An act relating to expanding identification of certain lobbying advertisements

The definition of 'advertisement' in 2 V.S.A. section 264c(c)(1) was narrowed. The official version defined it as a 'notice or communication' that either appears in public media OR is widely disseminated to the public (including mass mailings, robotic phone calls, and paid internet communications). The unofficial version limits it to only a 'notice that appears in' radio, television, newspapers or other periodicals, or internet websites, removing coverage for mass mailings, robocalls, and non-website paid internet communications.

The effective date was changed from July 1, 2026 to 'on passage,' meaning the law takes effect immediately upon enactment rather than on a fixed future date.

Introductory header information (sponsor names, committee referral, subject line, and statement of purpose) was removed in the unofficial version, which is a formatting difference between official and unofficial printings.

New subsection (b) requires lobbyists, lobbying firms, or lobbyist employers to file an advertisement report with the Secretary of State for any single ad or advertising campaign costing $1,000 or more. The report must identify who paid, the amount and date, and a brief description including any bills or issues featured, specific persons featured, and whether the ad expresses support, opposition, or neutrality.

An exemption from the new reporting requirement applies if the lobbyist has already filed the necessary reports and disclosures under 17 V.S.A. chapter 61, subchapter 4 for the same advertisement or campaign.

The definition of 'advertisement' was narrowed. The House version covered any 'notice or communication' that appeared in public media OR was 'widely disseminated to the public, including mass mailings, robotic phone calls, and paid internet communications.' The enacted version limits it to a 'notice' appearing only in radio, television, newspapers or other periodicals, or internet websites, dropping the widely-disseminated prong entirely.

Effective date changed from July 1, 2026 to 'on passage.' The Governor signed the bill on June 17, 2026, so it took effect immediately upon enactment rather than waiting until mid-year.

Added sponsor information listing Representatives Sibilia, Donahue, Headrick, Logan, Priestley, and Tomlinson as introducers.

Added committee referral line, subject line, and a statement of purpose describing the bill's intent to require identification of certain lobbying advertisements during legislative sessions.

Changed header from 'AS PASSED BY HOUSE' to 'BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE' and updated page count from 3 pages to 4 pages to accommodate the added metadata.

New Section 1 adds a definition of 'lobby' or 'lobbying' as subsection (9) of 2 V.S.A. Section 261, covering four activities: communicating with legislators or administrative officials to influence action, soliciting others to influence action, attempts to obtain goodwill of legislators or administrative officials, and employer- or lobbyist-sponsored activities on behalf of interest group members intended to enable communication with legislators or administrative officials.

New subsection (c) added to Section 264c defining 'advertisement' as a notice or communication appearing in public media (radio, television, newspapers, periodicals, internet websites) or widely disseminated to the public (mass mailings, robotic phone calls, paid internet communications).

New definition of 'advertising campaign' added to Section 264c, meaning advertisements substantially similar in nature regardless of the media in which they are placed.

The lobbying definition now explicitly includes administrative officials alongside legislators, and adds solicitation of others and goodwill-seeking as covered activities, broadening who and what falls under the ad identification requirement.