EXECUTIVE ORDER EXTENDS LAW
TO COVER GOVERNOR’S STAFF

BOISE - Governor Jim Risch today signed an Executive Order extending a new law to cover certain staff members in the governor’s office.  House Bill 707, which took effect July 1, requires individuals who lobby executive officials to register and file reports with the Secretary of State.

The Executive Order signed by Governor Risch requires those that contact certain staff members in his office in an attempt to influence a decision to also register as an executive official lobbyist.

“In reviewing the law it appears that it does not cover employees of my office.  While the law requires registration and reporting by lobbyists that discuss issues with me, due to time and schedule constraints, those same people will often talk to my staff instead,” said Governor Risch.  “The purpose of the law is to report the expenditures of lobbyists that work to influence a decision.  This Executive Order will extend that law and require registration and reporting when contact is made with my staff as well.”

Positions covered by Executive Order 2006-22 will be the Chief of Staff, Senior Deputy Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, Legal Counsel, Natural Resource Specialist and Executive Assistant to the Governor.  The Executive Order will cease to be effective on December 31, 2006.

The law already requires the registration of individuals who contact agency directors, deputy directors, division administrators and bureau chiefs and attempt to influence decisions regarding rules, rates, procurement, contract bids, financial services or bond issues.

“It is very clear to me that this law requires registration and reporting when attempting to influence a decision at the executive level.  This Executive Order clarifies that requirement when dealing with my staff,” said Risch.

House Bill 707 was unanimously passed by the Legislature in the last session.

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