In separate requests to the Bar Board of Governors, the Tax Section is seeking legislation clarifying a variety of issues including the Department of Revenue's authority, while the Business Law Section is seeking to amend a law on commissions for securities dealers. The sections will present their legislative requests first to the Legislation Committee and then on December 15 to the Bar Board of Governors. Unlike Bar-wide positions, sections lobby in their own name and use only their own voluntary dues to support such advocacy, and consequently have a greater scope for their lobbying activities.
Sections can also oppose each other on the same position.
The Bar rules require that when section representatives present their positions to lawmakers, they clearly identify that they represent the section and not the Bar as a whole. Because the sections' legislative activities are supported with voluntary dues, Bar members cannot seek a refund, as they can with Bar-wide positions, of their annual Bar membership fees when they disagree with the position. Anyone with questions about a section legislative position can find a list of section officers in the September Journal directory issue. The Business Law Section is requesting four positions relating to the securities issues, while the Tax Section is requesting eight positions on a variety of matters. The Tax Section is seeking authorization to present its positions on a number of issues, some relating to the Department of Revenue.