The New York General Assembly adjourned on June 8.

Lawmakers introduced various bills on the use of materially deceptive media or synthetic media in political communications.

Of these bills, only Senate Bill 9678B passed, which contains technical changes to better align state law with federal law on use of materially deceptive media in political communications.

The Vermont General Assembly adjourned sine die on Saturday, May 10.

During the session, lawmakers passed House Bill 875, which overhauls the Vermont ethics laws.

The bill grants the Ethics Commission the power to perform investigations and hearings.

Additionally, the bill creates a uniform Municipal Code of Ethics and repeals redundant municipal ethics laws.

If approved by the governor, sections of the bill will take effect on passage; January 1, 2025; or January 1, 2026.

On May 9, a New York appellate court unanimously upheld a lower court decision finding the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (COELIG) unconstitutional.

The court found COELIG violates the governor’s ability to enforce ethics laws as many members of the commission are not appointed by the governor.

The commission will continue to promote compliance with ethics and lobbying laws and may continue to process ethics disclosures and lobbyist filings.

COELIG stated they will seek an appeal and a stay to continue enforcing ethics and lobbying laws during the appeals process.

The Connecticut General Assembly adjourned sine die on May 8.

During the session, lawmakers passed Senate Bill 253 concerning foreign political spending.

The bill prohibits foreign nationals from making contributions or expenditures and individuals from receiving contributions from foreign nationals.

Additionally, it requires certification on independent expenditure reports that the person making the expenditure is not a foreign national.

If signed by the governor, Senate Bill 253 becomes effective from passage.

This does affect lobbying reporting.

The monthly employer activity report required any month the General Assembly is in regular session is due June 10.

The second regular session of the 131st Legislature statutorily adjourned on April 17.

The Legislature reconvenes May 10 for a veto session before adjourning sine die.

The general effective date for nonemergency laws passed is August 9.

This does affect lobbying reporting.

A registered lobbyist who anticipates no further lobbying for a client may file a request for a non-session waiver with their final monthly report for the session.