On occasion, the president of a corporation visits the corporation's paid lobbyist in Albany. While in Albany, the president may entertain some of his legislative friends at lunch or dinner on a purely social basis.

The question presented to the Commission is whether, under the Regulation of Lobbying Act of 1977 (hereinafter referred to as the Act), the president of a corporation is lobbying if he merely socializes with legislative friends.

Sections 3(a) and 3(b) of the Act speaks only as to influencing governmental decision-makers in their official capacity. The Legislature never intended that the public be required to disclose or report purely social relationships. The facts stated here do not fall within the definition of "lobbying activity" in the Act and the president is not required to register as a lobbyist on the limited facts.

APPROVED BY COMMISSION: October 6, 1978

CONCURRING: CHAIRMAN S. STANLEY KREUTZER, VICE CHAIRMAN OWEN McGIVERN, MARGARET C. ANDRONACO, D. CLINTON DOMINICK, DANIEL GUTMAN, and DAVID C. TAIT.