The above NYSSPE legislative video discusses the 2013 revisions made to the New York City Lobby Law, which may be implemented in the near future. Many engineering companies are concerned that these revisions may hamper their ability to communicate effectively with officials, as they broaden the definition of lobbying.
Click here for a full FAQ on lobbying for architects and engineers and please comment below this video with your thoughts on this issue, so we at The New York State of Professional Engineers, can consider your opinions and experiences on this issue when we make our decisions moving forward.
CLARIFICATION ON 9-30-16
To be clear the New York City law is presently in effect and in a number of respects parallels the state law. However, the laws do have material differences. An engineer or architect must comply with each law on a stand alone basis. Each law must be independently analyzed to determine whether a lobbying registration requirement (or restriction) is triggered. This can result in the need for filing in both jurisdictions or solely in one jurisdiction. Efforts are underway to amend the laws to offer an integrated approach statewide. NYSSPE is assisting in this effort. Currently in New York City architects, engineers, and their respective firms are only required to register with the NYC Clerk’s Office if they anticipate earning or incurring more than $10,000 for lobbying activity. The New York State threshold is $5,000. An amnesty program in New York City has recently expired. The statewide amnesty program expires on September 30, 2016. More information about the statewide program can be found at: http://www.jcope.ny.gov/pubs/
