Gov. Mike Parson signed procurement lobbying legislation on July 10, bringing changes to the state’s bid solicitation process.

House Bill 1088 provides that solicitations and subsequent purchases must be publicly advertised only if a contract is worth more than $100,000. The previous threshold was $25,000.

The bill further provides that all purchases in excess of $10,000 must be based on competitive bids. The previous threshold was $3,000.

Additionally, information technology purchases estimated not to exceed $150,000 may be completed under an informal process. The previous threshold was $75,000.

The bill becomes effective on August 28, 2019.

The Secretary of State will host a rulemaking hearing on July 24 concerning the Colorado Campaign and Political Finance Rules.

The revised draft of 8 C.C.R. §1505-6 is available at 20190709_CPF_RevStmBasis.pdf.

A recording of the hearing will be posted and available on the Secretary of State’s website.

Gov. Janet Mills announced her plan to hold, until next legislative session, a lobbying bill that would limit the influence of lobbyists by expanding the prohibition on accepting political contributions.

Current law prohibits a lobbyist, lobbyist associate or employer from contributing to the governor, members of the Legislature, constitutional officers, or their staff or agents while the Legislature is convened in session.

Legislative Document 54 would extend the application of that prohibition year-round, regardless of whether the Legislature is in session.

Gov. Mills will review the bill at the start of the 2020 legislative session. 

Gov. Kevin Stitt issued an executive order on July 5 instructing state agencies to end the practice of hiring outside firms to lobby the Legislature.

Executive Order 2019-29 prohibits all state agencies from entering or extending any contracts with lobbyists without securing written approval from one of Stitt’s cabinet secretaries.

Stitt stated in the executive order that the practice of expending taxpayers’ money on the hiring of outside lobbyists to lobby on behalf of a state agency was not a proper use of state funds.

The 150th General Assembly adjourned for spring just after 1 a.m. on July 1.

Traditionally, the General Assembly remains until midnight strikes on July 1 because the constitution restricts lawmakers from entering into a special session after June 30 unless the session is recalled by the governor or the mutual call of both Houses.

Ending the session in the early hours of July 1 gives legislators the opportunity to go back into session before the regularly scheduled gathering in January without being summoned by the governor.

Legislation not passed by July 1 can be picked up in the next six months or when lawmakers return to the capitol on January 14, 2020.

Gov. Bill Lee announced that the General Assembly will convene for a special session on August 23.

Lee released a statement on June 27 announcing that the primary purpose of the special session is to select a new Speaker of the House following Glen Casada’s resignation.

In addition, Lee has asked the General Assembly to take up approval of recent amendments to the Supreme Court rules.

South Carolina lawmakers met for a one-day special session June 25 to review several bills Gov. Henry McMaster recently vetoed.

The special session was held to consider Gov. McMaster’s 28 budget vetoes worth approximately $41 million.

Additionally, lawmakers considered a bill which allowed erasing of a public disorderly conduct charge for first offenders under certain conditions.

Lawmakers aren’t expected to return to the State House until session reconvenes in January.

Gov. David Ige signed a lobbying bill into law on June 25.

The bill removes statutory remnants from when lobbying violations resulted in criminal penalties.

Senate Bill 144 replaces “willfully” with “negligently” in the requirements of proof that a violation of the lobbyist law was committed for failure to file a statement or report.

Proceedings that were begun prior to the signing of the bill are not affected.

Additionally, rights and duties that matured and penalties that were incurred prior to the bill are not affected.

The bill became effective when signed.

The 129th Legislature adjourned sine die just after 6:45 a.m. on June 20 after six months in session.

During the session, Gov. Janet Mills signed amendments to the Maine Clean Election Act, clarifying disclosure requirements for political communications.

Legislative Document 1721 provides automated, pre-recorded telephone calls and scripted live telephone communications that name a clearly identified candidate must clearly state the name of the person who made or financed the expenditure for the communication and whether the communication was authorized by a candidate.

Disclosure must be made during the 28 days, including election day, before a primary election or the 35 days, including election day, before a special election or between Labor Day and the date of a general election.

The bill further provides whenever a person makes an expenditure exceeding $500 expressly advocating through prerecorded automated telephone calls or scripted live telephone calls for or against an initiative or referendum appearing on a ballot, the telephone calls must clearly state only the name of the person who made or financed the expenditure for the communication.

The amendments will take effect on September 19, 2019.

A federal judge blocked a state law that prevents candidates for public office from accepting campaign contributions more than two years before an election.

The ruling prompted an immediate appeal from the attorney general.

Plaintiff Peggy Jones of Pulaski County filed suit on April 5 over Arkansas Code 7-6-203(e).

Jones claimed the blackout period infringed on her First Amendment right of political expression by preventing her from donating money now to those she wishes to support as candidates in the 2022 election cycle.

Jones contended the blackout period is unconstitutional because it is not closely drawn to address the important governmental interest of preventing corruption.

She also claimed the law is over-broad because it bars all campaign contributions, including small contributions that do not present a potential for corruption.

U.S. District Judge James Moody Jr. granted a preliminary injunction on June 17, enjoining the state from enforcing the law during the pendency of the matter.

A special election will take place on August 20 followed by a runoff election on November 5.

The elections will fill a vacancy in House District 42.

Former Rep. Jimmy Martin held the seat until his passing in May.

A special primary election will take place on July 30 followed by a special election on October 1 to fill a vacancy in House District 84.

The seat is vacant after former Rep. Ronnie Young passed away in May.

A special primary runoff election is scheduled for August 31.

A special election will take place on August 13 with a primary expected July 16 to fill a vacancy in Ald. District 13.

Former Rep. Terry Witkowski, 74, resigned after serving since 2003.

A special election will take place on November 5 to fill a vacancy in House District 36.

Former Rep. Charles Blake left office to become Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott’s chief of staff.