How to Hire a Lobbyist in Iowa

Whether you are an Iowa association with a bill to pass, a company facing a regulatory problem, or an out-of-state business entering the Iowa market, the right lobbyist can help you be heard at the Capitol. Here is how to approach the decision.

1. Define what you need

Start with your goal. Do you need to pass a bill, stop or amend one, influence a state agency decision, build support for a project, or simply know what is happening? Some organizations need full legislative representation during the session. Others need targeted help on one issue, or strategic counsel and introductions rather than lobbying. A clear goal makes it easier to evaluate who can help.

2. Hire before the session starts

The Iowa Legislature convenes on the second Monday in January. The first session of each two-year General Assembly is scheduled for 110 days and the second for 100 days, and within the first several weeks most bills must clear a committee to stay alive under Iowa’s funnel deadlines. If you wait until a problem bill is already moving, you will have far less time to build relationships, draft language and line up support. Fall and early winter are the best time to hire.

3. Look for relevant experience

Ask candidates about their experience with the issues, committees and agencies that matter to you. In Iowa, many important decisions are made by state agencies as well as by the Legislature, so experience with agencies such as the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources or the Iowa Economic Development Authority can be as valuable as experience at the Capitol.

4. Ask about relationships across both parties

A bill needs at least 51 votes in the Iowa House and 26 in the Iowa Senate, and then the Governor’s signature. Majorities and committee leadership change over time. Look for a lobbyist who can work with lawmakers of both major political parties and with the Governor’s office.

5. Understand Iowa’s registration and reporting rules

Iowa law requires lobbyists to register on or before the day their lobbying activity begins. Registrations are filed electronically, identify the lobbyist’s clients, remain valid until the end of the calendar year and are posted in a searchable online database. Changes must be reported within ten days.

Organizations that hire lobbyists have obligations, too. Each client must file a report with the General Assembly by July 31 disclosing what it paid its lobbyists for lobbying during the twelve months ending June 30, including salaries, fees, retainers and expense reimbursements. Executive branch lobbying also has its own registration requirements. Ask any lobbyist you are considering how they handle registration and compliance.

6. Agree on expectations

Discuss how often you will receive updates, who will speak for your organization, how quickly decisions need to be made during the session and how success will be measured. The best results come when your organization is ready to provide information, testimony and grassroots support when it matters.

7. Check for conflicts

Lobbyists often represent multiple clients. Ask whether any current clients have interests that could conflict with yours and how the lobbyist handles those situations.

Questions to ask before you hire

• What experience do you have with our industry and the committees and agencies that oversee it?

• Which lawmakers and agency leaders have you worked with on similar issues?

• What results have you achieved, and what would success look like for us?

• How will you keep us informed during the session?

• Do you represent any clients whose interests could conflict with ours?

• Who will work on our issue day to day?

How High Yield Strategies can help

High Yield Strategies is a Des Moines-based, bipartisan Iowa government affairs and lobbying firm specializing in agriculture, energy, biotechnology, natural resources and economic development. Founder Jake Swanson previously served as Governor Kim Reynolds’ lead agriculture and energy policy adviser. Email info@hystrategies.com to talk about your goals.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Sources: Iowa Code §68B.36 and §68B.38; Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board.