Amid Confusion, State Lawmakers Postpone Tougher Lobbying Law

BOSTON — State lawmakers Tuesday voted to postpone when new lobbying laws take effect in Massachusetts.

Key portions of the reforms, designed to toughen penalties for ethics abuses on Beacon Hill, were supposed to take effect Tuesday, but lawmakers said they were still too vague and confusing.

The new start date is Jan. 1, 2010.

Among other things, the reforms broaden the definition of a lobbyist, and many who do business on Beacon Hill said they were not sure whether they would have to register as lobbyists. 

The law also increases the penalty for bribing state officials and creates a statewide grand jury to make it easier to investigate political corruption.

The ethics bill was prompted by a wave of political scandals, including one that led to the indictment of former House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi.