Deputy County Attorney Abigail Jornby gave an overview Oct. 13 of a proposed lobbyist registration ordinance that the Board of County Commissioners will consider for adoption at its Oct. 27 meeting.

Jornby said the draft ordinance is designed to preserve the integrity of local decision making by requiring registration of individuals or entities who receive compensation to lobby on behalf of a principal. The proposal would require a simple online registration (no fee), disclose the principal and the nature of the interest, and create a searchable public registry on the county attorney’s website.

Key elements described by Jornby include a broad definition of “lobbyist” that targets paid representatives who attempt to influence an official decision, plus exceptions for government employees, elected officials and staff, quasi‑judicial participants and expert witnesses and individuals acting on their own behalf (for example, applicants seeking a variance). The presentation emphasized that the pay relationship (being compensated to represent another) is the critical component that triggers registration.

Jornby said the county intends a simplified digital process and that penalties are aimed at willful noncompliance: a first notice of violation, a $250 fine on a second violation and escalating consequences for repeat offenders, including a prohibition for a two‑year period in extreme cases. She said anyone cited could appeal a notice of violation to the board.

Commissioner Martin asked whether paid attorneys, engineers or planners retained by applicants would fall under the ordinance. Jornby replied that quasi‑judicial presenters are exempt but that outside counsel or consultants who are paid to influence legislative matters would likely need to register; she said the determination would be made on a fact‑by‑fact basis.

The board asked staff to proceed with publicizing the proposal; staff said the ordinance will be brought back for possible adoption Oct. 27.