This is scary: in Missouri failure to properly disclose grassroots lobbying activity is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and 4 years in jail, a punishment comparable to the sentence you would expect to receive for sexual misconduct with a minor. Other states are harsher; Alabama can fine you $30,000 and send you to jail for 20 years.
For more, check out this paper from the Institute for Justice titled ‘Mowing Down the Grassroots: How Grassroots Lobbying Disclosure Suppresses Political Participation‘ by University of Missouri economist Jeffrey Milyo.
Ducks and Economics 