Final answer:
Interest groups that employ lobbyists dedicating more than 20% of their time to lobbying or those who make significant campaign contributions are required to register and file reports under the Lobbying Disclosure Act. Additionally, state laws and regulations like the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act further govern lobbying activities and require detailed disclosures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Under Lobbying Regulations
Under lobbying regulations, interest groups that are required to register and file reports on their activities include those that employ lobbyists, either hired externally or working internally, as well as those who have members volunteering to lobby. According to the Lobbying Disclosure Act, which is the central federal regulation in this context, any interest group that has lobbyists dedicating more than 20% of their time to lobbying activities must register. Clients and lobbying firms must adhere to similar requirements. Moreover, under campaign finance laws, disclosures of campaign contributions to political candidates by organizations are also mandated.
Interest groups such as companies, corporate organizations, and governments fall into this category if they engage in the act of lobbying. These groups, represented by either in-house or contract lobbyists, aim to influence policy that benefits their interests and are obligated to register their lobbying activities.
At the state level, the definitions and requirements may vary, but they also have their own registration processes for lobbyists and interest groups. Additionally, specific regulations such as the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007 have increased restrictions on lobbying, which includes a more detailed disclosure of spending on lobbying activities and the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007. Furthermore, President Biden's Executive Order 13989 has broadened regulations on federal employees associated with lobbying.
It's also notable that economic interest groups, including business groups, labor unions, professional associations, and intergovernmental lobbies, must adhere to these lobbying regulations, striving to influence economic and business decisions made by lawmakers.