Opinion ID: 1676570
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: constitutional equal protection rights

Text: As the codes regulate compensated lobbyists only and do not include individuals or unpaid lobbyist, the specter of a violation of equal protection rights appears in that the entire statutory scheme is constitutionally deficient. This issue was addressed in Campbell, 229 Ky. at 270-271, 17 S.W.2d at 229-230: The appellant also invokes the equal protection clause of the Federal and State Constitutions. He asserts that, in prohibiting only persons employed for a pecuniary consideration to represent citizens in legislative matters from going upon the floor of either house of the General Assembly while in session, the act makes an arbitrary, unreasonable, and capricious classification, contrary to the Fourteenth Amendment of the Federal Constitution, and subsections 4 and 29 of section 59 of the Constitution of Kentucky. . . . [W]e start with the general consideration that a state may classify with reference to the evil to be prevented, and that if the class discriminated against is or reasonably might be considered to define those from whom the evil mainly is to be feared, it properly may be picked out. A lack of abstract symmetry does not matter. The question is a practical one, dependent upon experience. . . . The state `may direct its law against what it deems the evil as it actually exists without covering the whole field of possible abuses.' (Citations omitted.) There is a similarity existing between Section 308 of the FRLA which requires a person who engages themselves for compensation to attempt to influence legislation before Congress to registration, disclosure and reporting, and, on the other hand, those persons who attempt to influence legislation but do not receive consideration for doing so are not required to register or file reports. Harriss, supra . Federal Election Comm'n v. National Right to Work Committee, 459 U.S. 197, 103 S.Ct. 552, 74 L.Ed.2d 364 (1982), provided for the appropriateness and justification of regulations that treated corporations, unions and similar organizations differently from individuals. Based upon the legislature's recent experiences, the General Assembly drafted legislation which treated paid lobbyists differently from private citizens and unpaid lobbyists. It was specifically determined by the legislature that there was a need to properly identify and regulate compensated lobbyists in order to preserve and maintain the integrity of government. KRS 6.801(2). KRS 6.611(22)(b), 6.809(1) and 11A.010(1) are not violative of the appellant's constitutional right to equal protection. There is a necessary finding of a compelling state interest which validates the classification. Illinois State Bd. of Elections v. Socialist Workers Party, 440 U.S. 173, 99 S.Ct. 983, 59 L.Ed.2d 230 (1979). There is no sanction for this Court to second guess a determination by the legislature as to the need for measures to prevent corruptive evils. Federal Election Comm'n, supra . Appellant's right to equal protection is not violated.