We still have a few months before the first ever LD-203 is due. To recap, active LDA registrants and individuals who have been listed as lobbyists must now file semi-annual reports of certain contributions. The guidance is worthwhile:
The middle part of Form LD-203 requires the filer to disclose for itself, and for any political committee the filer establishes or controls:
- The date, recipient, and amount of funds equal to or exceeding $200 contributed to any Federal candidate or officeholder, leadership PAC, or political party committee.
- The date, the name of honoree and or honorees, and amount of funds paid for an event to honor or recognize a covered legislative branch or covered executive branch official.
- The date, the name of honoree and or honorees, and amount of funds paid to an entity or person that is named for a covered legislative branch official, or to an entity or person in recognition of such official.
- The date, recipient, the name of the covered official, and amount of funds paid to an entity established, maintained, or controlled by a covered legislative or executive branch official or to an entity designated by such official.
- The date, the name of honoree and or honorees , and amount of funds paid for a meeting, retreat, conference, or other similar event held by, or in the name of one or more covered legislative branch or covered executive branch officials (except for information already disclosed by another entity required to report under 2 U.S.C §434).
- The date, the name of honoree, and amount of funds equal to or exceeding $200 paid to each Presidential library foundation and each Presidential inaugural committee.
This section of the LDA has been written broadly, and, in light of other provisions in P.L. 110-81, it would be prudent to consult with the appropriate Ethics Committee, as well as the Office of Government Ethics, in order to determine if any event listed above is otherwise prohibited under law, Senate or House Rules, or Executive branch regulations. Please note that HLOGA and the Federal Election Campaign Act are not harmonized to contributions of exactly $200.