Last year, the Metro Council passed an ordinance that will require lobbyists and their employers to register with the Louisville Metro Ethics Commission. While a recent amendment passed by the Metro Council provides additional time for the Ethics Commission to publish draft forms and regulations, registration for lobbyists and employers remains May 15, 2023 as required in the original ordinance.

Modeled after the Kentucky Executive Branch Ethics Commission, the new rules require semi-annual registration for lobbyists who engage with Metro government officers and elected officials including statements of expenditures, compensation, advertising, and financial transactions.

Forms and regulations are expected to be made public by April 13. The Ethics Commission has provided an FAQ document outlining who is covered by the new rules, future registration deadlines, and disclosure requirements.

What you need to know 

Lobbyists are required to register with Louisville Metro Ethics Commission by May 15, 2023. In the initial registration, disclosures will include any spending and financial transactions from the original date of passage through May 15, 2023. Additional regulations and forms are not available at this time but are expected to be made public by April 13, 2023.

Following the initial registration and disclosure, statements will be due twice per year on July 1 and January 1.

Who is covered by the ordinance?

Lobbyists are defined in the ordinance as any person engaged in lobbying for an employer, including associations, coalitions, or public interest entities.

Employers are defined as persons, business, associations, coalitions, or public interest entities who engage a lobbyist.

Who is not covered by the ordinance?

• Any person who limits lobbying activities to public meetings or submitting public comments to an agency.
• Private citizens expressing personal opinion or grievances so long as no lobbying compensation occurs.
• Elected or appointed officers of federal, state or local government who seek to influence Metro officer as part of their official capacity.

Following the initial registration and disclosure, statements will be due twice per year on July 1 and January 1.

GLI has been in contact with Louisville Metro Ethics Commission and will communicate with members when the registration forms are available online.