H.R.69 - Freedom to Petition the Government Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.69, the "Freedom to Petition the Government Act," seeks to amend the District of Columbia Official Code to clarify that meetings between nonprofit organizations and federal officials within federally owned or leased properties in D.C. do not constitute "doing business" in the District. This exemption aims to reduce the regulatory burden on nonprofits when engaging with the government. The bill intends to facilitate easier communication between nonprofits and federal entities.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to exempt certain nonprofit organizations from D.C. registration requirements when they meet with federal officials in D.C. at federal locations. This could lead to increased engagement between nonprofits and the government. It may also reduce administrative costs for these organizations.
Potential Benefits
- Simplifies the process for nonprofit organizations to engage with federal officials.
- Reduces administrative burdens and costs for nonprofits.
- Potentially increases communication and collaboration between nonprofits and the government.
- Supports the right to petition the government by removing regulatory hurdles.
- May encourage more nonprofits to participate in policy discussions.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could create a loophole that allows some organizations to avoid D.C. regulations that other entities must follow.
- May lead to uneven application of regulations within the District of Columbia.
- The definition of "meeting" could be subject to interpretation, potentially leading to disputes.
- There is a potential for increased lobbying activity without proper oversight, although this is mitigated by federal lobbying laws.
- The bill's impact on the District of Columbia's revenue is likely minimal, but it could slightly reduce registration fees collected.
Constitutional Alignment
This bill aligns with the First Amendment, which guarantees the right of the people to petition the government for a redress of grievances. By reducing regulatory obstacles for nonprofit organizations to meet with federal officials, the bill supports this constitutional right. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any other constitutional principles.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).