California has witnessed a surge in lobbyists, reaching a record high of 3,245 registered individuals for the 2023-24 session. This represents a 10% increase compared to the previous term and marks the largest jump since at least 2011, when a legal change significantly boosted lobbyist numbers. The rise is attributed to increased state agency rule-making, prompting more individuals and organizations to engage in lobbying efforts.
Advocates and lobbyists in the Capitol Rotunda, during the final day of the 2023 session at the state Capitol in Sacramento on Sept. 14, 2023.There was a roughly 10% increase in the number of lobbyists who registered for the 2023-24 session compared to the previous one — for a record of 3,245 people, according to the Secretary of State’s office.
Meanwhile, the number of legislative staff has shifted only slightly since the mid-1990s, according to data from the National Conference of State Legislatures. The staff count can impact how much time members have to write and research legislation. The increase in lobbyists means there’s now at least one lobbyist for every staff member, compared to two staffers per lobbyist back in 1995, the earliest data available from the Secretary of State’s office.
Lobbyists are required to register with the Secretary of State’s office, and report on their activities each quarter. That’s according to the state’sThe law defines lobbyists as those who are paid to influence legislation or regulation through direct communication with lawmakers, outside of public comments. They can be hired as contractors by companies, or work to influence policy as an employee, although those who spend less than one-third of their time lobbying don’t have to register.
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