R9AE - Reconsider Vote to Amend Lobbyist Rules

Discussion Items - R9 AE

R9 AE DISCUSS/TAKE ACTION - MOTION TO RECONSIDER VOTE TO ADOPT AGENDA ITEM R5 K ON THE SEPTEMBER 17, 2025 CITY COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA, PERTAINING TO SECOND READING/ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 2 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, ENTITLED “ADMINISTRATION,” ARTICLE VII, ENTITLED “STANDARDS OF CONDUCT,” DIVISION 3, ENTITLED “LOBBYISTS,” BY AMENDING SECTION 2-481, ENTITLED “DEFINITIONS,” TO AMEND DEFINITIONS APPLICABLE TO THIS DIVISION, BY AMENDING AND REVISING THE TITLE FOR SECTION 2- 483, “EXCEPTIONS TO REGISTRATION; WRITTEN DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT FOR PERSONS EXCLUDED FROM THE DEFINITION OF LOBBYIST,” TO CLARIFY AND RESTATE THE WRITTEN DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT FOR PERSONS EXCLUDED FROM THE DEFINITION OF LOBBYIST, BY AMENDING SECTION 2-485.1, “PENALTIES,” TO CLARIFY PROVISIONS RELATING TO ENFORCEMENT BY THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY COMMISSION ON ETHICS, BY AMENDING SECTION 2-485.3, “CONTINGENCY FEE PROHIBITED,” TO ADOPT CLARIFYING AMENDMENTS TO THE PROHIBITION ON THE GIVING OR ACCEPTANCE OF A CONTINGENCY FEE IN CONNECTION WITH APPEARANCES BEFORE THE CITY, AND FINALLY, BY AMENDING OTHER SECTIONS IN DIVISION 3 TO EFFECTUATE THE INTENT OF THE ORDINANCE. Applicable Area:

COMMISSION MEMORANDUM

RECOMMENDATION

BACKGROUND/HISTORY

On September 17, 2025, the City Commission adopted an Ordinance, following Second Reading/Public Hearing, amending Chapter 2 of the City Code at Article VII, "Standards of Conduct," Division 3, entitled "Lobbyists" (Agenda Item R5 K). The Ordinance amends definitions applicable to this Division of the Code, which relates to lobbyists as well as individuals excluded from the definition of "lobbyist"; clarifies and restates the existing written disclosure requirement for persons excluded from the definition of “lobbyist”; clarifies that this Division is enforceable against a person who is acting or appearing on behalf of an entity; and adopts clarifying amendments to the prohibition on the giving or acceptance of a contingency fee in connection with appearances before the City (the "Ordinance").

At the October 29, 2025 City Commission meeting, which is the next succeeding regular meeting of the City Commission following Second Reading on September 17th, I intend to propose a Motion to Reconsider the City Commission's vote to adopt the Ordinance. I was on the prevailing side of the original motion, which passed unanimously.

ANALYSIS

FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT

n/a

Does this Ordinance require a Business Impact Estimate? (FOR ORDINANCES ONLY)

If applicable, the Business Impact Estimate (BIE) was published on: See BIE at: https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/city-clerk/meeting-notices/

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

CONCLUSION

Applicable Area

Citywide

Was this Agenda Item initially requested by a lobbyist which, as defined in Code Sec. 2-481, includes a principal engaged in lobbying? No

If so, specify the name of lobbyist(s) and principal(s):

Department

Office of Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt

Sponsor(s)

Co-sponsor(s)

Condensed Title

Discuss/Action - Motion to Reconsider Amendments to Lobbying Ordinance. (Bhatt)

Previous Action (For City Clerk Use Only)