Tennessee ethics commission. Each year thereafter, the employer shall register in the same manner, if the employer continues to employ one (1) or more lobbyists.

• (2) Not later than seven (7) days after becoming a lobbyist, the lobbyist shall electronically register with the ethics commission. The information provided by the lobbyist shall include, but not be limited to, the lobbyist's name and birthdate, and the last four (4) digits of the lobbyist's social security number; provided, that the last four (4) digits of the lobbyist's social security number is not a public record and shall only be used by the state or a local governmental entity for purposes related to the administration of chapter 519 of the Public Acts of 2012. Each year thereafter, the lobbyist shall register in the same manner if the lobbyist continues to engage in lobbying.

• (3) Within thirty (30) days after registering, each lobbyist shall provide a current photographic portrait to the ethics commission; however, no lobbyist shall be required to submit more than one (1) portrait during any year.

(b)

• (1) As a component of the registration process, each employer of a lobbyist shall electronically file a registration statement that includes the following information:

  • (A) Employer's name, business address, telephone number and e-mail address; and, in the case of a corporation, association or governmental entity, the names of the individuals performing the functions of chief executive officer and chief financial officer;

  • (B) Name, business address, telephone number and e-mail address of each lobbyist authorized to represent the employer; and

  • (C) Verification that the employer has downloaded from the commission web site or otherwise obtained the commission's manual for lobbyists and employers of lobbyists.

• (2) As a component of the registration process, each lobbyist shall electronically file a registration statement that includes the following information:

  • (A) Lobbyist's name, business address, telephone number and e-mail address;

  • (B) Name, business address, telephone number and e-mail address of each employer the lobbyist is authorized to represent;

  • (C) Subject matters lobbied for such employers during the registration year, to be indicated among general categories listed by the ethics commission;

  • (D) Name and business address of any member of the lobbyist's immediate family who is an official within the legislative or executive branch; and

  • (E) The extent of any direct business arrangement or partnership between the lobbyist and any candidate for public office or any official in the legislative or executive branch.

(c) Throughout the year, by amendment electronically filed with the ethics commission, each employer of a lobbyist and each lobbyist shall update, correct or otherwise modify the employer's or lobbyist's registration statement not later than seven (7) days following the occurrence of any event, action or changed circumstance that renders the registration statement inaccurate or incomplete.

(d) A lobbying firm shall be authorized, by rule promulgated pursuant to § 4-55-103(1), to file consolidated lobbyist registration, registration statements, and registration amendments on behalf of all partners, associates and employees within the firm; however, the partners, associates and employees of the firm shall be individually named and shall remain individually accountable for the timeliness and accuracy of the consolidated filing.

(e) Registration fees for employers of lobbyists and registration fees for lobbyists shall be established by rule, promulgated pursuant to § 4-55-103(1). The registration fee shall be paid not later than thirty (30) days following submission of a registration statement or amendment through which an employer reports a lobbyist or additional lobbyist or through which a lobbyist reports an employer or additional employer.

(f) Employer and lobbyist registration statements, as may be amended, as well as lobbyist photographs, shall be promptly posted on the commission's Internet site.

(g) The initial registration year for lobbyists and employers of lobbyists shall be the period from October 1, 2006, through December 31, 2007. Thereafter, the registration year for lobbyists and employers of lobbyists shall be the period of January 1 through December 31.