Working with a Lobbyist: 5 Critical Steps to Passing Legislation
With the legislative session in Maryland running from January to April, it’s critical to plan in advance. Navigating the General Assembly can be complicated, and implementing policy change – actual changes to state law that help your business or organization – takes time and a well-prepared strategy. Below are five critical steps that Old Line Government Affairs implements with its clients as part of a strategy to successfully pass legislation.
1. Support from the Executive Branch
Prior to introducing legislation, it is important to discuss it with the Executive Branch agency tasked with implementation of the legislation. Old Line’s lobbyists meet with state agency personnel before introducing legislation for ideas on how to improve the bill. Even if the agency doesn’t agree with the legislation, legislators considering the bill will want to know if it has been vetted with the experts.
2. Financial Impact
Legislation can come with a price so it is necessary to outline any potential costs to the state associated with the legislation should it pass. Often, legislation meets an early demise because of fiscal constraints. Seeking an approach without costs or with significantly mitigated costs is vital.
3. Legislative Committee
Identifying the right sponsor is critical. Your lobbyist at Old Line will consider the committees on which the possible sponsor serves. It can be easier to pass legislation with a sponsor from the committee of jurisdiction.
4. Co-Sponsors
Passing legislation takes more than one sponsor – multiple voices advocating in defense of the bill. Obtaining the proper co-sponsors to a bill can be critical to strike the correct balance of support.
5. Cross-Filing
Most of the time legislation should be cross-filed and introduced in both chambers, but on rare occasions, it makes sense to only introduce a bill in one chamber.
A lobbyist can help your business or organization address legislative policy change and manage government affairs. Contact us to learn more about the legislative process and how Old Line Government Affairs can help your business or organization develop strategies to successfully implement new policy.
