After new guidance was issued regarding when the Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) allows individuals to terminate their registrations, many recognized that a new loophole may have been created to avoid lobbying restrictions imposed by the Obama administration. Questions led to a review of last week's new guidance and now, the guidance has been clarified. The notice from the Clerk of the House and the Secretary of the Senate explains that if a registered lobbyist does not expect to make any lobbying contacts in the future, they still may deregister.

Nevertheless, someone who was once a registered lobbyist may deregister and continue to take on infrequent lobbying or direct others to engage in lobbying activities, yet avoid having to register. For more, read this latest Watcher article.