March 22, 2021 •
Idaho Legislature Shuts Down Amid Covid-19 Surge

Idaho Capitol Building - JSquish
The Idaho Legislature voted to close down until early April after a coronavirus outbreak among members of the state House. The recess, which will last until April 6, comes after six members in the lower chamber tested positive for the […]
The Idaho Legislature voted to close down until early April after a coronavirus outbreak among members of the state House.
The recess, which will last until April 6, comes after six members in the lower chamber tested positive for the virus.
The recess will postpone debates on significant issues, including setting the state budget.
March 22, 2021 •
Nevada Legislative Counsel Bureau Opens Lobbyist Online Registration

Nevada State Capitol Octagonal Annex
The Nevada Legislative Counsel Bureau activated the lobbyist registration function on their website due to the passage of Assembly Bill 110. Lobbyists will now be able to complete registration statements for the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature. Pursuant to […]
The Nevada Legislative Counsel Bureau activated the lobbyist registration function on their website due to the passage of Assembly Bill 110.
Lobbyists will now be able to complete registration statements for the 81st Session of the Nevada Legislature.
Pursuant to Assembly Bill 110, a lobbyist must file a registration statement not later than 14 days after March 18, 2021, or not later than 2 days after the beginning of the person’s lobbying activity, whichever date is later.
A lobbyist must also include in the first report filed after March 18, 2021, information concerning the person’s lobbying activities during the period beginning on February 1, 2021, and ending on March 18, 2021.
Lobbyist registration statements and reports can be filed at https://www.leg.state.nv.us/Lobbyist.
March 19, 2021 •
Nevada Governor Signs Lobbying Bill

Nevada State Capitol Octagonal Annex
Gov. Steve Sisolak signed Assembly Bill 110, which revises the Nevada Lobbying Disclosure and Regulation Act. The bill changes the definition of a lobbyist by removing the requirement to appear in person at the Capitol building or any other building […]
Gov. Steve Sisolak signed Assembly Bill 110, which revises the Nevada Lobbying Disclosure and Regulation Act.
The bill changes the definition of a lobbyist by removing the requirement to appear in person at the Capitol building or any other building the Legislature or their committees hold meetings.
Currently, lobbying is taking place virtually because the legislative session is closed to all but lawmakers, essential staff, and some members of the media.
However, lobbyist registration has not taken place because the definition required in-person communication.
Assembly Bill 110 became effective upon being signed by the governor.
March 17, 2021 •
California Governor Newsom Expands Lobbying Ban

California Gov. Gavin Newsom
Gov. Gavin Newsom has expanded a ban on political consultants lobbying him and his administration to include unpaid advisers, based on recommendations from the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC). No consultant, whether paid or not, will be permitted to leverage […]
Gov. Gavin Newsom has expanded a ban on political consultants lobbying him and his administration to include unpaid advisers, based on recommendations from the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC).
No consultant, whether paid or not, will be permitted to leverage their relationship with the governor to unduly benefit a client in connection with legislative or administrative actions.
Under the new rules, appointees with a high level of influence over administration policy decisions are prohibited from accepting gifts from lobbyists.
The rule applies to the governor, his wife, senior officials, policy advisers, and any equivalent position.
The new rules also prohibit influential appointees from working on specific bills in their first two years if they worked on substantially similar bills in the two years prior to joining the Newsom administration.
It will apply to appointees who joined the administration after March 1, 2021.
March 15, 2021 •
Governor Newsom Announces Special Election

California Capitol Building
California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation declaring a special election for the 54th Assembly District on July 20. The seat was vacated by Sydney Kamlager who was voted to Senate District 30. The special primary election will be held […]
California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation declaring a special election for the 54th Assembly District on July 20.
The seat was vacated by Sydney Kamlager who was voted to Senate District 30.
The special primary election will be held on May 18.
March 4, 2021 •
Los Angeles City Ethics Commission Announces Adjustments to Contribution Limits

Los Angeles from Santa Ana Freeway - by Pag293
The City Ethics Commission announced the mandatory annual adjustments to limits and thresholds in the city’s campaign finance laws. The new limits apply beginning with any city election for which the fundraising window opens after March 1, 2021. The per person […]
The City Ethics Commission announced the mandatory annual adjustments to limits and thresholds in the city’s campaign finance laws.
The new limits apply beginning with any city election for which the fundraising window opens after March 1, 2021.
The per person contribution limits for mayor, city attorney, and controller have been raised to $1,600.
The adjusted limits do not apply to elections for the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education.
February 24, 2021 •
Fair Political Practices Commission Updates Regulations on Local Contribution Limits

Sacramento, CA Skyline - Basil D Soufi
The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) updated their regulations regarding local campaign contribution limits due to Assembly 571. The updates will add language to the regulations regarding candidates for elective city or county offices subject to the state contribution limits. […]
The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) updated their regulations regarding local campaign contribution limits due to Assembly 571.
The updates will add language to the regulations regarding candidates for elective city or county offices subject to the state contribution limits.
Those local candidates and their committees will now be subject to the regulations regarding reporting of contributions and expenditures, establishing campaign accounts, solicitation of funds, loans, terminations, and other regulations related to campaign finance.
These regulations do not apply to candidates for an elective city or county office or the candidate’s controlled committee prior to January 1, 2021.
February 23, 2021 •
Oregon Lawmaker Resigns Amidst Harassment Accusations

Oregon Senate Chamber - photo by Cacophony
A lawmaker facing expulsion from the state House of Representatives after women accused him of harassment is resigning. Rep. Diego Hernandez is stepping down to allow his colleagues to focus on serving Oregonians and to move forward with his life […]
A lawmaker facing expulsion from the state House of Representatives after women accused him of harassment is resigning.
Rep. Diego Hernandez is stepping down to allow his colleagues to focus on serving Oregonians and to move forward with his life and focus on his health and family.
The entire House was scheduled to vote as soon as Tuesday on whether to expel Hernandez.
This came after a panel of lawmakers determined he created a hostile work environment for three women.
It would have taken a two-thirds vote or 40 members of the House to expel him.
Earlier this month the conduct committee of the House had voted in favor of expelling Hernandez.
February 23, 2021 •
Montana House Introduces Bill to Eliminate the Office of the Commissioner of Political Practices

Montana Capitol Building - gillfoto
The House of Representatives introduced a bill eliminating the Office of the Commissioner of Political Practices. House Bill 535 establishes a Campaign Practices and Ethics Review Board appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the […]
The House of Representatives introduced a bill eliminating the Office of the Commissioner of Political Practices.
House Bill 535 establishes a Campaign Practices and Ethics Review Board appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the Senate, and the minority leaders.
The bill also transfers investigative duties and duties related to the filing of ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance report, statements, forms, and other documents to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Enforcement duties for ethics, lobbying, and campaign practices complaints will be transferred to the Campaign Practices and Ethics Review Board, the Attorney General, and county attorneys.
If passed, House Bill 535 becomes effective July 1, 2021.
February 19, 2021 •
Group of Activists Sues Nevada Legislature Over Closure of Capitol

Nevada State Capitol Octagonal Annex
Four conservative Nevada lobbyists are suing Gov. Steve Sisolak, Attorney General Aaron Ford, Legislative Counsel Bureau Director Brenda Erdoes, and Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro. They argue they are suffering irreparable harm from COVID-19 prevention rules keeping the legislative session […]
Four conservative Nevada lobbyists are suing Gov. Steve Sisolak, Attorney General Aaron Ford, Legislative Counsel Bureau Director Brenda Erdoes, and Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro.
They argue they are suffering irreparable harm from COVID-19 prevention rules keeping the legislative session largely virtual and barring lobbyists from entering the Legislative Building.
All four were registered lobbyists during the 2019 legislative session.
The complaint was filed in federal District Court.
The lawsuit seeks a court-ordered injunction to immediately allow plaintiffs access to the Capitol to engage in lobbying activities.
The complaint alleges the emergency orders limiting public access to the Legislature violates their constitutional rights to petition the government and free speech.
They also argue Nevada is no longer experiencing an emergency to justify the restrictions.
The 2021 legislative session has been closed to all but lawmakers, essential staff, and some members of the media.
However, officials have announced plans to vaccinate personnel next week and left open the possibility the format will relax later in the 120-day session.
Committee hearings are being conducted virtually, with lawmakers videoconferencing in from their offices rather than gathering together in committee rooms.
Lobbyists are allowed to make appointments with lawmakers through videoconference, although formal registration of lobbyists has not opened up and Assembly Bill 110 modifying lobbyist registration policies is pending.
February 15, 2021 •
Montana Governor Repeals Directives Made By Former Governor

Montana Capitol Building - gillfoto
Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte repealed two executive orders issued by former Gov. Steve Bullock. Executive Order 15-2018 required companies to report political spending if they wanted to bid on large state contracts. The order also required companies bidding for certain […]
Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte repealed two executive orders issued by former Gov. Steve Bullock.
Executive Order 15-2018 required companies to report political spending if they wanted to bid on large state contracts.
The order also required companies bidding for certain state contracts to disclose political donations made within 60 days of an election.
The second order allowed county election clerks to expand voting by mail for the November general election to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
The order also required counties to offer in-person voting, but it did not require polling places to be open on election day.
February 11, 2021 •
Nevada Legislature Introduces Bill to Revise Lobbyist Definition

Nevada State Capitol Octagonal Annex
The Nevada Assembly has introduced a bill to revise the definition of a lobbyist by removing the requirement to appear in person at the Capitol building or any other building the Legislature or their committees hold meetings. Assembly Bill 110 […]
The Nevada Assembly has introduced a bill to revise the definition of a lobbyist by removing the requirement to appear in person at the Capitol building or any other building the Legislature or their committees hold meetings.
Assembly Bill 110 will define a lobbyist as a person who communicates directly with a member of the Legislature on behalf of someone other than themselves to influence legislative action, whether or not any compensation is received.
Currently, lobbying is taking place virtually because the legislative session is closed to all but lawmakers, essential staff, and some members of the media.
However, lobbyist registration has not taken place because the definition required in person communication.
Assembly Bill 110 will revise the definition and allow the Legislative Counsel Bureau to open lobbyist registration and begin to regulate lobbying again.
February 10, 2021 •
Alaska Governor Proposes Special Election to Borrow Millions for Construction Projects

Governor Mike Dunleavy - by The Alaska Landmine
Gov. Mike Dunleavy has introduced a proposal to borrow $356.4 million for a variety of construction projects across the state. The proposal calls for a special election this coming spring or summer to allow voters to ratify or reject the […]
Gov. Mike Dunleavy has introduced a proposal to borrow $356.4 million for a variety of construction projects across the state.
The proposal calls for a special election this coming spring or summer to allow voters to ratify or reject the plan.
If a borrowing plan passes the Senate and House, it must also be approved by voters statewide.
The governor is also proposing a special election to speed the process.
The election would take place between 90 and 120 days after the Legislature adjourns its regular session.
February 3, 2021 •
Governor Newsom Announces Special Election

California State Capitol Building - Jeff Turner
Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation declaring a special election for the 79th Assembly District on June 8. The seat was vacated by Shirley Weber who was appointed California Secretary of State. The special primary election will be held on […]
Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation declaring a special election for the 79th Assembly District on June 8.
The seat was vacated by Shirley Weber who was appointed California Secretary of State.
The special primary election will be held on April 6.
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