June 27, 2019 •
New Jersey Dark Money Bill Signed, Challenged
Last week, New jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation requiring dark money groups spending money to influence elections in New Jersey to disclose their large donors. Senate Bill 1500, carried over from last year’s session, requires certain groups, like 501(c)(4) […]
Last week, New jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation requiring dark money groups spending money to influence elections in New Jersey to disclose their large donors.
Senate Bill 1500, carried over from last year’s session, requires certain groups, like 501(c)(4) political nonprofits to disclose the identities of donors who give more than $10,000.
Additionally, the groups are required to report expenditures in excess of $3,000.
Gov. Murphy previously conditionally vetoed the bill.
However, the Governor signed an identical version when faced with a veto override because the bill’s sponsors agreed to tweak the legislation before it takes effect.
Since signed, the bill has faced opposition from citizen-based organizations and advocacy groups.
Those groups are arguing the new disclosure requirements will prevent people from donating to them.
On Tuesday, a federal lawsuit challenging the legislation was filed by Americans for Prosperity, a libertarian advocacy nonprofit founded by the Koch brothers.
Americans for Prosperity asked for the new law not to be enforced until the suit challenging the constitutionality of the law is decided.
New Jersey’s Election Law Enforcement Commission and Attorney General Lee Moore declined to comment on the pending legislation.
June 17, 2019 •
Bill Limiting Lobbyist Contributions Signed
This month, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 2677 prohibiting persons required to register as a lobbyist from knowingly making or authorizing certain political contributions or political expenditures. Prohibited contributions include those to another candidate, officeholder, or political committee […]
This month, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 2677 prohibiting persons required to register as a lobbyist from knowingly making or authorizing certain political contributions or political expenditures.
Prohibited contributions include those to another candidate, officeholder, or political committee from political contributions accepted by the person as a candidate or officeholder or by a specific-purpose committee for the purpose of supporting the person as a candidate or assisting the person as an officeholder.
Under House Bill 2677, making a contribution described above requires a person to refrain from lobbying for a two-year period following the date the person makes or authorizes the contribution.
An exception is created for persons seeking to influence legislation or administrative action on behalf of nonprofit organizations, low income individuals, and a group of individuals with disabilities, and those not receiving compensation for their communications with members of the legislative and executive branches.
House Bill 2677 will go into effect on September 27, 2019.
June 17, 2019 •
NYCU Video Digest – June 17, 2019
New FARA Regulations, and changes being made to lobbying disclosures in various states. Catch up with all of it in this edition of News You Can Use Video Digest!
New FARA Regulations, and changes being made to lobbying disclosures in various states. Catch up with all of it in this edition of News You Can Use Video Digest!
June 7, 2019 •
Ontario Legislature Adjourns, Moves Return Date
The Legislative Assembly of Ontario adjourned its legislative session on June 6 and voted 64-35 to not return till October 28, a week following the federal election. Ontario is expected to be a major battleground in the upcoming election, with […]
The Legislative Assembly of Ontario adjourned its legislative session on June 6 and voted 64-35 to not return till October 28, a week following the federal election.
Ontario is expected to be a major battleground in the upcoming election, with the Conservative Party hoping to make major gains in the province.
Members of opposition parties suggest the extended break is an attempt to avoid hurting the Conservative Party’s chances to regain control.
May 20, 2019 •
Supreme Court Declines to Hear Corporate Contribution Case
On Monday, the Supreme Court of the United States announced it would decline to hear a challenge to a Massachusetts law. The law in question bans corporate contributions to campaigns, parties and candidate-focused political action committees. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial […]
On Monday, the Supreme Court of the United States announced it would decline to hear a challenge to a Massachusetts law.
The law in question bans corporate contributions to campaigns, parties and candidate-focused political action committees.
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court unanimously rejected the challenge, brought by 1A Auto Inc. and 126 Self Storage Inc., in September.
The suit claimed disparate treatment by banning for-profit corporate contributions while allowing significant contributions by unions and nonprofits.
After the Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United, state law was updated to allow corporate spending for independent expenditures but not political contributions.
Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey applauded Monday’s decision not to hear the case for the integrity of state elections.
Opponents of the law are hopeful the Supreme Court will take up the issue in another case.
May 20, 2019 •
NYCU Video Digest – May 20, 2019
As more legislatures work through their legislative sessions, more new lobbying, ethics and campaign finance laws are being passed. Find out which states made changes in this edition of NYCU Video Digest
As more legislatures work through their legislative sessions, more new lobbying, ethics and campaign finance laws are being passed. Find out which states made changes in this edition of NYCU Video Digest
May 20, 2019 •
New Jersey Dark Money Disclosure Bill Vetoed
Gov. Phil Murphy conditionally vetoed legislation requiring dark money groups spending money to influence elections in New Jersey to disclose their large donors. Senate Bill 1500, carried over from last year’s session, requires disclosure of contributors giving more than $10,000 […]
Gov. Phil Murphy conditionally vetoed legislation requiring dark money groups spending money to influence elections in New Jersey to disclose their large donors.
Senate Bill 1500, carried over from last year’s session, requires disclosure of contributors giving more than $10,000 to 501(c)(4) groups engaging in political activities and lobbying.
In issuing the veto, Gov. Murphy said the bill contained loopholes and inconsistent disclosure standards.
He also expressed concern about the legislation not passing judicial scrutiny because of broad disclosure requirements beyond spending in elections for groups involved in issue campaigns.
The veto went on to recommend requiring companies receiving large scale tax credits from the state to disclose public contracts and political contributions to the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC).
The recommendation also sought to strike a provision limiting elected officials from managing dark-money groups.
Supporters of Senate Bill 1500, which overwhelmingly passed both houses, argued the legislation leveled the playing field by requiring all groups to disclose if trying to sway elections, legislation, or policy.
The legislature can attempt an override of the governor’s veto or work towards amending the bill based on the governor’s recommendations.
May 17, 2019 •
New Utah Lobbying Updates Effective
House Bill 64, implementing the Local Government and Board of Education Lobbyist Disclosure and Regulation Act became effective on May 14, 2019. Additionally, House Bill 147, making changes to the existing Lobbyist Disclosure Act became effective on the same day. […]
House Bill 64, implementing the Local Government and Board of Education Lobbyist Disclosure and Regulation Act became effective on May 14, 2019.
Additionally, House Bill 147, making changes to the existing Lobbyist Disclosure Act became effective on the same day.
The Lieutenant Governor’s Office has released additional guidance on the new rules.
Guidance includes how online registration and reporting will be accomplished for local lobbyists.
The guidance also discusses the shift to annual registration for state level lobbyists.
Previously registered lobbyists choosing to renew their license in 2020 and new registrations will be required to pay a $60 fee and obtain new badges.
The new requirements also include completion of a workplace harassment and discrimination training.
Current, active lobbyists are not required to complete the new training until the license is renewed.
The lieutenant governor has asked that questions be directed to lobbyists@utah.gov or 801-538-1041.
May 14, 2019 •
News You Can Use Video Digest
As states adjourn their legislative sessions, new laws concerning lobbying and campaign finance take effect. Check out which states have made changes in this weeks video digest!
As states adjourn their legislative sessions, new laws concerning lobbying and campaign finance take effect. Check out which states have made changes in this weeks video digest!
May 6, 2019 •
Massachusetts Campaign Finance Updates Delayed
The Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF) missed a self-imposed deadline this week to release updated regulations limiting political contributions from labor unions. A spokesperson for the agency said it could take several more weeks to work out […]
The Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF) missed a self-imposed deadline this week to release updated regulations limiting political contributions from labor unions.
A spokesperson for the agency said it could take several more weeks to work out the details and release the new rules.
The push to update a labor union contribution loophole comes after a 2018 court ruling upholding the state’s ban on corporate contributions.
The ruling acknowledged the significant difference for labor unions.
The draft regulations released in March seek to reduce the amount of money a union can contribute to a candidate annually from $15,000 to $1,000.
May 1, 2019 •
Montana Legislature Adjourns Sine Die
The Montana Legislature adjourned Sine Die on April 25, 2019, three days before it was scheduled to adjourn on the 90th legislative day. During the session, Senate Bill 150 passed changing the method for filing and reviewing ethics complaints. The […]
The Montana Legislature adjourned Sine Die on April 25, 2019, three days before it was scheduled to adjourn on the 90th legislative day.
During the session, Senate Bill 150 passed changing the method for filing and reviewing ethics complaints.
The Legislature also passed Senate Bill 326 adding a new provision prohibiting campaign contributions from foreign nationals. Included in the prohibitions are expenditures for electioneering communications.
Other notable bills of the 375 passed during the 66th Legislature include a re-authorization of the state’s Medicaid expansion and several anti-abortion bills likely to be vetoed by Gov. Steve Bullock.
May 1, 2019 •
Women in Government Relations Hill Day 2019
Women in Government Relations (WGR) held its 2019 Hill Day on Wednesday, May 1st. I was among those “Storming The Hill” as a member of WGR’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Committee. As a first-timer for Hill Day, I visited […]
Women in Government Relations (WGR) held its 2019 Hill Day on Wednesday, May 1st.
I was among those “Storming The Hill” as a member of WGR’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Committee.
As a first-timer for Hill Day, I visited Senate offices along with members of WGR’s Health and Social Policies Task Force Team A.
We had the opportunity to speak to Senate staff about the mission and vision of WGR, and share ways that Members of Congress and their staff can support the organization.
WGR’s Health and Social Policies Task Force Team A met with staff from the offices of Senators Susan Collins (ME), Kirsten Gillibrand (NY), Kamala Harris (CA), Maggie Hassan (NH), and Debbie Stabenow (MI).
April 4, 2019 •
Mississippi Legislature Adjourns
The Mississippi Legislature adjourned sine die on March 29. House Bill 1205 was passed, prohibiting public agencies from requiring 501(c) entities to provide the public agency with the personal information of its members, supporters, volunteers or donors. While the bill […]
The Mississippi Legislature adjourned sine die on March 29.
House Bill 1205 was passed, prohibiting public agencies from requiring 501(c) entities to provide the public agency with the personal information of its members, supporters, volunteers or donors.
While the bill has been negatively characterized as allowing dark money contributions, it does not affect any provision of the state’s campaign finance statutes.
An end-of-session report is due 10 days following adjournment sine die of the Legislature.
However, the Secretary of State’s Office has not yet announced a revision to the April 17 due date.
March 25, 2019 •
Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance National: “Following Citizens United, Foreign-Owned Corporations Funnel Millions into US Elections” by Karl Evers-Hillstrom and Raymod Arke for Center for Responsive Politics National: “‘No PAC Money’ Pledges Leave Corporations in a Partisan Bind” by Kate Ackley for Roll […]
Campaign Finance
National: “Following Citizens United, Foreign-Owned Corporations Funnel Millions into US Elections” by Karl Evers-Hillstrom and Raymod Arke for Center for Responsive Politics
National: “‘No PAC Money’ Pledges Leave Corporations in a Partisan Bind” by Kate Ackley for Roll Call
Ethics
National: Mueller Finds No Trump-Russia Conspiracy, but Stops Short of Exonerating President on Obstruction by Mark Mazzetti and Katie Benner (New York Times) for MSN
National: “Cummings Demands Docs on Kushner’s Alleged Use of Encrypted App for Official Business” by Andrwew Desiderio and Kyle Cheney for Politico
Illinois: “Ald. Willie Cochran Pleads Guilty — Finally — to Federal Fraud Charge for Misusing Campaign Funds” by Jason Meisner for Chicago Tribune
Maryland: “University of Maryland Medical System CEO Placed on Leave Amid Review of Contracting Practices” by Luke Broadwater and Pamela Wood for Baltimore Sun
New Jersey: “‘Dark Money’ Groups Pour Tens of Millions of Dollars into N.J. elections. Lawmakers Want to Know Their Donors.” by Jonathan Lai for Philadelphia Inquirer
Legislative Issues
Wisconsin: “Judge Bocks GOP Lame-Duck Laws Limiting Tony Evers’ Powers; Evers Seeks to Remove Wisconsin from Obamacare Challenge” by Mark Sommerhauser for madison.com
Lobbying
Connecticut: “Jon Lender: Lobbyists pay $13,000 in fines connected to tech schools controversy” by Jon Lender for Hartford Courant
State and Federal Communications, Inc. provides research and consulting services for government relations professionals on lobbying laws, procurement lobbying laws, political contribution laws in the United States and Canada. Learn more by visiting stateandfed.com.