(a) Notwithstanding any provision of law, including, but not limited to, this chapter, a person acting as an economic development professional is not a lobbyist, unless and until he or she seeks incentives through legislative action, or is seeking funds over which a legislator or legislative delegation has discretionary control, that are above and beyond, or in addition to, the then current statutory or constitutional authorization.
(b) For purposes of this section, an economic development professional is a person employed to advance specific, good faith economic development or trade promotion projects or related objectives for his or her employer, a professional services entity, or a chamber of commerce or similar nonprofit economic development organization in the State of Alabama.
(c) For the purposes of this section, the term economic development professional does not include public officials, public employees, legislators, nor any former legislator within two years of the end of the term for which he or she was elected.
(d) This section shall not apply to any person that is otherwise required to register as a lobbyist.
(e) This section shall be repealed on April 1, 2019.
Structure Code of Alabama
Title 36 - Public Officers and Employees.
Chapter 25 - Code of Ethics for Public Officials, Employees, Etc.
Section 36-25-1 - Definitions.
Section 36-25-1.3 - Economic Development Professionals.
Section 36-25-2 - Legislative Findings and Declarations; Purpose of Chapter.
Section 36-25-4.2 - State Ethics Commission - State Ethics Law Training Programs.
Section 36-25-4.3 - Ethics Commission - Electronic Database Filing and Access.
Section 36-25-5 - Use of Official Position or Office for Personal Gain.
Section 36-25-5.1 - Limitation on Actions of Lobbyists, Subordinates of Lobbyists, and Principals.
Section 36-25-6 - Use of Contributions.
Section 36-25-8 - Use or Disclosure of Confidential Information for Private Financial Gain.
Section 36-25-12 - Offering, Soliciting, etc., Thing of Value to or by Member of Regulatory Body.
Section 36-25-14 - Filing of Statement of Economic Interests.
Section 36-25-17 - Reports of Violations; Cooperation of Agency Heads.
Section 36-25-18 - Registration of Lobbyists Required; Filing of Supplemental Registration.
Section 36-25-19 - Registered Lobbyists and Other Persons Required to File Quarterly Reports.
Section 36-25-21 - Reports Constitute Public Records; Reports Available for Public Inspection.
Section 36-25-26 - False Reporting for Purpose of Influencing Legislation.
Section 36-25-27 - Penalties; Enforcement; Jurisdiction, Venue, Judicial Review; Limitations Period.