SB 50: Lobbying; expands definition to include influencing/attempting to influence local government action.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Lobbying; registration; local governments; penalty. Expands the definition of "lobbying" to include influencing or attempting to influence local government action, defined in the bill, or solicitation of others to influence a local government official, also defined in the bill. Current law limits such influencing to executive or legislative action and soliciting to executive or legislative officials. The bill requires the Secretary of the Commonwealth to prepare a list of the positions and names of local government officials to be revised at least semi-annually and made available to lobbyists to assist them in complying with the provisions of the bill. The bill has a delayed effective date of May 1, 2027.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 2

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. March 9, 2026Tabled in Appropriations (22-Y 0-N)
2. March 4, 2026Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB50)
3. March 4, 2026Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (3/4/2026 2:10 pm)
4. March 3, 2026Committee substitute printed 26108974D-H1
5. March 3, 2026Reported from General Laws with substitute and referred to Appropriations (15-Y 6-N)
6. March 3, 2026Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute and referring to Appropriations (6-Y 3-N)
7. March 3, 2026House subcommittee offered
8. February 23, 2026Assigned HGL sub: Procurement/Open Government
9. February 12, 2026Referred to Committee on General Laws
10. February 12, 2026Read first time
11. February 12, 2026Placed on Calendar
12. February 6, 2026Read third time and passed Senate (21-Y 19-N 0-A)

Showing 12 most recent of 23 actions. Full history