A conservative Christian nonprofit with significant influence at the Georgia Capitol is facing scrutiny for alleged lobbying violations. The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has filed a complaint, claiming that key members of the Frontline Policy Council have failed to comply with state lobbying registration laws.
Who’s Who in the Lobbying Dispute
The SPLC’s allegations center on Cole Muzio, the president and founder of Frontline Policy Council, and Chelsea Thompson, the organization’s general counsel. Both are accused of lobbying lawmakers without registering as required by state law. The SPLC says Muzio has not registered since 2022, while Thompson has never done so.
Frontline Policy Council operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which limits its lobbying activities to maintain tax-exempt status. Its affiliated organization, Frontline Policy Action, a 501(c)(4), has fewer restrictions but must still comply with state lobbying laws.
R.G. Cravens, an SPLC researcher, emphasized the need for transparency, arguing that groups like Frontline wield influence far beyond that of everyday citizens.
“The access Frontline enjoys is worlds apart from what the average Georgia voter has,” Cravens said. “This disparity raises questions about fairness and transparency in our democratic process.”
Evidence Behind the SPLC’s Complaint
The SPLC’s complaint includes photographs, social media posts, and promotional materials that it claims show Muzio and Thompson engaging in activities meant to influence legislation. A section on Frontline’s website even describes Muzio as a registered lobbyist, contradicting the SPLC’s findings.
Frontline representatives have actively participated in legislative discussions. For instance, Thompson was seen last Thursday speaking with Republican senators after a committee hearing on transgender sports participation.
The SPLC designates Frontline as an anti-LGBTQ hate group, a label that Frontline disputes.
Financial Transparency Concerns
Frontline spent nearly $526,000 in the fiscal year ending June 2023, according to tax filings. Cravens noted that understanding how this money was used is crucial for public accountability.
“Lobbyists must disclose their spending during legislative sessions,” Cravens explained. “This transparency ensures voters can trust the legislative process.”
Frontline’s Response
Muzio has strongly denied any wrongdoing, framing the SPLC’s complaint as a politically motivated attack.
“They’re trying to undermine our success because we’ve been winning on the issues,” Muzio said in a phone interview. He also noted that he would register as a lobbyist if directed to by the state ethics commission but plans to reduce his Capitol presence next year.
“I’ll be focusing on strategy from outside the Gold Dome,” Muzio said. “Chelsea will take on a more prominent lobbying role and will be registered this year.”
Potential Penalties and Next Steps
The Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission, formerly the State Ethics Commission, has the authority to investigate the SPLC’s complaint. If the allegations hold up, the commission could impose financial penalties on Frontline and its representatives.
The commission did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Broader Implications for Georgia Politics
The outcome of this complaint could have ripple effects across the state’s political landscape. Frontline’s legislative priorities for 2025 include several contentious proposals:
- A ban on puberty blockers for transgender minors
- Prohibition of vaccine mandates
- A religious freedom act, which critics argue could discriminate against LGBTQ individuals
These issues are likely to spark heated debates under the Gold Dome in the coming months.
While Muzio dismissed the SPLC’s complaint as a distraction, the legal proceedings could intensify scrutiny of Frontline’s operations and its broader impact on Georgia politics.
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