Here is our March calendar. If you are attending any of these events, please say hello!

March 6-9   PAC National PAC Conference, Miami Beach, Florida

March 7   NCSL Foundation Lunch, Washington DC

March 7   Women in Government Relations Leadership Program Session #3, Washington, DC

March 9   Montgomery County Council – African American Affairs Advisory Group Meeting, Silver Spring, Maryland

March 12-14   NASPO Exchange – How to Market to State Governments, St. Louis, Missouri

March 14   WGR Toastmasters, Washington, DC

March 23   NCSL Foundation and SGAC Annual Roundtable, Washington, DC

March 23-25   American Copy Editors Society National Conference, St. Petersburg, Florida

March 28   WGR Toastmasters, Washington, DC

March 29-31   SGAC National Summit, New Orleans, Louisiana

State Rep. Brian Banks resigned as part of a plea deal related to charges involving fraudulent pay stubs.

To fill the vacancy, Gov. Rick Snyder announced a special election to fill the First House District seat.

The special primary will be held on August 8, 2017, and the special general election will be held on November 7, 2017.

The special election coincides with the regular election to save taxpayers money.

With this issue of LobbyComply, State and Federal Communications would like to introduce a new guest columnist, Washington D.C.-based Gabrielle Woodard, a student from Kent State University (KSU). She will be writing articles looking at the history of lobbying and political contribution, the emergence of the compliance laws and regulations governing these activities, and other interesting topics. Look for these articles to appear every few weeks. We look forward to her research and insightful writing.

Gabrielle is a senior public relations major at KSU with a minor in political science. She served as president of Kent State’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America during 2015-2016. Gabrielle spent the spring of 2015 participating in the Washington Program in National Issues and interned in the Office of Legislative Affairs within the Federal Communications Commission. She then spent her last two summers in Baltimore as a communications intern for Northrop Grumman, an international defense contractor. Gabrielle is spending this semester in Washington, D.C. and pursuing a career in government relations.

It is believed that lobbying began in the 1640s when political discussions and bargaining were held in the lobbies of the chambers of the British Parliament. The term “lobbyist” came from “lobby member” (who worked in a lobby where public officials were meeting.) The term “Lobbying” was first mentioned in print.

The term lobbyist was first used in 1831 in a reference to Ohio politics. The term quickly was adopted to label anyone who discussed issues with lawmakers based on special interest. President Ulysses S. Grant (serving from 1869-1877), who often visited Washington, D.C.’s Willard Hotel to smoke and engage in deals, made further use of the word “lobbyists” complaining they were there asking for legislative favors.

The first recorded person in the United States lobbying was William Hull, who was seeking additional compensation for the Veterans of the Continental Army.

Gifting to lawmakers began in the 1850s when Samuel Colt, the gunmaker, gifted guns to legislative leaders and their families, including a firearm to a congressman’s 12-year-old son.

Sources: The Center for Responsive Politics; RedState, WELOVEDEC; Bloomberg; and The Christian Science Monitor.

NEXT ARTICLE: The origins of lobbying disclosure laws.

Gov. Phil Scott issued an informal directive to staff and administrative personnel to stay clear of legislators and lobbyists in social situations.

The governor is taking aim at the after-hours restaurant and bar scene in Montpelier where staff, lawmakers, and lobbyists are typically seen commingling.

Those in favor of the governor’s directive welcome the crackdown, while others believe forbidden fraternization is impossible to avoid given the small-town nature of the state capital.

Others are concerned the rule will hurt business owners who rely on these social outings for revenue.

U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions was confirmed as President Trump’s attorney general on February 8, 2017.

To fill the Senate vacancy, Gov. Robert Bentley has appointed state Attorney General Luther Strange to succeed Sessions. Bentley’s appointee will serve the U.S. Senate with 22 months of incumbency until the next general election.

Some controversy surrounds Bentley’s appointment; state Auditor Jim Ziegler filed a written request with Bentley opposing his decision to appoint a replacement and hold off with special elections until November 2018.

Ziegler cited Alabama code stating a special election could only be delayed until the next regular election if the senate vacancy occurred within four months of the next regular election.

Photo of Senator Luther Strange from the State of Alabama website.

Campaign Finance

Texas: “Under New Reality, Austin Council Members Can Raise Funds Year-Round” by Nolan Hicks for Austin American-Statesman

Ethics

“Report Cites Growing Corruption, Sees Link with Rising Populism” by Andrea Shalal for Reuters

“Felony Charges for Journalists Arrested at Inauguration Protests Raise Fears for Press Freedom” by Jonah Engel Bromwich for New York Times

“At Trump’s Mar-a-Lago, the Price for Joining the ‘Winter White House’ Has Doubled” by Drew Harwell for Washington Post

Kentucky: “Consultant Admits to Longmeyer Bribery Scheme” by Tom Loftus for Louisville Courier-Journal

West Virginia: “Armstead to Address Ethics Request After Session” by Phil Kabler for Charleston Gazette

Legislative Issues

“Trump’s Flashy Executive Actions Could Run Aground” by Isaac Arnsdorf, Josh Dawsey, and Seung Min Kim for Politico

Gov. Jerry Brown announced special election dates to replace 34th Congressional District Rep. Xavier Becerra’s vacant seat after he was appointed to be the attorney general of California.

The primary election is set for April 4, 2017. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, a general election will be held June 6, 2017.

The race to fill the vacancy will be crowded, with 18 candidates already publicly announcing their intent to run for the position.

National:

Angry Democrats Study the Tea Party’s Playbook
New York Times – Jonathan Martin | Published: 1/23/2017

Eight years after Republicans united after a stinging electoral defeat to oppose President Barack Obama, Democrats are channeling an even deeper anxiety over President Trump into a newfound burst of organizing. Party leaders, eyeing the recent huge protests and growing worries over the promised repeal of the Affordable Care Act, are hoping to recreate the mass movement that sprang up in 2009 and swept Republicans to power in the House and in governor’s races across the country – a tea party equivalent from the left.

Report Cites Growing Corruption, Sees Link with Rising Populism
Reuters – Andrea Shalal | Published: 1/25/2017

Those who turn to populist politicians that promise to upset the status quo and end corruption may only be feeding the problem, a watchdog group warned. Transparency International said in its annual Corruption Perceptions Index for 2016 that in countries with populist or autocratic leaders, “instead of tackling crony capitalism, those leaders usually install even worse forms of corrupt systems.”

Federal:

At Trump’s Mar-a-Lago, the Price for Joining the ‘Winter White House’ Has Doubled
Washington Post – Drew Harwell | Published: 1/25/2017

Mar-a-Lago, the Palm Beach resort owned by the Trump Organization, doubled its new-member fee to $200,000 following the election of Donald Trump as president. Mar-a-Lago has assumed a prized role in Trump’spresidency, rivaling Trump Tower as a focal point of his lifestyle and ambitions. The price jump was slammed by watchdogs, who have criticized Trump’ lack of separation between his private finances and public power. Asked if having Trump in the White House has meant greater interest in outsiders joining the club –  including people who might want access to the president – Bernd Lembcke, the managing director of the club, said, “t enhances it.”

Companies Drafting Emergency Plans for Trump Tweets
The Hill – Megan Wilson and Melanie Zanona | Published: 1/19/2017

President Donald Trump has used social media to criticize American businesses, often for off-shoring jobs or manufacturing facilities, and many expect him to keep up the broadsides in the Oval Office. Being attacked by Trump is not only bad publicity but also it can also cause a sudden drop in a company’s stock price. Businesses that have yet to tangle with Trump are fearful they might be next, and have turned to consultants and lobbyists in Washington, D.C. to prepare for the possibility.

Lawmakers Admonish Ethics Official Over Tweets About Trump
Business Insider – Matthew Daley (Associated Press) | Published: 1/23/2017

Lawmakers from both parties admonished a federal ethics official who sent a series of tweets commenting on President Donald Trump’s potential conflicts-of-interest. Members of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee said the tweets by Walter Shaub Jr., director of the Office of Government Ethics (OGE), were inappropriate and could compromise the agency’s objectivity. Committee Chairperson Jason Chaffetz called Shaub’s comments “highly unethical” and summoned him to a closed-door meeting. Chaffetz and committee Democrats also met with Shaub for more than an hour, an unusual meeting prompted by Republicans’ frustration with the ethics office and its operations, rather than Trump.

Liberal Watchdog Group Sues Trump, Alleging He Violated Constitutional Ban
Washington Post – David Fahrenthold and Jonathan O’Connell | Published: 1/23/2017

To fight what it called a “grave threat” to the country, a watchdog group filed a lawsuit alleging President Donald Trump is violating the Constitution by allowing his business to accept payments from foreign governments. The lawsuit claims Trump is violating a clause in the Constitution that prohibits him from receiving money from diplomats for stays at his hotels or foreign governments for leases of office space in his buildings. The language in the clause is disputed by legal experts, and some think the suit will fail, but it signaled the start of a legal assault by Trump critics on what they see as unprecedented conflicts between his business and the presidency.

Trump’s Flashy Executive Actions Could Run Aground
Politico – Isaac Arnsdorf, Josh Dawsey, and Seung Min Kim | Published: 1/25/2017

The breakneck pace of President Donald Trump’s executive orders might please his supporters, but critics are questioning whether the documents are being rushed through without the necessary review from agency experts and lawmakers who will bear the burden of actually carrying them out. People familiar with Trump’s planning say he wanted daily events to show supporters he would follow through on his campaign agenda, but the process is playing out chaotically. Inside the West Wing, it is almost impossible for some aides to know what is in the executive orders, staffers say. They have been written by Stephen Miller, the senior adviser for policy, and Steve Bannon, Trump’s chief strategist, according to people familiar with the matter. By contrast, the Obama White House ran executive orders through a painstaking process of soliciting feedback from agencies and briefing lawmakers.

We Rely on the Government for Lots of Data. What Happens to That in the Era of ‘Alternative Facts’?
Washington Post – Mark Berman | Published: 1/23/2017

For wary journalists, it seemed only a matter of time before Donald Trump’s presidency would lead to a standoff between his administration and the news media. On the first weekend of the administration, Trump declared himself in “a running war with the media” and the president’s press secretary, Sean Spicer, used his first appearance on the White House podium to deliver a fiery jeremiad against the press. Worse, many journalists said, were the falsehoods that sprang from the lips of both Trump and Spicer. False statements, lies, and evasions are not unique to any one politician or political operative, nor are they the province solely of those who work in politics. But they take on an unmistakably different tenor when delivered with the imprimatur of the federal government, something that remains true even given the times government agencies and officials have been dishonest with the American people.

From the States and Municipalities:

Alaska – As Clock Ticked Toward Session, Alaska Lawmakers Turned to Lobbyists for Cash
Alaska Dispatch News – Nathaniel Herz | Published: 1/22/2017

While state law prohibits Alaska lawmakers from collecting campaign money during the legislative session, fundraisers held on the eve of the session have long been a tradition in Juneau. Lobbyists are banned from donating directly to legislative candidates, except those seeking to represent the lobbyist’s own House or Senate district. But they can give thousands of dollars at the pre-session events, which technically raise money for party committees, not lawmakers’ campaigns, though the parties often distribute cash to the campaigns of individual legislators.

Colorado – Colorado Ethics Commission Tells Aurora Councilwoman to Follow State Ethics Rules Because of Job
Denver Post – Jon Murray | Published: 1/23/2017

The Colorado Independent Ethics Commission said a state employee who also serves as an Aurora City Council member should follow Amendment 41 rather than her city’s less-stringent gift rules. Councilperson Angela Lawson works by day as the lobbyist program manager in the secretary of state’s office. She has been waiting more than a year for an advisory opinion following her election in November 2015. The request was delayed after the commission decided first to sort out how to approach home-rule cities that have their own ethics codes and do not follow the state’s Amendment 41, passed by voters in 2006. The ethics panel issued a recent position statement on the issue sparking outcry from the Colorado Municipal League and local government attorneys.

Florida – Lee Clerk Wants Audit of County Lobby Logs
The News-Press – Patricia Borns | Published: 1/24/2017

Clerk of Court Linda Doggett plans to audit Lee County commissioners’ logs to find out if they and their staff are being transparent about their conversations with lobbyists. A media investigation of Commissioner Larry Kiker’s lobby logs found discrepancies between his calendars, emails, and text messages showing meetings and phone calls with paid and unpaid lobbyists were not always noted. A second investigation, after Kiker cleaned up the lobby log, showed the problem persisted.

New Mexico – Loophole Cuts Lobbyist Spending Reporting
New Mexico In Depth – Sandra Fish | Published: 1/19/2017

New Mexico Lobbyists and their employers spent more than $595,000 on gifts, meals, and more for lawmakers and other public officials in 2016. But that number is likely tens of thousands of dollars too low because of a loophole created during the last legislative session. That loophole removed a requirement for lobbyists to report any expenses spent on individual lawmakers below a certain threshold. Previously, lobbyists had to report all spending, itemizing expenses spent above $75 per lawmaker and aggregating expenses below $75 per lawmaker. Now lobbyists do not have to report any spending below $100 per lawmaker. That took effect July 1, 2016.

South Dakota – South Dakota Legislators Seek Hasty Repeal of Ethics Law Voters Passed
New York Times – Monica Davey and Nicholas Confessore | Published: 1/25/2017

South Dakota voters approved a ballot measure last November that would create an independent state ethics commission, impose tougher limits on campaign contributions and lobbyists’ gifts to lawmakers, increase disclosure by independent political groups, and set up a system to publicly finance elections. But the state’s Republican Legislature is racing to set aside that new law by using its emergency powers, prompting cries of protest from voters and critics, who are calling the hasty efforts an antidemocratic power grab. In effect, they say, the state’s residents are being told their votes do not matter. Lawmakers demanding repeal say the ethics regulations are irretrievably flawed and include provisions that may be unconstitutional.

Texas – Once-Dead Ethics Reforms Could Curb Lobbying Tricks, Increase Disclosures and Punish Criminal Lawmakers
Dallas News – J. David McSwane | Published: 1/25/2017

Ethics reform bills have been introduced in the Texas Legislature. Sen. Van Taylor and Rep. Charlie Geren are each filing substantial bills in their chambers, along with smaller measures dedicated to specific ethics reforms outlined in the larger bills. That scattershot approach increases the likelihood that at least some of the new regulations will reach the governor’s desk. The reforms include lowering the dollar threshold for when lobbyists must report paying for meals or transportation for officials. Lobbyists would also be required to itemize the total bill paid on behalf of elected officials or their families. This closes a loophole that allows lobbyists to split large bar and restaurant tabs, among several lobbyists to avoid reporting thresholds.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 60 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

Lobbying

“Lobbyists Expect Boom Times under Trump” by Megan Wilson for The Hill

Campaign Finance

“Condos, Donovan Tackle Campaign Finance Together” by Mark Johnson for VTDigger.org

Ethics

“Trump Is Said to Keep James Comey as F.B.I. Director” by Michael Schmidt and Adam Goldman for New York Times

“Lawmakers Admonish Ethics Official Over Tweets About Trump” by Matthew Daley (Associated Press) for Business Insider

Colorado: “Colorado Ethics Commission Tells Aurora Councilwoman to Follow State Ethics Rules Because of Job” by Jon Murray for Denver Post

Kentucky: “Richie Farmer’s Girlfriend Drops Ethics Appeal” by Tom Loftus for Louisville Courier-Journal

Minnesota: “After Shocking Collapse, Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton Announces He Has Prostate Cancer” by Samantha Schmidt and Lindsey Bever for Washington Post

South Dakota: “South Dakota Republicans Are About to Get Rid of the State’s First Independent Ethics Commission” by Amber Phillips for Washington Post

Elections

“Angry Democrats Study the Tea Party’s Playbook” by Jonathan Martin for New York Times

Legislative Issues

Massachusetts: “Legislative Leaders Aiming for 40 Percent Pay Hikes” by Frank Phillips for Boston Globe

Attorney General TJ Donovan and Sec. of State Jim Condos announced the creation of a joint Committee on Campaign Finance Education, Compliance, and Reform.

The committee’s goal is to encourage a greater level of knowledge to facilitate compliance and to seek out areas where Vermont’s current law could be improved. A series of public forums will be held to seek input from citizens of the state, including elected officials, PACs, and parties.

This input will assist the committee toward creating more robust campaign finance rules.

National:

There Are Huge Holes in How the U.S. States Investigate Politicians’ Conflicts of Interest
Washington Post – John Wihbey, Mike Beaudet, and Pedro Miguel Cruz | Published: 1/11/2017

Ethics and disclosure issues have been in the headlines lately as Donald Trump’s choices for Cabinet positions face Senate scrutiny. But what about state and local officials’ conflicts-of-interest? Researchers looked at what states require on their personal financial disclosure forms. Public officials and candidates for office must file these forms annually with ethics commissions or agencies in 47 states. The investigation found state requirements vary widely. When the forms were scored on fixed criteria, the researchers found that about 80 percent of states required little transparency, and few require enough to inform the public.

Federal:

After Trump Rebuke, Federal Ethics Chief Called to Testify Before House Lawmakers
Washington Post – Lisa Rein, Tom Hamburger, and Mike DeBonis | Published: 1/13/2017

A letter from U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz, chairperson of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, to Office of Government Ethics (OGE) Director Walter Shaub Jr. was viewed by many as a veiled threat to the OGE’s budget unless Shaub changes his rhetoric and approach. Shaub has questioned Donald Trump’s commitment to confront his potential conflicts-of-interest. In his letter, Chaffetz accused Shaub of “blurring the line between public relations and official ethics guidance,” and asked him to appear before lawmakers in a closed-door, transcribed interview. Ethics lawyers from both parties said the OGE plays an important role, and dismantling it or reducing its authority would be a blow to avoiding conflicts in a new administration and enforcing basic standards of ethics and transparency.

‘Kompromat’ and the Danger of Doubt and Confusion in a Democracy
New York Times – Amanda Taub | Published: 1/15/2017

Since the emergence of an unverified, salacious claims about Donald Trump, Americans have debated the ramifications of the arrival of “kompromat” as a feature of U.S. politics. The debates have often framed this practice as little more than a political form of blackmail, and one particular to Russia. In fact, kompromat is more than an individual piece of damaging information; it is a broader attempt to manufacture public cynicism and confusion in ways that target not just one individual but an entire society. And although this practice tends to be associated with Russia – the word kompromat is a portmanteau of the Russian words for “compromising” and “information” – it is a common feature of authoritarian and semi-authoritarian nations around the world.

The Trump Lobbying Purge That Wasn’t
Politico – Maggie Severns and Isaac Arnsdorf | Published: 1/18/2017

Despite Donald Trump’s efforts to keep lobbyists out of his administration, they have continued to offer policy advice, recommend job candidates, and contribute money to his transition team. And while they are barred from donating to the inaugural festivities, lobbyists have been collecting checks on Trump’s behalf. The loopholes in Trump’s restrictions are so widespread that many lobbyists said they have concluded his ethics rules are not really meant to change how business is done in Washington.

Trump’s Administration Will Regulate Trump’s Businesses, Raising Prospect of Conflicts
Washington Post – Rosalind Helderman, Drew Harwell, and Tom Hamburger | Published: 1/15/2017

When Donald Trump takes office, he will assume control of a federal bureaucracy with enormous power to bolster nearly every corner of his real estate, licensing, and merchandising empire, and enhance his personal fortune. Trump announced steps he and his lawyers said would provide adequate safeguards to separate his business from government. He said he will shift assets into a trust that will be managed by his sons. Providing few specifics, he promised no new foreign deals and said the company would adopt new internal systems to scrutinize potentially problematic domestic transactions. But Trump and his lawyers did not address how his administration will approach the range of regulatory actions and other decisions that could directly touch the business.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – State Watchdog Agency Investigating after Times Report on Political Donations
Los Angeles Times – Emily Alpert Reyes and David Zahniser | Published: 1/12/2017

The California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) has launched an investigation into political contributions connected to the developer of a Harbor Gateway apartment project. The FPPC opened its probe after receiving a letter from a Los Angeles Times reader, who pointed to the newspaper’s investigation into donors with ties to Samuel Leung, developer of the Sea Breeze project. The Times reported that donors linked directly or indirectly to Leung gave more than $600,000 to support 11 Los Angeles-area politicians as Sea Breeze was being reviewed at City Hall. Several people who are listed as campaign contributors said they could not remember making those donations or denied doing so. Campaign finance experts said those responses raised questions about whether someone else had provided the money, a practice that would violate the law.

Colorado – Colorado Ethics Commission Puts Denver, Aurora and Other Cities on Notice in Turf Battle Over Gift Rules
Denver Post – Jon Murray | Published: 1/14/2017

The Colorado Independent Ethics Commission said it will consider hearing complaints against officials and employees if the panel finds their local ethics codes to be less restrictive than Amendment 41, which set a $50 gift limit (now $59) and banned even free drinks from lobbyists. That posture could affect Denver and more than 70 other home-rule cities and towns that were established by charters and have local ethics rules they view as sufficient to opt out of Amendment 41. Many of those lack similarly firm catch-all gift bans and set higher maximum values on allowed meals, event tickets and other things considered gifts – or do not set dollar limits at all.

Massachusetts – Could Lobbying Rules Have Saved Boston from Ill-Fated Grand Prix?
Boston Globe – Andrew Ryan | Published: 1/18/2017

After a year of no action and revelations about well-connected lobbyists pushing the Boston Grand Prix project forward, lobbying reform in the city is advancing. A member of Mayor Martin Walsh’s staff described the plan during a hearing of the city council committee hearing. For the first time, it would require lobbyists working to register and disclose where their payments come from, among other provisions. Failing to register could lead to daily fines.

Missouri – House Passes HB 60 to Limit Lobbyist Gifts
Missouri Times – Benjamin Peters | Published: 1/17/2017

The Missouri House passed a bill that sets a limit on lobbyist gifts to elected officials. House Bill 60 was approved by a vote of 149 to five. There are exceptions in the legislation. Lobbyists would be able to provide paid dinners to the entire General Assembly, providing they give a 72-hour notice and the meal is in Missouri. The bill now moves to the state Senate.

New Mexico – Leadership Shift Sparks Hope for Supporters of Campaign Finance Reform
New Mexio In Depth – Sandra Fish | Published: 1/15/2017

Critics say some provisions of New Mexico’s campaign finance law are unconstitutional and therefore unenforceable. Inconsistencies and loopholes in the statute make following the trail of money in politics difficult. And the law fails to acknowledge the recent rise of money flowing into campaigns from independent groups. But following years of attempting to update the campaign finance law, 2017 could be the year for reform, with a new secretary of state and new legislative leaders.

New Mexico – Will Independent Ethics Oversight Catch On in 2017?
New Mexico In Depth – Trip Jennings | Published: 1/16/2017

New Mexico lawmakers over the last decade have balked at creating an independent ethics commission even as a parade of elected and appointed public officials stood accused of corruption and, in some cases, were convicted of crimes. Viki Harrison, executive director of Common Cause New Mexico and a perennial supporter of ethics legislation, came up with an analogy: “Groundhog Day,” a movie in which the main character is forced to repeat the same day over and over again. Harrison hopes the 2017 legislative session will break the cycle, and on the surface the odds in Santa Fe appear favorable.

North Dakota – How a Mother-in-Law Inspired a Bill to Protect Drivers
Washington Post – Cleve Wootson Jr. | Published: 1/17/2017

Proposed legislation in North Dakota would protect some drivers from the legal consequences of running over a pedestrian protester. Rep. Keith Kempenich said his bill is a response to demonstrators blocking a highway as part of a protest over the proposed North Dakota Access pipeline. It is part of a slew of legislative measures that Republican lawmakers have written to combat the protests they say have disrupted life in and around the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation. “This bill puts the onus on somebody who’s made a conscious decision to put themselves in harm’s way; you can protest all you want, but you can’t protest up on a roadway – it’s dangerous for everybody,” said Kempenich.

Pennsylvania – DA Williams Fined $62,0000 for Ethics Violations
Philadelphia Inquirer – Claudia Vargas | Published: 1/17/2017

Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams must pay $62,000 in fines for failing to disclose gifts and source of income, according to a settlement approved by the city’s Board of Ethics. The penalty is the largest imposed by the board in its 10-year history. The agreement also requires Williams to pay another $2,840, the value of the prohibited gifts he accepted. In August, Williams amended his statements of financial interests for 2010 to 2015, listing $160,050 in previously unreported gifts, including home repairs, airfare, and lodgings for vacations, cash, and gift cards, and Philadelphia Eagles sideline passes.

Tennessee – House Lawmakers Must Disclose Political Junkets
The Tennessean – Joel Ebert | Published: 1/12/2017

The Tennessee House adopted a new ethics rule that requires lawmakers to disclose any expense-paid travel out of the state that is valued at more than $100. The Legislature has long posted the costs of state-paid travel on its website, but trips paid for by private parties did not have to be publicly disclosed. The change follows reports by The Tennessean about a five-day “”act finding” mission to Europe paid by a Republican donor about what he calls the dangers of radical Islam, and two trips for lawmakers paid for by school voucher advocates. Those trips did not have to be reported because they were not paid for by lobbyists.

Virginia – Lengthy New Ethics Bill Targets Redskin Tickets Loophole
The Daily Press – Travis Fain | Published: 1/16/2017

The General Assembly will tinker with Virginia’s ethics laws for the fourth year in a row, zeroing in, among other things, on a loophole that lets officials accept free football tickets. The bills also include a long list of other tweaks, many meant to simplify the implementation of reforms that lawmakers first passed in 2014 as a response to former Gov. Bob McDonnell’s gift scandal. One change would exempt meals provided by non-profits at conferences from the state’s $100 gift limit. Another would clarify that legitimate birthday gifts from personal friends do not violate the cap, even if that friend is a lobbyist.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 60 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

Lobbying

“The Trump Lobbying Purge That Wasn’t” by Maggie Severns and Isaac Arnsdorf for Politico

Colorado: “Denver City Council Committee Stalls Vote Again on Ethics Changes” by Jon Murray for Denver Post

Massachusetts: “Could Lobbying Rules Have Saved Boston from Ill-Fated Grand Prix?” by Andrew Ryan for Boston Globe

Missouri: “House Passes HB 60 to Limit Lobbyist Gifts” by Benjamin Peters for Missouri Times

South Dakota: “Senators Reluctantly Allow Lobbyists to Stay” by Dana Ferguson for Sioux Falls Argus Leader

Campaign Finance

“SEC Settles with 10 Public Fund Money Managers Over Pay-to-Play Violations” by Hazel Bradford for Pensions & Investments

Ethics

South Carolina: “Lt. Gov. Henry McMaster Paying Off Ethics Penalties Before Becoming Governor” by Andy Shain for Charleston Post & Courier

Texas: “State Rep. Dawnna Dukes Indicted by Grand Jury” by Alex Samuels for Texas Tribune

Elections

Kansas: “Kobach Seeks Authority for Bifurcated Elections; Downplays Issue of Missing Registrations” by Peter Hancock for Lawrence Journal World

Legislative Issues

“How a Mother-in-Law Inspired a Bill to Protect Drivers” by Cleve Wootson Jr. for Washington Post

Lobbying

Michigan: “From Lawmaker to Lobbyist. Should the State Slow Down the Revolving Door?” by Craig Mauger and Ted Roelofs for Bridge Magazine

Campaign Finance

California: “La Jolla Car Dealer Sentenced for Role in Funneling Illegal Contributions to San Diego Mayor’s Race” by Greg Moran for San Diego Union Tribune

Ethics

“Trump’s Cabinet Pick Invested in Company, Then Introduced a Bill to Help It” by Manu Raju for CNN

Arkansas: “North Little Rock Attorney Says No Ethics Violation in Dallas Cowboys Tickets Given to Police Officers” by Jake Sandlin for Arkansas Online

Iowa: “Kent Sorenson Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison for Role in Caucus Scandal” by Grant Rodgers for Des Moines Register

New Mexico: “Will Independent Ethics Oversight Catch On in 2017?” by Trip Jennings for New Mexico In Depth

Pennsylvania: “DA Williams Fined $62,0000 for Ethics Violations” by Claudia Vargas for Philadelphia Inquirer

Virginia: “Lengthy New Ethics Bill Targets Redskin Tickets Loophole” by Travis Fain for The Daily Press

Elections

“Rolling in the Red Carpet: Many Pennsylvania Avenue firms to ignore Trump parade” by Stephanie Mansfield for Washington Times

Campaign Finance

“Corporations Open the Cash Spigot for Trump’s Inauguration” by Nicholas Fandos for New York Times

New Mexico: “Leadership Shift Sparks Hope for Supporters of Campaign Finance Reform” by Sandra Fish for New Mexio In Depth

Wisconsin: “Former Wisconsin Judges Seek Rules on Campaign Donations” by Patrick Marley and Bill Glauber for Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Ethics

“Trump’s Administration Will Regulate Trump’s Businesses, Raising Prospect of Conflicts” by Rosalind Helderman, Drew Harwell, and Tom Hamburger for Washington Post

California: “Sweetwater School District Gets $8.2 Million in Settlement Over Pay-to-Play Scandal” by Greg Moran for San Diego Union Tribune

Colorado: “Colorado Ethics Commission Puts Denver, Aurora and Other Cities on Notice in Turf Battle Over Gift Rules” by Jon Murray for Denver Post

New Jersey: “Christie Selects Campaign Donor as New Ethics Watchdog” by Salvador Rizzo for Bergen Record

Canada: “Ethics Watchdog Opens Probe into Trudeau’s Vacation at the Aga Khan’s Island” by Alex Ballingall for Toronto Star

Elections

“‘Kompromat’ and the Danger of Doubt and Confusion in a Democracy” by Amanda Taub for New York Times