November 4, 2020 •
North Dakota Incumbent Republican Gov. Doug Burgum Reelected
![North Dakota Incumbent Republican Gov. Doug Burgum Reelected](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/1024px-2009-0521-ND-StateCapitol-1000x563.jpg)
North Dakota State Capitol - By Bobak Ha'Eri
Incumbent Republican Gov. Doug Burgum easily won reelection in North Dakota. As of Wednesday morning, with 86% of votes counted, Burgum prevailed over Democratic candidate Shelley Lenz by roughly 42 percentage points. Additionally, Libertarian candidate DuWayne Hendrickson collected about 4 […]
Incumbent Republican Gov. Doug Burgum easily won reelection in North Dakota.
As of Wednesday morning, with 86% of votes counted, Burgum prevailed over Democratic candidate Shelley Lenz by roughly 42 percentage points.
Additionally, Libertarian candidate DuWayne Hendrickson collected about 4 percent of votes.
November 4, 2020 •
Missouri Voters Pass Constitutional Amendment Including Lobbyist Gift Ban
![Missouri Voters Pass Constitutional Amendment Including Lobbyist Gift Ban](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Missouri-Capitol-Building-976x563.jpg)
Missouri Capitol Building
Voters passed a constitutional amendment creating a lobbyist gift ban, reducing campaign contribution limits, and repealing redistricting. The measure amends Article III of the Constitution to prohibit all gifts from lobbyists or lobbyist principals to members of the General Assembly, […]
Voters passed a constitutional amendment creating a lobbyist gift ban, reducing campaign contribution limits, and repealing redistricting.
The measure amends Article III of the Constitution to prohibit all gifts from lobbyists or lobbyist principals to members of the General Assembly, staff members, and anyone employed by the General Assembly.
The amendment also reduces contribution limits made to or accepted by any candidate or committee for state senator from $2,500 to $2,400 per election.
There is no change for candidates for state representative.
The amendment also modifies the criteria for redrawing legislative districts and changes the process for redrawing state legislative district boundaries during redistricting.
The change happens by repealing the post of nonpartisan state demographer and giving all redistricting responsibility to a bipartisan commission, renaming them as the House Independent Bipartisan Citizens Commission and the Senate Independent Bipartisan Citizens Commission, respectively.
Additionally, the amendment increases membership on the commissions to 20 by adding four commissioners appointed by the Governor from nominations by the two major political party’s state committees.
As of Wednesday morning, with 98% of votes counted, these constitutional amendments had narrowly passed by 2% and are effective immediately.
November 4, 2020 •
Missouri Voters Defeat Constitutional Amendment
![Missouri Voters Defeat Constitutional Amendment](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Gateway-Arch-1-1000x563.jpg)
The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri
Missouri voters defeated a constitutional amendment that would have extended term limits currently applicable to the governor and treasurer to all statewide elected officials. The failure of the amendment does not affect the term limits currently applicable to the governor […]
Missouri voters defeated a constitutional amendment that would have extended term limits currently applicable to the governor and treasurer to all statewide elected officials.
The failure of the amendment does not affect the term limits currently applicable to the governor and treasurer under Article IV, Section 17 of the Constitution.
Namely, that no person shall be elected governor or treasurer more than twice, and no person who has held the office of governor or treasurer, or acted as governor or treasurer, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected to the office of governor or treasurer shall be elected to the office of governor or treasurer more than once.
The amendment needed to receive a majority of votes to pass and as of Wednesday morning was defeated by only 4% with 98% of the votes counted.
November 4, 2020 •
Iowans Oppose Holding Constitutional Convention
![Iowans Oppose Holding Constitutional Convention](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Iowa-Flag-1000x563.png)
Voters opposed holding a convention to explore proposals for changes to the state constitution. This question automatically appears on the ballot every ten years pursuant to Article X, Section 3 of the Iowa Constitution. As of Wednesday morning, with 92% […]
Voters opposed holding a convention to explore proposals for changes to the state constitution.
This question automatically appears on the ballot every ten years pursuant to Article X, Section 3 of the Iowa Constitution.
As of Wednesday morning, with 92% of the vote counted, the measure is defeated by 40%.
November 4, 2020 •
Kentucky Voters Defeat Constitutional Amendment
![Kentucky Voters Defeat Constitutional Amendment](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Kentucky--1000x563.png)
Kentucky voters defeated a constitutional amendment that would have increased the terms of office for district judges and commonwealth attorneys in each circuit court district. The amendment would have also increased the requirement for district judges of being a licensed […]
Kentucky voters defeated a constitutional amendment that would have increased the terms of office for district judges and commonwealth attorneys in each circuit court district.
The amendment would have also increased the requirement for district judges of being a licensed attorney from two years to eight years.
The failure of the amendment keeps the term of office at four years for district judges and six years for a commonwealth attorney in each circuit court district.
As of Wednesday morning, with 96% of votes counted, the measure was defeated by 38%.
November 4, 2020 •
Indiana Incumbent Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb Reelected
![Indiana Incumbent Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb Reelected](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/holcomb-grand-challenges-dec-update.jpg)
Gov Eric Holcomb - by Liz Kaye | IU Communications
Incumbent Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb was reelected in the biggest statewide race on the ballot this year. Holcomb defeated Democrat Dr. Woodrow A. Myers by roughly 28 percentage points, and third-party Libertarian candidate Donald Rainwater by over 45 percentage points […]
Incumbent Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb was reelected in the biggest statewide race on the ballot this year.
Holcomb defeated Democrat Dr. Woodrow A. Myers by roughly 28 percentage points, and third-party Libertarian candidate Donald Rainwater by over 45 percentage points as of Wednesday morning.
At the time of this post, 74% of votes are counted.
November 2, 2020 •
No Report from Illinois Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform
![No Report from Illinois Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/illinois-springfield-capitol-and-sky-1000x563.jpg)
Illinois State Capitol Building
A group of nonpartisan organizations concerned with good governance in Illinois issued a statement calling for the immediate release of the Report of the Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform. The Commission was supposed to release the report on […]
A group of nonpartisan organizations concerned with good governance in Illinois issued a statement calling for the immediate release of the Report of the Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform.
The Commission was supposed to release the report on March 31.
Citing the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the committee members requested an extension in April.
However, this request was denied, leaving the completion date for the report open-ended.
In August, a group of Democratic lawmakers proposed a package of ethics reform bills for the General Assembly to take up during the veto session scheduled to begin on November 17.
Later that month House and Senate Republicans issued a demand for meetings of the Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform to resume immediately.
No meetings have occurred and no report has been issued as the November 17 veto session approaches.
June 19, 2020 •
Illinois Board of Elections Announces Amnesty Period for Late Contribution Reports
![Illinois Board of Elections Announces Amnesty Period for Late Contribution Reports](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/illinois-springfield-capitol-and-sky-1000x563.jpg)
Illinois State Capitol Building
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Illinois Board of Elections announced an amnesty period for late filers of the March 2020 quarterly report of campaign contributions and expenditures, due on April 15. No penalties will be assessed for reports filed […]
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Illinois Board of Elections announced an amnesty period for late filers of the March 2020 quarterly report of campaign contributions and expenditures, due on April 15.
No penalties will be assessed for reports filed on or before June 30.
Similarly, no penalties will be assessed for late Schedule A-1 reports of contributions of $1,000 or more, due between March 18 and June 30, as long as they are filed on or before June 30.
Late reports (Quarterly or A-1) filed after June 30 will be subject to statutorily mandated penalties.
The Board’s one-time amnesty will not apply to the upcoming June 2020 Quarterly Report, which is due no later than July 15.
June 19, 2020 •
Chicago Board of Ethics Delays Non-Profit Lobbying Laws Until 2021
![Chicago Board of Ethics Delays Non-Profit Lobbying Laws Until 2021](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Chicago-City-Hall-1000x563.jpg)
Chicago City Hall - Ken Lund
The Board of Ethics announced a further delay in the implementation Ethics Ordinance 2019-5305, previously set for July 1, 2020. The implementation will now be on January 1, 2021 due to the continuing work by the city and many non-profit […]
The Board of Ethics announced a further delay in the implementation Ethics Ordinance 2019-5305, previously set for July 1, 2020.
The implementation will now be on January 1, 2021 due to the continuing work by the city and many non-profit organizations to respond to COVID-19 crisis.
The ordinance imposes new registration and reporting requirements on certain nonprofit interactions with the city.
With the announcement, the Board and the Mayor’s Office stated they are committed to working with non-profit organizations and stakeholders to understand and respond to their concerns about this law.
In addition, the office states they are committed on working toward amendments that increase transparency in Chicago.
June 15, 2020 •
Iowa Legislature Adjourns Sine Die
![Iowa Legislature Adjourns Sine Die](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Iowa-Capitol-2-1000x563.jpg)
Iowa Capitol Building - Ashton B Crew
Following a nearly two-and-a-half-month interruption, the Iowa Legislature adjourned the 88th General Assembly sine die on Sunday after a marathon overnight debate. This debate ends a two-week session shortened by the coronavirus pandemic and recent protests. In addition to the […]
Following a nearly two-and-a-half-month interruption, the Iowa Legislature adjourned the 88th General Assembly sine die on Sunday after a marathon overnight debate.
This debate ends a two-week session shortened by the coronavirus pandemic and recent protests.
In addition to the passing the budget, the session included action to protect businesses from coronavirus-related lawsuits, address police misconduct, and change rules regarding election procedures.
June 11, 2020 •
Gov. Walz Calls Special Session of Minnesota Legislature
![Gov. Walz Calls Special Session of Minnesota Legislature](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/1024px-Lt._Governor_Peggy_Flanagan_and_Governor_Tim_Walz_at_inauguration_ceremonies_at_the_Fitzgerald_Theater_in_St_Paul_Minnesota-1000x563.jpg)
Gov Tim Walz, with Lt Gov Peggy Flanagan - by Lorie Shaull
Gov. Tim Walz called a special session which will begin June 12. The primary purpose of the session will be to extend the COVID-19 peacetime emergency by 30 days, making sure the state can quickly respond to the pandemic. The […]
Gov. Tim Walz called a special session which will begin June 12.
The primary purpose of the session will be to extend the COVID-19 peacetime emergency by 30 days, making sure the state can quickly respond to the pandemic.
The House and Senate adjourned sine die on May 18, marking the end of the 2020 legislative session.
However, unfinished business and recent protests have added to the agenda.
Walz is obligated by law to call a special session for the Legislature to approve the emergency declaration.
Although, the length of the session will be determined by the Legislature.
June 11, 2020 •
Guidance on New Kentucky Reporting Requirements and Forms
![Guidance on New Kentucky Reporting Requirements and Forms](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/The_south_facade_of_the_Kentucky_State_Capitol_building_located_in_Frankfort_Kentucky._Photographed_by_Tedd_Liggett_on_September_15_2018-1000x563.jpg)
The Kentucky State Capitol building
The Kentucky Executive Branch Ethics Commission passed an emergency regulation and provided guidance on a passed bill. This bill passed amends registration requirements for executive agency lobbying. Effective July 1, Senate Bill 157 requires the initial registration statement to include […]
The Kentucky Executive Branch Ethics Commission passed an emergency regulation and provided guidance on a passed bill.
This bill passed amends registration requirements for executive agency lobbying.
Effective July 1, Senate Bill 157 requires the initial registration statement to include compensation paid to, or received by, each executive agency lobbyist, employer, and real party in interest as part of the engagement.
The emergency regulation provides the procedures for filing lobbyist forms and includes changes to the lobbyist forms.
In addition, electronic fillable forms and instructions will be posted on the commission’s website soon.
In the regular reminder notices, the new forms and revisions will also be addressed.
Each lobbyist, employer and real party in interest receives these notices.
All initial registration and updated registration statements must now be submitted using the 2020 revised forms.
Additionally, a credit card payment app will be available starting July 1.
The commission also extended the filing period deadline for the required updated registration filing forms and registration fee payment from July 31 to August 31 due to COVID-19.
June 1, 2020 •
Missouri Legislature Adjourns Sine Die
![Missouri Legislature Adjourns Sine Die](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Missouri-Capitol-Building-976x563.jpg)
Missouri Capitol Building
The Second Regular Session of the 100th General Assembly adjourned sine die, officially ending the session, on May 27. Before adjourning lawmakers sent House Bill 1386 to the governor, modifying the definition of legislative lobbyist for purposes of lobbying laws. The […]
The Second Regular Session of the 100th General Assembly adjourned sine die, officially ending the session, on May 27.
Before adjourning lawmakers sent House Bill 1386 to the governor, modifying the definition of legislative lobbyist for purposes of lobbying laws.
The definition will exclude legislative liaisons, defined as any state employee hired to communicate with members of the General Assembly on behalf of any elected official of the state, the judicial branch of state government, or any department, agency, board, or commission of the state, provided such entity is a part of the executive branch of state government.
The Legislature also passed Senate Joint Resolution 0038, placing a constitutional amendment on the statewide ballot enacting a lobbyist gift ban.
Additionally it will reduce contribution limits made to or accepted by any candidate or committee from $2,500 to $2,000.
And finally it will repeal a redistricting plan enacted by voters in 2018.
The veto session is scheduled for September 16.
May 29, 2020 •
Chicago Extends Deadline for First Quarter Lobbyist Activity Reports
![Chicago Extends Deadline for First Quarter Lobbyist Activity Reports](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Chicago-City-Hall-1000x563.jpg)
Chicago City Hall - Ken Lund
The Chicago Board of Ethics is further extending the first quarterly report filing deadline from June 1 to July 1 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. First quarter reports cover the January 1 to March 31 period and must be filed […]
The Chicago Board of Ethics is further extending the first quarterly report filing deadline from June 1 to July 1 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
First quarter reports cover the January 1 to March 31 period and must be filed even if there was no activity.
In addition, registered lobbyists now have until December 31st to complete their annual mandatory ethics training.
The board expects additional amendments to the city’s lobbying laws later in 2020.
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.