TESTIMONY TO THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

HB 1250 Ethics - Lobbying Regulation - Associations Representing Counties or Municipal Corporations

POSITION: Support

BY:  Susan Cochran, President

DATE: March 4, 2014

The League of Women Voters of Maryland supports HB 1250 which would close a loophole in Maryland’s ethics law that exempts lobbyists for state and local government entities from registering and reporting in the same way that is required of all other paid lobbyists.

Since its founding in 1920, the League of Women Voters has always worked for open, accountable and responsive government at every level.  There is no reason why such major players in Annapolis should be allowed to operate without the same level of disclosure that is required of other entities who seek to influence legislation. 

We urge a favorable report on HB 1250.