Ethics: Name Badges for Lobbyists
 Back to Center for Ethics in Government
Heightened security at state capitols has increased requirements that people who do business there wear identification. One group particularly targeted is lobbyists, thus formalizing a practice that has been going on informally for years.
Regulations regarding badges for lobbyists fall into several categories: requiring lobbyists to wear badges that identify themselves as lobbyists; encouraging, but not requiring lobbyists to wear an identification badge; having no provisions but offer guidelines, or having no provisions.
50-State Table of Lobbyist Name Badge Practices, Updated August 2008.
Legisbrief: States Restrict Lobbying Activities, August/September 2007.
Thirteen states require lobbyists to wear badges. They are: Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Kansas, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and South Dakota. Badges usually are issued by the state ethics commission, secretary of state, election commission or another state agency. In Mississippi, badges are provided by a private designated vendor.
In four states, badges are available, but not required: Colorado, Louisiana, Mississippi, and West Virginia. If a lobbyist chooses to wear a badge in Mississippi, it must contain a photo of the lobbyist. At least five other states require badges to include the photo of the lobbyist: Georgia, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Illinois and Idaho encourage lobbyists to a badge, but it is not required. In Pennsylvania, wearing a badge allows lobbyists to bypass capitol security screening. In New Hampshire, lobbyists are required to wear a badge, but they must produce their own. In North Dakota, the secretary of state issues an official badge, but lobbyists may make a "reasonable reproduction" of the badge.
The following table summarizes the data that the Center for Ethics in Government has gathered regarding lobbyist identification badges.
AL | AK | AZ | AR | CA | CO | CT | DE | FL | GA | HI | ID | IL | IN | IA | KS | KY | LA | ME | MD | MA | MI | MN | MS | MO | MT | NE | NV | NH | NJ | NM | NY | NC | ND | OH | OK | OR | PA | RI | SC | SD | TN | TX | UT | VT | VA | WA | WV | WI | WY | DC | GU | PR | VI
| State |
Required? |
Who Issues? |
Photo Required? |
Statute / Info Reference |
|
Alabama |
No requirement found |
|
|
No requirements found in AL House & Senate rules, AL Ethics Commission Website or AL Statutes concerning lobbyists. |
|
Alaska |
No requirement found
|
|
|
No requirements found in AK House & Senate rules, AK Ethics Commission Website or AK Statutes concerning lobbyists. |
|
Arizona |
No requirement found |
|
|
No requirements found in AZ House & Senate rules, AZ Ethics Commission Website or AZ Statutes concerning lobbyists. |
|
Arkansas |
No requirement found |
|
|
No requirements found in AR House & Senate rules, AR Ethics Commission Website or AR Statutes concerning lobbyists. |
|
California |
No requirement found |
|
|
No requirements found in CA House & Senate rules, CA Ethics Commission Website or CA Statutes concerning lobbyists. |
|
Colorado |
No, but encouraged. |
Secretary of State provides specifications but lobbyist must purchase their own badge. |
No |
Unknown. Info on proper badge protocol available at: http://www.elections.colorado.gov/DDefault.aspx?tid=995&vmid=-1. Badge should be 3" x 1" and blue in color. |
|
Connecticut |
Yes |
State |
Unknown |
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-101 - Lobbyists to wear badges. Regulations.
Each individual who is a lobbyist shall, while engaged in lobbying, wear a distinguishing badge which shall identify him as a lobbyist. The size, color, material and other requirements of such badge shall be prescribed by regulation of the Citizen's Ethics Advisory Board. |
|
Delaware |
Yes |
Division of Motor Vehicles |
Unknown |
From DE Public Integrity Commission's 2005 Annual Report - available at: http://depic.delaware.gov/sections/annual/05annual.doc
Lobbying Badges & Homeland Security
With the use of the lobbying data base, the Commission’s list of lobbyists is update on nearly a daily basis. This continues to aid the Capitol Police in their homeland security measures. Badges are being issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles in conjunction with the Capitol Police, to lobbyist for access to Legislative Hall. With the Commission’s web site continuously updated Capitol Police and the Motor Vehicles Division can verify that the lobbyists have registered when they go for their badge. Further, the Commission’s staff notifies the Capitol Police when a lobbyist’s registration is canceled, so that the cancellations are current. |
|
Florida |
No requirement found |
|
|
Legislative Lobbyist Registration Office verified that no name badge is required. |
|
Georgia |
Yes |
State Ethics Commission |
Yes, Color |
O.C.G.A. § 21-5-71:
(g) As soon as practicable after registering any such person, the commission shall issue to such person an identification card which shall have printed thereon the name of the lobbyist, a color photograph of the lobbyist, and the person or agency such lobbyist represents, provided that, when any such person represents more than one entity, such identification card shall have printed thereon the name of the registered person and the word "LOBBYIST." Each lobbyist while engaged in lobbying at the capitol or in a government facility shall display said identification in a readily visible manner. |
|
Hawaii |
No requirement found |
|
|
No requirements found in HI House & Senate rules, HI Ethics Commission Website or HI Statutes concerning lobbyists. |
|
Idaho |
No, but encouraged |
Must provide own. |
No |
The Sunshine Law does not require a name tag however, protocol dictates a green name tag with white lettering for lobbyists. Name tags can be obtained from rubber stamp companies and sporting good stores with an engraving service. (Info from ID Secretary of State website). |
|
Illinois |
No, but encouraged |
Must provide own. |
No |
No IL law requires a name tag, however protocol dictates a yellow name tag with white lettering for lobbyists. The Capitol security department issues ID cards to lobbyists, but these are only to allow lobbyists to bypass magnetometer screening. The informal yellow name tag protocol developed after the security department issued the ID cards. (Info provided by IL Secretary of State, Index Department, Lobbyist Division). |
|
Indiana |
No requirement found |
|
|
No requirements found in IN House & Senate rules, IN Ethics Commission Website or IN Statutes concerning lobbyists. |
|
Iowa |
No requirement found |
|
|
No requirements found in IA House & Senate rules, IA Ethics Commission Website or IA Statutes concerning lobbyists. |
|
Kansas |
Yes |
Secretary of State |
No |
K.S.A. § 46-270 - Name tags for registered lobbyists; dimensions and specifications; duties of secretary of state; tags to be worn in state capitol.
The secretary of state shall obtain suitable name tags in two colors, of a size not smaller than two inches by three inches, to be fastened on the outside of the wearer's garment with lettering adequate in size and clarity to be readable at a distance of three feet by individuals of normal vision, bearing the name of the lobbyist, the names of the persons compensating or appointing the lobbyist and the year. The secretary of state shall present to each individual registering under K.S.A. 46-264 and 46-265 one such tag, and such tag shall be worn by the lobbyist when lobbying in the state capitol building. |
|
Kentucky |
No requirement found |
|
|
No requirements found in KY House & Senate rules, KY Ethics Commission Website or KY Statutes concerning lobbyists. |
|
Louisiana |
Available, but not required. |
|
|
|
|
Maine |
No requirement found |
|
|
No requirements found in ME House & Senate rules, ME Ethics Commission Website or ME Statutes concerning lobbyists. |
|
Maryland |
No requirement found |
|
|
No requirements found in MD House & Senate rules, MD Ethics Commission Website or MD Statutes concerning lobbyists. |
|
Massachusetts |
Yes |
Secretary of the Commonwealth |
Yes |
ALM GL ch. 3, § 41:
Upon registration, the state secretary shall issue to each legislative agent and executive agent, a nontransferable identification card that shall include the person's name and photograph. |
|
Michigan |
No requirement found |
|
|
No requirements found in MI House & Senate rules, MI Ethics Commission Website or MI Statutes concerning lobbyists. |
|
Minnesota |
No requirement found |
|
|
No requirements found in MN House & Senate rules, MN Ethics Commission Website or MN Statutes concerning lobbyists. |
|
Mississippi |
Available, but not required. |
Private Designated Vendor. |
Yes |
Rules promulgated by MS Secretary of State. |
|
Missouri |
Yes |
Missouri Office of Administration. |
Yes |
Information on badges found at: http://oa.mo.gov/fmdc/security/process.html |
|
Montana |
No requirement found |
|
|
No requirements found in MT House & Senate rules, MT Ethics Commission Website or MT Statutes concerning lobbyists. |
|
Nebraska |
No requirement found |
|
|
No requirements found in NE Senate rules, NE Ethics Commission Website or NE Statutes concerning lobbyists. |
|
Nevada |
Yes |
State |
No |
Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. 218.929 - Identification badge for lobbyist
1. The director shall furnish an appropriate identification badge to each lobbyist who files a registration statement under this chapter.
2. The identification badge must be worn by the lobbyist whenever he appears in the legislative building. |
|
New Hampshire |
Yes |
Lobbyists must produce their own badge. |
No |
RSA 15:2 - Name Tag.
I. Any person who is required to register as a lobbyist under RSA 15:1 shall wear on his or her outer garment a clearly visible name tag when lobbying in the state house or the legislative office building, or before the governor, governor and council, or a state agency. Such name tag shall have white lettering on a hunter orange background and shall be at least 1 1/2 inches high and 2 1/2 inches long. This name tag shall consist of lobbyist's first and last name and the word "lobbyist" or the name of the organization represented in letters at least 1/4 inch high.
II. A person whose lobbying activity is appearing to testify before a legislative committee in an open hearing session is exempt from the requirements of paragraph I. |
|
New Jersey |
Yes |
New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission |
Yes |
N.J.A.C. 19:25-20.6 - Name tags
(a) Each governmental affairs agent who is an individual shall wear a name tag issued by the Commission bearing the full name and photograph of the individual, which name tag shall be prominently displayed and visible at all times when such individual is in the State House, the State House Annex, or any other State building or other location when and where an authorized meeting of a legislative committee is being held for the purpose of influencing legislation or influencing regulation. A governmental affairs agent shall also wear the name tag issued by the Commission at any location when and where a meeting is being held at which there may be an attempt to influence a governmental process.
(b) On or about November 15, the Commission shall issue a name tag to a governmental affairs agent who is an individual, which name tag shall be effective for a 12-month period commencing on the following January 1.
(c) Name tags will be issued by the Commission only to a governmental affairs agent who has paid the annual fee and submitted two photographs as provided in N.J.A.C. 19:25-20.20, and has filed all required notices of representation and quarterly reports for the prior 12-month period.
(d) The Commission may terminate the active status of a governmental affairs agent who fails to renew his or her name tag on or prior to the expiration date provided in (b) above. |
|
New Mexico |
No requirement found |
|
|
No requirements found in NM House & Senate rules, NM Ethics Commission Website or NM Statutes concerning lobbyists. |
|
New York |
No requirement found |
|
|
No requirements found in NY House & Senate rules, NY Ethics Commission Website or NY Statutes concerning lobbyists. |
|
North Carolina |
No requirement found |
|
|
No requirements found in NY House & Senate rules, NY Ethics Commission Website or NY Statutes concerning lobbyists. |
|
North Dakota |
Yes |
Secretary of State OR Lobbyist may make "reasonable reproduction" of official badge. |
No |
N.D. Cent. Code, § 54-05.1-03 - Registration as a lobbyist - Fee - Filing of information - Public inspection - Certificate of registration.
1. a. Before engaging in any of the activities listed in section 54-05.1-02, an individual shall register with the secretary of state and receive a certificate of registration and a distinctive lobbyist identification badge that must be prominently worn by the lobbyist when engaged in any of the activities listed in section 54-05.1-02 while on the capitol grounds. In lieu of wearing the official badge provided by the secretary of state, a lobbyist may wear a reasonable reproduction of the official badge that contains the name of the lobbyist and any of the following: the word lobbyist, the registration number of the lobbyist, or the organization name of the lobbyist in characters no smaller than one-quarter inch [6.35 millimeters]. |
|
Ohio |
No requirement found |
|
|
No requirements found in OH House & Senate rules, OH Ethics Commission Website or OH Statutes concerning lobbyists. |
|
Oklahoma |
No requirement found |
|
|
No requirements found in OK House & Senate rules, OK Ethics Commission Website or OK Statutes concerning lobbyists. |
|
Oregon |
No requirement found |
|
|
No requirements found in OR House & Senate rules, OR Ethics Commission Website or OR Statutes concerning lobbyists. |
|
Pennsylvania |
No, but having a badge allows lobbyists to bypass capitol security screening |
Department of General Services/ Security System Administration
|
Yes |
http://www.dos.state.pa.us/campaignfinance/cwp/view.asp?a=1337&Q=447422 |
|
Rhode Island |
Yes |
Secretary of State |
No |
R.I. Gen. Laws § 22-10-8 (2007)
§ 22-10-8. Identification badge
(a) There shall be issued by the secretary of state to every person who shall qualify as a legislative lobbyist, as provided in this chapter, an identification badge evidencing qualification in the form as shall be prescribed by the secretary of state. Every lobbyist shall conspicuously display this identification badge on his or her clothing while in the state house at all times of the day during any legislative session, special legislative session, and at all times of the day during any committee meeting or joint committee meeting of the general assembly. The color of the identification badge shall be changed each legislative year. The badge shall include, but not be limited to, the word "Lobbyist" in bold print as well as the name of the lobbyist, the year, the registration number of the lobbyist, and the name of the employer.
(b) An annual fee equal to the actual cost of preparing the badge, but not exceeding five dollars ($ 5.00), shall be paid by the lobbyist. The fee shall be paid to the secretary of state at the time of registration for deposit in the state's general treasury. |
|
South Carolina |
Yes |
State Ethics Commission |
Unknown |
S.C. Code Ann. § 2-17-60 - Duties of State Ethics Commission.
The State Ethics Commission has the following duties:
(2) to issue identification cards to each lobbyist before the lobbyist can engage in lobbying and prior to January tenth of each succeeding year; |
|
South Dakota |
Yes |
Secretary of State |
Unknown |
S.D. Codified Laws § 2-12-8.1:
Every lobbyist shall wear a badge which shall be visible at all times when engaged in lobbying within the capitol complex. The badge shall be provided by the secretary of state upon payment of fees and shall bear the word "lobbyist" and the identity of the principal on behalf of whom the lobbyist has registered. The badges for each year shall be of colors designated by the secretary of state. The badge shall state the name of the lobbyist. A violation of this section by a lobbyist is a petty offense. |
|
Tennessee |
No requirement found |
|
|
No requirements found in TN House & Senate rules, TN Ethics Commission Website or TN Statutes concerning lobbyists. |
|
Texas |
No requirement found |
|
|
No requirements found in TX House & Senate rules, TX Ethics Commission Website or TX Statutes concerning lobbyists. |
|
Utah |
No requirement found
|
|
|
No requirements found in UT House & Senate rules, UT Ethics Commission Website or UT Statutes concerning lobbyists. |
|
Vermont |
No requirement found |
|
|
No requirements found in VT House & Senate rules, VT Ethics Commission Website or VT Statutes concerning lobbyists. |
|
Virginia |
No requirement found |
|
|
No requirements found in VA House & Senate rules, VA Ethics Commission Website or VA Statutes concerning lobbyists. |
|
Washington |
No requirement found |
|
|
No requirements found in WA House & Senate rules, WA Ethics Commission Website or WA Statutes concerning lobbyists. |
|
West Virginia |
Automatically given to all registered lobbyists, but no requirement to wear. |
West Virginia Ethics Commission |
Unknown |
In response to a request from Legislative staff, the Commission will provide lobbyist ID badges to all registered lobbyists. Badges will be mailed to all lobbyists upon completion of their registration. The Legislature may mandate the use of these ID badges. Until then, use of the ID badges will be a voluntary accommodation of Legislative security concerns.
See: http://www.wvethicscommission.org/lobby.htm |
|
Wisconsin |
No requirement found |
|
|
No requirements found in WI House & Senate rules, WI Ethics Commission Website or WI Statutes concerning lobbyists. |
|
Wyoming |
No requirement found |
|
|
No requirements found in WY House & Senate rules, WY Ethics Commission Website or WY Statutes concerning lobbyists. |
|
District of Columbia |
No requirement found |
|
|
No requirements found in DC Assembly rules, DC Ethics Website or DC Code concerning lobbyists. |
|
Guam |
No requirement found |
|
|
No requirements found in GU Senate rules, GU Ethics Website or GU Code concerning lobbyists. |
|
Puerto Rico |
No requirement found |
|
|
No requirements found in PR Senate rules, PR Ethics Website or PR Code concerning lobbyists. |
|
U.S. Virgin Islands |
No requirement found |
|
|
No requirements found in VI Assembly rules, VI Ethics Website or VI Code concerning lobbyists. |
 Top of Page
Back to Center for Ethics in Government
|
