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Lobbyist disclosure complaints

Learn about lobbyist disclosure complaints and how to file one.

King County code requires lobbyists to register and provide quarterly reports. The Lobbyist Disclosure Code (KCC 1.07)  promotes the full disclosure of lobbyists and their employers. The code protects the openness and integrity of the legislative process.

Filing a disclosure complaint

Before filing a complaint, review the Lobbyist Disclosure Code (116KB). If you believe someone is in violation, please contact the Ombuds Office before filing your complaint. 

To file a complaint, download and complete the complaint form (118KB). Please provide specific details and any relevant records you may have.

You can send completed complaint forms to us by email, fax, or postal mail. We encourage emails and faxes as physical mail may be delayed.

After you file your complaint

We review it to determine if it meets the criteria for an investigation. We may decline to investigate after our review. We can also dismiss unfounded complaints.

Our investigation will determine whether reasonable cause exists that a lobbyist violation occurred. We'll provide a written report following the investigation. Lobbyists violating the code may receive fines of up to $1,000 per violation, up to $2,500 in total. They can also appeal our findings to the hearing examiner.

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