The Ethics Commission has released a memorandum summarizing legislative amendments proposed by staff to update, simplify, and improve the city’s Campaign Finance Reform Ordinance. The proposed amendments will repeal aggregate contribution limits, simplify reporting requirements for corporations and committees, and clarify disclaimer requirements for campaign communications.

The amendments will be considered during the Ethics Commission’s meeting on January 26 and will become law only if passed by the commission and approved by two-thirds of the Board of Supervisors. The memorandum is available here.

National:

How Campaigns Are Courting 16-Year-Olds
Politico – Darren Samuelsohn | Published: 1/11/2015

Presidential campaigns are looking to target teenagers who are not yet 18 but will be by Election Day 2016. More than eight million people will become legal adults eligible to vote for the first time by the next general election. Campaigns are eager to find ways to get through to these 16- and 17-year-olds who are still minors and, in most cases, more likely to be concerned with making it to class on time than who should be elected president. Indeed, both Democrats and Republicans are desperate for any edge at the polls, and they say they will be employing data mining techniques in search of supporters from this ripe demographic that has little or no track record in politics.

Federal:

Rating 2016 Candidates by Donors Busts Conventional Wisdom
CNN – Chris Moody | Published: 1/14/2015

Crowdpac uses public campaign finance records, along with other data, to plot where potential White House contenders fall on the political spectrum. Crowdpac’s algorithm displays the contenders on a liberal–conservative spectrum, and rates each person on 15 issues. The third piece of the algorithm, which includes the ideology of donors and examines how the politicians spend their own money, makes Crowdpac’s analysis unusual, and helps provide a clearer picture of how those seeking the White House compare to their peers.  The results can confound commonly held perceptions.

Who Needs Lobbyists? See What Big Business Spends to Win American Minds
The Center for Public Integrity – Erin Quinn | Published: 1/15/2015

When Washington, D.C.’s biggest trade associations want to wield influence, they often put more of their money into advertising and public relations. The Center for Public Integrity attempted to review spending by the nation’s most “politically active” trade groups, ones that spent more than $1 million on lobbying in 2012. The IRS requires the groups to report their top five contractors. Of $3.4 billion in contracts reported by trade groups from 2008 through 2012, more than $1.2 billion, or 37 percent, went toward advertising, public relations, and marketing services, more than any other category.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – L.A. Alliance for a New Economy Confirms Failure to Report Lobbying
Los Angeles Times – Emily Alpert Reyes | Published: 1/9/2015

The Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy (LAANE), an influential group that successfully advocated for hiking the minimum wage for hotel workers, confirmed it left off information on reports filed with the city about how much it had paid to employees who act as lobbyists. Between 2009 and 2014, LAANE did not report any payments to its registered in-house lobbyists or any related expenses, despite the fact that emails and calendars for city officials show those lobbyists met regularly with lawmakers and their aides and helped suggest wording to city lawyers for the hotel wage ordinance. The group also did not list any matters its representatives lobbied on.

Florida – Ethics Deadbeats: Debt collectors seek $500K in outstanding fines from Florida public servants
Miami Herald – Christina Veiga | Published: 1/12/2015

The Florida Commission on Ethics has hired debt collectors to chase $487,549.96 in late fees from public officials and employees that have accumulated, in some cases, for more than a decade. Financial disclosure forms, which list net worth, sources of income, real estate holdings, and debts have been the repeated source of trouble or controversy for politicians over the years. Scofflaws are fined $25 a day until they file or they hit the cap of $1,500 per year. After 60 days, unpaid debts get sent to collections. If the person is still in public office, and receives a salary, then the commission can garnish paychecks, a new power that was given to the agency last year.

Illinois – Illinois Inauguration Raises Questions of Corporate Influence
Reuters – Mark Guarino | Published: 1/11/2015

Watchdog groups say activities surrounding Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner’s inauguration are among the priciest of any incoming governor and take advantage of a loophole in campaign finance that allows wealthy special interests to gain access to those who hold political power. These groups say Rauner’s inauguration festival, with a total tab estimated to reach $10 million, is emblematic of a trend in other states. Critics say the costly celebrations, funded by private donors, skirt ethics laws and open conflicts-of-interest for elected officials.

Illinois – Rauner Spends 1st Full Day as Governor on Ethics, Reversal of Quinn Actions
Chicago Tribune – Monique Garcia, Rick Pearson, and Ray Long | Published: 1/13/2015

Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner issued an executive order banning some state employees from negotiating for a lobbying job while working for the state. The order also prohibits employees in state agencies and the executive branch from taking lobbying positions for one year after they leave their public sector job. The new rules prevent state employees from receiving any free meals, beverages, or gifts from lobbyists and government business interests, or have travel expenses covered to discuss state business. State workers could still receive food and beverages served at business meetings or receptions in the course of their official duties, subject to approval from the governor’s office or agency.

Kansas – Grand Jury Investigates Loans to the Re-Election Campaign of Gov. Sam Brownback
Kansas City Star – Roxana Hegeman (Associated Press) | Published: 1/8/2015

Federal grand jurors are scheduled to hear testimony about loans made to the re-election campaign of Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback. Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer made three $500,000 loans to the campaign in 2013 and 2014 and was repaid for two of them in days. Such large loans by candidates to campaigns are uncommon in Kansas, and the pattern of repaying one within days is a highly unusual move that has generated unanswered questions about where Colyer obtained such a large amount of cash.  Brownback and his wife also lent the campaign $200,000 last year. No other loans are listed in public reports.

Kentucky – Draft of Report on Kentucky Legislature Remains Untouched, Unreleased after Nine Months
Lexington Herald-Leader – John Cheves | Published: 1/14/2015

In October 2013, the Kentucky Legislature faced a scandal: a lawmaker who resigned over accusations he sexually harassed women at the Legislative Research Commission (LRC); allegations that sexual misconduct and favoritism made the LRC a hostile workplace; and the abrupt departure of longtime Director Bobby Sherman, whom police investigated for shredding documents days after he quit. The Legislature gave a $42,410 contract to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) to perform a performance audit of the LRC, the bureaucracy that runs the legislative branch of state government. NCSL submitted a draft report in April to Senate President Robert Stivers and House Speaker Greg Stumbo. But the leaders never responded, and rank-and-file lawmakers said they have not seen the report.

Minnesota – Minnesota Sen. Tomassoni Takes Job with Group That Lobbies Legislature
Minneapolis Star Tribune – J. Patrick Coolican | Published: 1/12/2015

Minnesota Sen. David Tomassoni was hired as executive director of the Range Association of Municipalities and Schools, an organization funded in part by public money that lobbies for those interests at the Capitol. His hiring immediately raised questions about whether the two roles would clash. Tomassoni said his role will be administrative, so he will not be lobbying his fellow lawmakers; the group will hire an independent lobbyist if it feels it needs to. He also promised to recuse himself from any votes where the association stands to benefit. Tomassoni’s work will not start until after the 2015 legislative session ends in late May, and he will take an unpaid leave of absence during every session.

North Carolina – Lobbyists, Not Just Lawmakers, Descend on Raleigh as New Session Begins
Raleigh News & Observer – Lynn Bonner | Published: 1/14/2015

North Carolina lawmakers filled the chambers of the Legislative Building for the start of a new session. But the day also launched the intense work of lobbyists. With 443 registered so far, lobbyists outnumber lawmakers by a ratio of more than two-to-one. While the state’s part-time legislators get much of the attention and cast the deciding votes, many ideas for new laws come from the lobbyists and their employers, which cover all sorts of interests. With permission from lawmakers, lobbyists can submit suggested bill language to legislative staffers.

Texas – House Panel Recommends Texas Legislature Take Action on Dark Money
Houston Chronicle – David Saleh Rauf | Published: 1/8/2015

Labeling “dark money” spending a corrupting force in the democratic process, the House Committee on State Affairs released a series of recommendations in a report that suggests the Texas Legislature take action to require disclosure of contributors to 501(c)(4) nonprofits. 501(c)(4)s are allowed to make independent expenditures to influence elections without having to disclose donors and have become a hot topic for state lawmakers after Gov. Rick Perry vetoed a dark money disclosure measure last session. The state Ethics Commission passed new rules intended to define when a 501(c)(4)’s political activity crosses the line and should have to disclose donors like a traditional PAC. The regulation is currently being challenged in court.

Texas – Judge Blocks City Campaign Fundraising Rule
Houston Chronicle – Theodore Schleifer | Published: 1/9/2015

A federal judge temporarily blocked a law limiting when candidates in Houston municipal elections can raise money. An ordinance prevented city candidates from raising money prior to February 1. The lawsuit against the city, filed by candidate Trebor Gordon, argued his First Amendment right to political expression authorized him to raise money for his campaigns whenever his contributors wished to donate.

Virginia – Jailed Lawmaker’s Return Brings Virginia Capitol More Unwanted Attention
Washington Post – Jenna Portnoy and Laura Vozzella | Published: 1/14/2015

A newly re-elected Virginia lawmaker hitched a ride from the jailhouse to the statehouse to be sworn in, even as legislative leaders discussed how to throw him out. Del. Joseph Morrissey, who spends his nights in jail because of a conviction for contributing to the delinquency of a minor, resigned his seat when he was convicted but won it back in a January 13 special election. He was back in his familiar legislative arena as the session convened, but with a whole new set of circumstances: colleagues ignored him, he was stripped of committee assignments, he had to give up his old office, and his desk on the House floor was put in a far corner.

West Virginia – In Unusual Arrangement, W.Va. Party Chairmen Double as Lobbyists
Charleston Gazette – David Gutman | Published: 1/11/2015

Larry Puccio left then-West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin’s staff in early 2010 and became a lobbyist a week later. He was elected as state Democratic Party chairperson five months after that. Now, he is not alone in serving in the dual roles. West Virginia GOP Chairperson Conrad Lucas registered as a lobbyist with the state Ethics Commission in early December. While this might not be unusual in West Virginia – former Democratic Party Chairpersons Nick Casey, Chuck Smith, and Steve White all lobbied while they were leading the party – it is very unusual nationwide. Other than Puccio and Lucas, there are only two other party chairs anywhere in the country who are active registered lobbyists.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

A by-election will be held on February 5 to select a representative for the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, Canada, for the Electoral District of Sudbury. The by-election was announced on January 7 by Chief Electoral Officer Greg Essensa.

The campaign period for candidates began on January 7 and will end on May 5.

Photo of the Ontario Legislative Building by Andrijko Z. on Wikimedia Commons.

Gov. Jerry Brown has announced special elections to fill vacancies in state Senate Districts 7, 21, and 37. The vacancies were created by departures of three former state senators to Congress.

The special primary ballot is scheduled for March 17, 2015. If no candidate receives a majority of the vote, a runoff will take place on May 19.

A new ethics bill scheduled to be proposed in the Washington Legislature would impose a revolving door ban on state legislators, statewide elected officials, and directors of cabinet-level agencies.

The proposal was developed by Attorney General Bob Ferguson and Rep. Reuven Carlyle, D-Seattle.

The bill would impose a “cooling off” period, where said officials could not lobby state government for one year after leaving office.

Photo of the Washington State Capitol by Nicopoley on Wikimedia Commons.

Gov. Peter Shumlin has finally won reelection following a vote of the state legislature. Shumlin received just 46.4 percent of the vote in November, less than the majority required by the state constitution, compelling the legislature’s action.

Scott Milne received 45.1 percent of the vote but, unlike previous runners-up, he did not concede the election.

By secret ballots cast in a joint session of the House and Senate, Gov. Shumlin received 110 votes to Milne’s 69.

Photo of Gov. Peter Shumlin by Community College of Vermont on Wikimedia Commons.

On January 9, 2015, a federal court issued a preliminary injunction enjoining the city of Houston  from enforcing its ordinance prohibiting political contributions until the first day of February prior to the day of an election.

In Gordon v. City of Houston, the United States District Court for The Southern District of Texas, Houston Division, found the city did not present any evidence showing the ordinance advanced the city’s interest of preventing the appearance of corruption. The plaintiff argued the ordinance “stifles core political activity and prevents candidates from raising funds to run effective campaigns, yet it does not further the only legitimate governmental interest relevant in this area, i.e., the prevention of corruption or its appearance.”

Because this is a preliminary injunction, the court found the public interest would not be “disserved” by its issuance, concluding, “Any harm caused to defendants by issuing the injunction does not outweigh the more serious harm that will be suffered by Gordon if the challenged ordinance is enforced against him.”

The Ethics Commission has posted on its website six new fact sheets concerning the city’s lobbying ordinance. The fact sheets are to provide general guidance about registration and reporting requirements for lobbying in easily understandable language.

The fact sheets were produced in collaboration with the University of California Hastings Center for State & Local Government Law and are available here.

National:

Governors’ Inaugurals Fueled by Political Donors
Raleigh News & Observer – Paul Weber (Associated Press) | Published: 1/3/2015

Eleven new governors are taking office in January, and nearly two dozen others are renewing their oaths for second, third, or – in the case of Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad – sixth terms. Many will celebrate with bands and blowout balls, with much of the bill footed by the same supporters who bankrolled their victorious campaigns. In many states, corporate money that was banned before Election Day is allowed to cover the tab for inaugural parties. Critics see the events as another means for corporations and wealthy individuals to curry political favor with the state’s highest office, and in many cases without the transparency required by usual campaign finance laws.

Jeb Bush Education Foundation Played Leading Role in Mixing Politics, Policy
Washington Post – Lindsey Layton | Published: 1/6/2015

Jeb Bush’s Foundation for Excellence in Education has played a leading role in many states since its creation in 2008, following his two terms as governor of Florida. It has forged an unusual role mixing politics and policy – drafting legislation and paying travel expenses for state officials, lobbying lawmakers, and connecting public officials with industry executives seeking government contracts. The foundation, from which Bush resigned as chairperson as part of his preparations for a possible White House bid, has been criticized as a backdoor vehicle for major corporations to urge state officials to adopt policies that would enrich the companies.

Federal:

All Cooled Off: As Congress convenes, former colleagues will soon be calling from K Street
Center for Responsive Politics – Staff   | Published: 1/5/2015

A key provision of the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act reined in lobbying by members of Congress, their top staffers, and other key government officials who move from their federal posts directly into the influence industry. The idea was to limit their ability to benefit immediately on their insider knowledge by lobbying their former colleagues. The restrictions, which vary depending on an individual’s government position, are lifted after a set period of time. But of the 104 former members and staff whose waiting period ends during the first session of the 114th Congress, 29 are already in government relations, “public affairs,” or serve as counsel at a firm that lobbies. And 13 of those are even registered as lobbyists, working to shape policy in Congress or the executive branch on behalf of paying clients.

Judge Candidates’ Free-Speech Rights at Issue before the Supreme Court
Washington Post – Rober Barnes | Published: 1/4/2015

Voters failed to find Lanell Williams-Yulee’s candidacy for Hillsborough County judge compelling, but the U.S. Supreme Court has a greater interest. The justices will consider whether the action that resulted in a rebuke by the Florida Bar Association and a fine of more than $1,800 – violating Florida’s restriction against directly soliciting contributions to judge campaigns – is instead an unreasonable constraint on Williams-Yulee’s right to free speech. Thirty states prohibit judicial candidates from directly asking for campaign contributions, in most cases leaving that work to a committee the candidate establishes. The Florida Supreme Court, found the restriction is constitutional.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arizona – Glendale Officials Take Free Tickets to Concerts, Sports
Arizona Republic – Pete Corbett | Published: 1/7/2015

City administrators, Glendale City Council members, and their guests received 90 free tickets for seats in a suite at 13 concerts at the city-owned Gila River Arena the past two years, including shows by Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake, and the Who. Some watchdogs said the practice raises ethical, and possibly legal, issues for city officials. “We’re all cognizant at how the public looks at this, how this looks for us to get free tickets in a taxpayer-funded facility,” said former Vice Mayor Yvonne Knaack.

Maine – LD 1750: A study in how special interests get their way in the Maine Legislature
St. John Valley Times – Naomi Schalit (Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting) | Published: 1/6/2015

During the summer of 2013, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection made things harder for wind developers by putting more requirements into permit applications. The wind lobby saw the new requirements as illegal and obstructionist, and they believed the red tape would slow down or even halt the expansion plans of their multi-million-dollar industry. They needed help and by the summer of 2014, they knew where to go: to their friend and supporter Justin Alfond, the president of the state Senate. Critics say the story of how the wind industry’s problem was taken up by Alfond and his staff demonstrates a deep level of coordination between special interests and legislative leaders that often leaves citizens on the sidelines of the democratic process.

Maryland – Official Says He Was Wrong to Ask That His Name Not Be Used
New York Times – Associated Press | Published: 1/7/2015

Frederick County Council member Kirby Delauter apologized for threatening to sue a local newspaper if it used his name without permission, an ultimatum that earned him a two-day skewering in the blogosphere. Delauter said he had acted abruptly and out of frustration. Delauter supporter Tom Caulfield, owner of Chubby’s BBQ, said Delauter is a selfless public servant under constant attack by liberals and The Frederick News-Post. He likened him to Howard Beale, the angry television anchorman in the 1976 film, “Network,” who shouted, “I’m as mad as hell and I’m not going to take this anymore!” Former county board member Kai Hagen said the scorn heaped on Delauter online was well-deserved. “His behavior is crude. He is completely, it seems, incapable of empathy and sympathy and understanding,” said Hagen.

Massachusetts – Inaugural’s Top Donors Mingle with Key Officials
Boston Globe – Stephanie Ebbert | Published: 1/8/2015

The night before he was to be sworn in as governor of Massachusetts, Charlie Baker invited the top private sponsors of his inaugural celebration to a dinner at Alden Castle, where they could meet his incoming Cabinet members. About 100 people were invited to join the governor-elect at the “candlelight dinner.” State employees and Cabinet secretaries are not allowed to be named in fundraising material or featured at fundraising events. Baker senior adviser Jim Conroy distinguished the inaugural-eve gathering from campaign events, saying the presence of incoming Cabinet members was not advertised to donors. He said those who gave $25,000 received two tickets.

Missouri – Publisher’s Parties Highlight Reporting Issues in Missouri Ethics Laws
Columbia Daily Tribune – Rudi Keller | Published: 1/4/2015

The offices of the Missouri Times was the venue last year for legislators and their staffs to enjoy parties with lobbyist-paid liquor and snacks that went largely unreported to the state Ethics Commission. Publisher Scott Faughn called each party an “unveiling,” honoring a particular lawmaker. He text-messaged invitations with the names of sponsoring lobbyists or organizations. Faughn recalled that as many as six were held. A review of reports from individual lobbyists and the registered representatives of organizations named in text messages showed only one was reported. Faughn said he checked with the commission and believes lobbyists are not required to report the money spent for refreshments at the parties.

New Jersey – Christie’s Ties to Cowboys Owner Raise Ethics Questions
USA Today – Bob Jordan (Asbury Park Press) | Published: 1/6/2014

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has now attended three games at the invitation of Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who picked up the tab for the tickets and travel. Video of a clumsy hug between Christie and Jones in the owner’s luxury box during a key moment of a playoff game has gone viral. It also has focused fresh attention on the relationship between the potential Republican presidential hopeful and Jones. Christie in 2013 vouched for a Jones group in bidding for a Port Authority of New York and New Jersey contract worth millions of dollars.

South Carolina – McMaster Facing State Ethics Charges
The State – Andrew Shain | Published: 1/6/2015

South Carolina Lt. Gov.-Elect Henry McMaster faces 51 counts of campaign finance violations dating to his 2010 campaign for governor. A closed-door hearing in the case has been scheduled for March 18. McMaster, the state’s former attorney general, lost the Republican gubernatorial primary in 2010 to Gov. Nikki Haley. After the loss, McMaster continued to accept donations in excess of maximum contribution limits, alleges the complaint. “His campaign created a phantom general election in which he was not participating and solicited additional donations for that election in an effort to circumvent the law,” says the complaint.

Virginia – Bob McDonnell, Ex-Governor of Virginia, Sentenced to 2 Years for Corruption
New York Times – Jennifer Steinhauer | Published: 1/6/2015

Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell was sentenced to two years in prison for public corruption. He was accused of selling the influence of his office to the chief executive of a dietary supplements company. A jury found McDonnell and his wife were guilty of accepting more than $165,000 in loans and gifts, including a Rolex watch, in exchange for promoting a nutritional supplement marketed by Star Scientific. McDonnell, who was once considered a possible contender for the White House, initially faced the prospect of up to 20 years in prison, but the judge lowered that range to six-and-a-half to eight years. McDonnell’s lawyers, citing what they described as years of good work and commitment to public service, had argued a sentence of community service should suffice.

Wisconsin – Republicans Eye Rewrite of Campaign Finance Laws, Other Election Changes
Chippewa Herald – Matthew DeFour | Published: 1/4/2015

Republicans are poised to make the most sweeping revisions to Wisconsin’s campaign finance law in decades. Many of those changes are already in effect after a series of federal court decisions made many current laws unenforceable. But a more comprehensive rewrite is in the works, and the overhaul is getting a thumbs up from the Government Accountability Board, a frequent target of GOP ire that is itself in line for a possible makeover. Among other things, lawmakers are considering increasing campaign contribution limits and clarifying the coordination restrictions at the heart of a recent investigation into Gov. Scott Walker’s recall campaign.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

A renovation of the Capitol Building planned for next year may shorten the Minnesota Legislature’s session. Currently, the session is slated to span 2015 and 2016.

However, with the planned renovation, many lawmakers are considering completing the entire session this year.

Thus far, no official proposals have been made; only discussions among the House and Senate leadership have taken place.

Photo of the Minnesota Capitol dome by Mulad on Wikimedia Commons.

Professor Wilson Huhn [kneeling on the right] from the University of Akron School of Law presented a one hour CLE about Abraham Lincoln’s influence on the interpretation of the Constitution.

State and Federal Communications had a team of 10 attending the Council on Governmental Ethics Laws (COGEL) 36th Annual Conference. It was held from December 7-10 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at the beautiful OMNI William Penn Hotel. COGEL always offers great sessions concerning lobbying, campaign finance, governmental ethics, and election laws and best practices. It was good to see many familiar faces and meet new members.

In December we gathered together at Flemings in Akron for our annual holiday party. We had a relaxing night with good food and time to talk to each other. The staff presented Elizabeth with their gift to her – a pair of tickets to see Jay Leno and dinner beforehand at District. Elizabeth also presented the winner of the door decorating contest and gave each employee Akron’s famous TEMOs chocolate tree to enjoy.

Welcome back to yet another episode of the Statehouse Series. In this episode, we will journey south to Louisiana to learn about its capitol’s history.

Towering at 34 feet tall, Louisiana’s statehouse, although one of nine capitols without a dome, stands as the tallest state capitol. Recognizing this feature, architects added an observation deck on the 27th floor where one can look out over the meticulously managed, Versailles-like gardens. Along with the garden, many parts of the building symbolize Louisiana’s French roots with this style. However, the American roots can also be seen through the building’s Art Deco, a characteristic shared with the Chrysler building in New York and Cincinnati’s Union Terminal.

A grand building deserves a grand entrance, and so 49 steps lead to the main entrance of the statehouse, each step engraved with a state in the order in which they were admitted into the United States. Consequently, since there are only 49 steps, the last step features both Alaska and Hawaii. Adding to the building’s historic significance, the floor of the main hallway is made from lava from Mount Vesuvius, which buried the lost city of Pompeii in 79 AD.

Although many people worked to construct the building, it was beloved Louisiana Governor Huey P. Long who created the original ideas for the statehouse. Unfortunately, he was assassinated in 1935 during his presidential campaign. Yet his love for the statehouse was so much that his body was buried on its grounds, marked by his statue that still stands today.

We hope you enjoyed this series episode of the Louisiana statehouse. Be sure to visit again when we travel to another state capitol!

Photo of the Louisiana Statehouse by Farragutful on Wikimedia Commons.

The U.S. Statehouse Series is a project of the State and Federal Communications team of summer interns: Alessandra Dickos, Zack Koozer, Elaina Laikos, and Rachel Rodgers.

Q. I will be having meetings with state legislators to introduce myself and my employer. I do not have any legislation of interest yet, though I anticipate that I will. Will this require lobbyist registration?

A. Goodwill lobbying is covered in many jurisdictions. The following 19 states may require lobbyist registration for goodwill activities: Alaska, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Vermont. Some jurisdictions have specifically addressed goodwill lobbying. Connecticut covers “door opening,” including such things as telephone calls that you make to set up informational meetings with officials. The Maryland State Ethics Commission has indicated generating goodwill or engaging in educational discussions with officials or employees is considered lobbying.

Some states consider additional activities in determining whether an activity is goodwill lobbying. In Pennsylvania, lobbying includes providing hospitality to a state official or employee for the purpose of advancing the interest of the lobbyist or principal. Kansas also includes entertaining or providing a gift to a state officer or employee in its definition of lobbying in certain circumstances.

Any time you interact with a state official or employee, you must consider whether your activities constitute lobbying, even if you are not engaging in lobbying in a traditional manner. Your activities may count toward the threshold requiring lobbyist registration.

You can directly submit questions for this feature, and we will select those most appropriate and answer them here. Send your questions to: experts@stateandfed.com.

(We are always available to answer questions from clients that are specific to your needs, and we encourage you to continue to call or e-mail us with questions about your particular company or organization. As always, we will confidentially and directly provide answers or information you need.) Our replies to your questions are not legal advice. Instead, these replies represent our analysis of laws, rules, and regulations.

Here is our January – February calendar. If you are attending any of the coming events, please stop by and say hello!

January 8-10   NCSL Winter Executive Committee Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana

January 9-11   Women In Government Annual Meeting, St. Petersburg Beach, Florida

January 11-15   Public Affairs Institute, Laguna Beach, California

January 21-23   U.S. Conference of Mayors Winter Meeting, Washington, D.C.

February 3-6   Public Affairs Council National Grassroots Conference, Key West, Florida

February 20-22   National Governors Association Winter Meeting, Washington, D.C.

February 23-26   Public Affairs Council National PAC Conference, Orlando, Florida