Opinion Letter No. 31-76
Contents of letter
February 4, 1976
Honorable Christopher S. Bond
Governor of Missouri
Executive Office
State Capitol Building
Jefferson City, Missouri 65101
Dear Governor Bond:
This letter is in answer to your question stated as follows: Is Mrs. Christopher S. Bond a 'lobbyist' as that term is defined in Section 105.470, and must she register as a lobbyist under that Section?
It is our understanding that Mrs. Bond may appear before legislative committees and discuss proposed legislation with members of the General Assembly. However, you have informed us that she receives no compensation or any direct or indirect benefits in consideration for lobbying activities. Mrs. Bond is not employed to serve as a lobbyist by any individual or organization, and her only interest in legislation is as an informed citizen.
Section 105.470, RSMo 1969, as amended (C.C.S.S.C.S.H.C.S. House Bills Nos. 20, 79, 386, 760 and 765, 78th General Assembly), requires registration by lobbyists. The term "lobbyist" is defined in Section 105.470.1(3) as:
'[a]ny person, including persons employed by or representing federal or state agencies and all political subdivisions thereof, who acts in the course of his employment or who engages himself for pay or for any valuable consideration for the purpose of attempting to influence the taking, passage, amendment, delay or defeat of any legislative action by the legislature; or any person who receives any direct or indirect benefits or expenses for lobbying activities, whether by grant or otherwise, from any state, the federal gov - ernment or any private not for profit founda¬tion or corporation; provided that the term shall not include any member of the General Assembly or elected state officer."
We enclose Opinion Letter No. 25, rendered February 3, 1976, to Senator Paul L. Bradshaw, which discusses the activities which bring a person within the definition of "lobbyist."
It is our view that in the premises Mrs. Bond is not a "lobbyist " as defined and that she is not required to register pursuant to Section 105.470.
Very truly yours,
John C. Danforth
Attorney General