The Rhode Island Board of Elections scheduled a special election to be held on August 5 for Senate District 4. The seat was previously held by Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 76. Ruggerio served as a state senator for the last 40 years. A special primary will take place July 8.

The Hawaii Legislature adjourned sine die on May 2 after 60 days in session. During the session, lawmakers passed multiple bills related to lobbying. House Bill 413 clarifies lobbyist contributions are prohibited in periods during which both chambers are in session. House Bill 412 establishes certain presumptions regarding lobbying on behalf of private clients; makes contracts voidable when entered into in violation of the state lobbying law under certain conditions; and expands the definition of lobbying to include certain communications with government officials regarding procurement decisions. Senate Bill 289 establishes uniform provisions for the assessment of administrative penalties under the State Ethics Code and Lobbyist Law. If signed, House Bill 413 will take effect immediately and House Bill 412 will take effect January 1, 2027. Senate Bill 289 was signed by Gov. Green on April 11 and took effect upon its approval.

The Commission on Lobbying and Ethics in Government (COELIG) released their report of preliminary lobbying data from 2024. Lobbying spending was up over 4.5% from 2023, with a preliminary total of $377 million spent in 2024. The number of lobbying filings increased almost 6% from 2023. The top three subjects lobbied included miscellaneous business, appropriations, and health.

The Maine Legislature adjourned sine die on March 21 after the passage of a budget for the next biennium. The Legislature was unable to secure the two-thirds majority required for the bill to be considered an emergency measure, which would have allowed the budget to take effect immediately after the governor’s signature. Without an emergency designation, all bills take effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns. With the adjournment, the budget and other non-emergency bills will take effect June 20. After approving the budget, Gov. Mills signed a proclamation calling the Legislature to reconvene March 25 for a special session.

The Massachusetts House of Representatives called for a special election to be held on May 13 for the 3rd Bristol District. The seat was previously held by Rep. Carol Doherty who passed away at the age of 82 after battling pancreatic cancer. A special primary will take place May 13.

Gov. Ayotte and the Executive Council scheduled a special election to be held on June 24 for state representative in Strafford County District 12. The seat was previously held by Gerri Cannon, the first transgender legislator elected in the state. A primary election will be held on May 6.

Gov. Lamont ordered a special election to be held on April 22 for state House District 113 after Rep. Jason Perillo’s resignation. Perillo resigned on February 28 after winning a special election for Senate District 21.

City Council voted 8-1 to establish an ethics commission over two years after voters approved the idea by ballot question in 2022. City Council will adopt a code of ethics created by the commission, and the code will be updated every three years. The commission will have the power to issue advisory opinions and decisions on violations of the code of ethics.

The New York Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (COELIG) was ruled to be constitutional by the state Court of Appeals, the highest court in New York. The ruling comes after an appellate court unanimously found the commission unconstitutional because COELIG violates the governor’s ability to enforce ethics laws as many members of the commission are not appointed by the governor. The Court of Appeals reversed citing a need for an independent agency to enforce ethics rules.

The Massachusetts House of Representatives called for a special election to be held on May 13 for District 6. Rep. Jerald Parisella declined to take the oath of office for a new term because he was appointed as an associate justice of the District Court in November. A special primary will take place April 15.

The state’s Elections Division increased contribution limits to adjust for inflation. Under the revised limits, contributions per election cycle are capped at $5,180 for statewide candidates and PACs; $1,290 for state House candidates; and $1,940 for state Senate candidates.

The Commission on Governmental Ethics and Elections Practices raised contribution limits based on adjustments to the consumer price index. Individuals, PACs, and corporations may now contribute up to $2,075 per election to gubernatorial candidates; $500 per election to legislative candidates; and $600 per election for municipal candidates. The next adjustment to contribution limits is expected to occur in 2027.

Rep. Matt Gergely has passed away after suffering a medical emergency. Gergely represented Pennsylvania’s 35th district after winning a special election in 2023. A special election will be held to fill the vacancy.

Lt. Gov. Austin signed a writ of election for the state Senate District 36 after Sen. Ryan Aument’s resignation. The special election will be held on Tuesday, March 25. Aument resigned to become Sen. Dave McCormick’s state director.