October 2, 2023 •
Minnesota Board Releases Draft Rule Language
![Minnesota Board Releases Draft Rule Language](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Minnesota-Capitol-Hi-Res.jpg)
Minnesota Capitol Building
The Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board issued draft rule language staff considers to be technical or noncontroversial. The language will be considered by the board’s three-member rulemaking committee at one or more public meetings to be announced at a […]
The Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board issued draft rule language staff considers to be technical or noncontroversial.
The language will be considered by the board’s three-member rulemaking committee at one or more public meetings to be announced at a later date.
Interested parties will have an opportunity to comment on the draft rule language.
Once it is available staff will also release draft rule language considered to be potentially controversial, including language intended to implement changes made by the Legislature in 2023 to statutes governing lobbyist regulation and reporting.
Information related to the rulemaking process will be posted on the board’s rulemaking docket webpage at cfb.mn.gov/citizen-resources/the-board/statutes-and-rules/rulemaking-docket.
This information will include how to sign up for the rulemaking notice list, the dates of any scheduled rulemaking committee meetings, copies of official documents, copies of formal comments received by the Board, and draft rules.
October 2, 2023 •
North Dakota Senator Killed in Plane Crash
![North Dakota Senator Killed in Plane Crash](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/1024px-2009-0521-ND-StateCapitol-1000x563.jpg)
North Dakota State Capitol - By Bobak Ha'Eri
State Sen. Doug Larsen, his wife, and their two young children died when the small plane they were in crashed in Utah. Larsen was first elected to the Senate in 2020 and chaired a Senate panel focused on industry and […]
State Sen. Doug Larsen, his wife, and their two young children died when the small plane they were in crashed in Utah.
Larsen was first elected to the Senate in 2020 and chaired a Senate panel focused on industry and business legislation.
Larsen’s District 34 comprises Mandan, the city neighboring Bismarck to the west across the Missouri River.
District 34 Republicans will appoint a successor to fill out the remainder of Larsen’s term, through November 2024.
September 28, 2023 •
Indiana Supreme Court Declares State Law Bans Corporate Contributions to Independent Expenditure PACs
![Indiana Supreme Court Declares State Law Bans Corporate Contributions to Independent Expenditure PACs](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Flag_of_Indiana.svg-1000x563.png)
Flag of Indiana
The Indiana Supreme Court concluded state law bans corporate contributions to independent expenditure committees or to any PAC earmarked for independent expenditures in Indiana Right to Life Victory Fund and Sarkes Tarzian, Inc. v. Diego Morales, et al. Indiana Right […]
The Indiana Supreme Court concluded state law bans corporate contributions to independent expenditure committees or to any PAC earmarked for independent expenditures in Indiana Right to Life Victory Fund and Sarkes Tarzian, Inc. v. Diego Morales, et al.
Indiana Right To Life’s super PAC wanted to accept a $10,000 contribution from a local media company, Sarkes Tarzian, Inc. and though the state never would have stopped the transaction, the PAC sued in federal court.
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals said it wanted the Indiana Supreme Court to declare whether state law bans unlimited contributions to super PACs.
The state Supreme Court ruled the law explicitly notes which groups corporations can give to and because PACs that only make independent expenditures are not mentioned, corporations cannot give anything to them.
The court’s opinion acknowledged both sides expect the federal court to stop the state from enforcing the ban because the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Citizens United v. FEC that limiting corporate contributions to super PACs is unconstitutional.
The state Supreme Court decision leaves the General Assembly with the task of updating the statute to permit corporate contributions for the purpose of independent expenditures.
September 22, 2023 •
Wisconsin Legislature Immediately Adjourns Special Session
![Wisconsin Legislature Immediately Adjourns Special Session](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Wisconsin-Capitol-1000x563.jpg)
Wisconsin State Capitol Building
Lawmakers convened the special session called by Gov. Tony Evers in an executive order issued in August on September 20. The session immediately adjourned without considering proposals to enact a comprehensive workforce development package using some of the state’s projected […]
Lawmakers convened the special session called by Gov. Tony Evers in an executive order issued in August on September 20.
The session immediately adjourned without considering proposals to enact a comprehensive workforce development package using some of the state’s projected $4 billion surplus in this biennium.
None of the 86 Republican legislators responded to the legislative survey launched by Evers last week, refusing to publicly state their positions on specific policy components of the governor’s workforce plan, the workforce plan in its entirety, and what initiatives or plans, if any, they support.
The special session reconvened September 21 for a skeletal session.
September 15, 2023 •
Minnesota Special Election Scheduled for December 5
![Minnesota Special Election Scheduled for December 5](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Minnesota-Capitol-Hi-Res.jpg)
Minnesota Capitol Building
Gov. Tim Walz issued a writ of special election to fill the vacant seat in House District 52B following the resignation of State Representative Ruth Richardson. The special election will be held on December 5. A special primary, if necessary, […]
Gov. Tim Walz issued a writ of special election to fill the vacant seat in House District 52B following the resignation of State Representative Ruth Richardson.
The special election will be held on December 5.
A special primary, if necessary, will be held on November 16.
This special election date allows for the new representative to be seated when the legislative session convenes on Tuesday, February 12, 2024.
September 14, 2023 •
Meet Our Expert – Marilyn Wesel, Esq.
![Meet Our Expert – Marilyn Wesel, Esq.](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Meet-our-Expert-_OCTOBER-_-Marilyn-Wesel-01-01-1-1000x563.png)
What are your areas of expertise? I manage a portfolio of state and local jurisdictions on our website to ensure our clients adhere to the latest rules and regulations concerning communications and gifts to public officials, political contributions, and contract […]
What are your areas of expertise?
I manage a portfolio of state and local jurisdictions on our website to ensure our clients adhere to the latest rules and regulations concerning communications and gifts to public officials, political contributions, and contract procurement. I communicate with officials in my jurisdictions to ensure our understanding of new rules and regulations is accurate. Additionally, I perform client-specific research for our subscription clients and our consulting clients.
How long have you been with State and Federal Communications?
I have been with the company for almost four years.
How do you help our clients?
In addition to providing compliance solutions through our subscription services, I file lobbying activity reports on behalf of our clients and respond to Ask the Expert questions from our subscription clients.
September 11, 2023 •
Ohio State Representative Bob Young Resigns
![Ohio State Representative Bob Young Resigns](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/bob-young-formatted-1000x563.jpg)
Ohio Rep. Bob Young
Republican State Rep. Bob Young sent a letter to Speaker of the House Jason Stephens saying he’s stepping down effective October 2. Gov. DeWine and half of the Republicans in the Ohio House had called on the District 32 representative […]
Republican State Rep. Bob Young sent a letter to Speaker of the House Jason Stephens saying he’s stepping down effective October 2.
Gov. DeWine and half of the Republicans in the Ohio House had called on the District 32 representative to resign following his second arrest in two months.
Under the Ohio Constitution, the vacancy will be filled by a majority vote of House members who are affiliated with the same political party as the person last elected to the vacant seat.
August 9, 2023 •
Wisconsin Governor Calls Special Session
![Wisconsin Governor Calls Special Session](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Tony-Evers-1-1000x563.png)
Gov. Tony Evers - by: Campaign of Tony Evers for governor
Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order 208 calling for a special session of the Legislature to begin Wednesday, September 20. The session will consider and act upon two proposals to enact a comprehensive workforce development package. The proposals would use […]
Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order 208 calling for a special session of the Legislature to begin Wednesday, September 20.
The session will consider and act upon two proposals to enact a comprehensive workforce development package.
The proposals would use some of the state’s projected $4 billion surplus in this biennium to:
- Support child care providers,
- Support a paid family and medical leave program for private employers,
- And create new investment in higher education.
August 9, 2023 •
Ohio Voters Reject Issue 1
![Ohio Voters Reject Issue 1](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Ohio-Statehouse-1000x563.jpg)
Ohio Statehouse
Voters rejected a Republican-backed measure that would have made it more difficult to change the state’s constitution with 57% voting no and just under 43% voting yes. Issue 1 would have required a 60% vote to approve any constitutional amendment […]
Voters rejected a Republican-backed measure that would have made it more difficult to change the state’s constitution with 57% voting no and just under 43% voting yes.
Issue 1 would have required a 60% vote to approve any constitutional amendment rather than the current simple majority.
The measure would have also changed the signature requirement for initiative petitions to require 5% signatures from each county of the state and it would have eliminated the cure period to obtain more signatures.
August 7, 2023 •
Illinois Enacts New Pay-to-Play Law for Certain Vendors
![Illinois Enacts New Pay-to-Play Law for Certain Vendors](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/illinois-springfield-capitol-and-sky-1000x563.jpg)
Illinois State Capitol Building
Gov. JB Pritzker signed House Bill 3903, prohibiting vendors that offer or provide equipment or services for automated traffic law enforcement, automated speed enforcement, or automated railroad grade crossing enforcement systems to municipalities or counties from making campaign contributions to […]
Gov. JB Pritzker signed House Bill 3903, prohibiting vendors that offer or provide equipment or services for automated traffic law enforcement, automated speed enforcement, or automated railroad grade crossing enforcement systems to municipalities or counties from making campaign contributions to any political committee established to promote the candidacy of a candidate or public official.
Effective immediately, the bill also prohibits political action committees created by the vendor and vendor-affiliated persons from making campaign contributions.
Vendor-affiliated person is defined as any person with an ownership interest or distributive share in excess of 7.5% in a vendor, any executive employees of the vendor and any spouse, minor child, or other immediate family member living in the residence of any of them.
The bill also prohibits members of the General Assembly and officers or employees of a municipality or county from accepting employment or receiving compensation or fees for services from a vendor that provides automated traffic law enforcement system equipment or services or automated speed enforcement system equipment or services to municipalities or counties.
Former members, officers and employees must wait two years before accepting employment from such a vendor.
July 24, 2023 •
Minnesota Board Requests Comments on Rule Amendments
![Minnesota Board Requests Comments on Rule Amendments](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Minnesota-Capitol-Hi-Res.jpg)
Minnesota Capitol Building
The Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board issued a Request for Comments regarding the possible adoption, amendment, and repeal of rules governing campaign finance regulation and reporting; lobbyist regulation and reporting; audits and investigations; and other topics, in Minnesota Rules, […]
The Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board issued a Request for Comments regarding the possible adoption, amendment, and repeal of rules governing campaign finance regulation and reporting; lobbyist regulation and reporting; audits and investigations; and other topics, in Minnesota Rules, chapters 4501 through 4525.
The board may consider other rule topics that arise during the rulemaking process.
Meetings will be open to the public and interested parties will have the opportunity to comment on the proposed rule topics and language.
Information related to the rulemaking, including how to comment, how to sign up for the rulemaking notice list, the dates of upcoming subcommittee meetings, copies of official documents, and draft rules will be posted at cfb.mn.gov/citizen-resources/the-board/statutes-and-rules/rulemaking-docket/.
July 12, 2023 •
Iowa Special Session Adjourns Sine Die
The Legislature adjourned the special session on July 11 after passing the abortion restrictions Gov. Kim Reynolds requested in calling the special session. Senate File 579 prohibiting abortion if there is a detectable fetal heartbeat passed both houses in one […]
The Legislature adjourned the special session on July 11 after passing the abortion restrictions Gov. Kim Reynolds requested in calling the special session.
Senate File 579 prohibiting abortion if there is a detectable fetal heartbeat passed both houses in one day.
July 12, 2023 •
Ohio House Speaker Asks Rep. Bob Young to Resign
![Ohio House Speaker Asks Rep. Bob Young to Resign](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/bob-young-formatted-1000x563.jpg)
Ohio Rep. Bob Young
Ohio State House Speaker Jason Stephens called on Rep. Bob Young to resign after he was charged with a felony count of disrupting public services and two misdemeanor counts of domestic violence. Young is currently in his second term representing […]
Ohio State House Speaker Jason Stephens called on Rep. Bob Young to resign after he was charged with a felony count of disrupting public services and two misdemeanor counts of domestic violence.
Young is currently in his second term representing House District 32, which includes portions of southern Summit County.
If Young resigns, the vacancy will be filled by a majority vote of House members who are affiliated with the same political party as the person last elected to the vacant seat.
June 29, 2023 •
Elections Commission Administrator Vote Ends in Deadlock
![Elections Commission Administrator Vote Ends in Deadlock](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Wisconsin-Capitol-1000x563.jpg)
Wisconsin State Capitol Building
A vote on the future of Wisconsin’s top elections official ended in partisan deadlock amid Republican calls for the nonpartisan Wisconsin Elections Commission Administrator Meagan Wolfe to resign over how she ran the 2020 presidential election. The six commissioners are […]
A vote on the future of Wisconsin’s top elections official ended in partisan deadlock amid Republican calls for the nonpartisan Wisconsin Elections Commission Administrator Meagan Wolfe to resign over how she ran the 2020 presidential election.
The six commissioners are evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats.
Republican commissioners voted to reappoint Wolfe, but Democrats abstained from Tuesday’s vote for fear that reappointing her would allow the Republican-controlled state Senate to reject her confirmation.
If the commission eventually appoints Wolfe or someone else to replace her, they will need to be confirmed by the Republican-controlled state Senate.
If a commission appointee is rejected by the Senate, then commissioners would need to make a new appointment within 45 days or else a legislative committee controlled by Republicans could choose the next administrator.
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