July 21, 2026 •
Aurora, Illinois Passes Ethics Ordinances Amending Lobbyist Regulations and Campaign Contributions
City Council passed two ethics ordinances on July 14 which are effective immediately. Ordinance 2026-047 prohibits lobbyists and entities in which they hold ownership interests from making direct or in-kind contributions to any candidate or elected official or their authorized […]
City Council passed two ethics ordinances on July 14 which are effective immediately. Ordinance 2026-047 prohibits lobbyists and entities in which they hold ownership interests from making direct or in-kind contributions to any candidate or elected official or their authorized political committee or PAC. The ordinance also incorporates state campaign finance limits while prohibiting anyone who is seeking business with the city and anyone who has done business with the city during the preceding four reporting years from donating more than $1,500 per year to city candidates and elected officials, or to any official or employee of the city who is seeking election to any other office. Violators would be barred from doing business with the city for four years. Ordinance 2026-046 requires elected officials, candidates and certain city employees to annually file a disclosure statement which includes any gifts, loans or services they’ve received from those doing business with the city.
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July 10, 2026 •
Alaska Governor Vetoes House Bill 16
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy vetoed House Bill 16 yesterday, which would have reimposed campaign contribution limits on state elections. HB 16 would have limited individual contributions to each candidate at $2,000 per election cycle. Political parties and other groups could […]
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy vetoed House Bill 16 yesterday, which would have reimposed campaign contribution limits on state elections. HB 16 would have limited individual contributions to each candidate at $2,000 per election cycle. Political parties and other groups could contribute up to $4,000 to a candidate each election cycle. Contributions to gubernatorial elections would be limited to $4,000 for individuals and $8,000 for groups. The bill’s purpose was to reduce the influence of wealthy donors. Dunleavy explained he did not feel the bill went far enough in limiting wealthier candidates from funding themselves. With HB 16 being vetoed, a similar ballot measure will be presented to voters at the primary election on August 18. If the bill had passed, the ballot measure would have been cancelled.
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July 7, 2026 •
Tempe, Arizona Increases Contribution Limits
The city of Tempe, Arizona increased campaign contribution limits for the 2028 election cycle from individuals to candidates for mayor and City Council from $650 to $690 per contributor. From PACs, the limit increased from $1,300 to $1,370, and from […]
The city of Tempe, Arizona increased campaign contribution limits for the 2028 election cycle from individuals to candidates for mayor and City Council from $650 to $690 per contributor. From PACs, the limit increased from $1,300 to $1,370, and from mega PACs, the limit increased from $6,480 to $6,840. The limit on aggregate PAC and mega PAC contributions to a candidate increased from $12,970 to $13,700.
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KENTUCKY: The Registry of Election Finance issued a legislative update for changes effective July 15. House Bill 139 increases the individual per election contribution limit to candidates and per year contribution limit to permanent committees and contributing organizations from the […]
KENTUCKY: The Registry of Election Finance issued a legislative update for changes effective July 15. House Bill 139 increases the individual per election contribution limit to candidates and per year contribution limit to permanent committees and contributing organizations from the current $2,200 to $3,500. The increase matches limits for federal candidates and ties future contribution limit increases to adjustments made by the FEC. The bill also increases the maximum amount of cash contributions and anonymous contributions from $100 to $200. Contribution limits to executive committees and caucus campaign committees increase from $5,000 per year to $10,000 per year. The bill also changes the time to file reports from two days to seven days after the end of the reporting period.
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June 11, 2026 •
Oklahoma Ethics Commission Releases Updated Rules
The Oklahoma Ethics Commission announced the updated 2026 Ethics Rules are available. Campaign finance updates include increasing the limit for cash contributions from $50 to $200. In lobbying regulations, the rule permitting infrequent gifts from legislative lobbyists on occasions of […]
The Oklahoma Ethics Commission announced the updated 2026 Ethics Rules are available. Campaign finance updates include increasing the limit for cash contributions from $50 to $200. In lobbying regulations, the rule permitting infrequent gifts from legislative lobbyists on occasions of personal significance has been repealed. The governor, legislators, or any employee of the governor or the Legislature may now accept gifts of traditional business expenses from legislative lobbyists and lobbyist principals. Meals and other traditional business expenses, as well as non-meal food and beverage, are reported when the cumulative yearly total exceeds $20. Lobbyist principals of legislative lobbyists may now provide food and beverage for legislative sessions.
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June 10, 2026 •
U.S. Virgin Islands Increases Political Contribution Limits
The campaign contribution limits for candidates in the U.S. Virgin Islands have been adjusted pursuant to the passage of Senate Bill 236. The amount that may be contributed to candidates by individuals, committees, corporations, and labor unions has increased from […]
The campaign contribution limits for candidates in the U.S. Virgin Islands have been adjusted pursuant to the passage of Senate Bill 236. The amount that may be contributed to candidates by individuals, committees, corporations, and labor unions has increased from $1,000 to $3,500 per election. The contribution limit to a multicandidate political committee has increased from $1,000 to $3,500 per candidate per election. The updates took effect upon approval by Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. on June 9.
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Hawaii Redefines Corporate Powers to Exclude Election Spending Hawaii has enacted one of the most significant state-level laws concerning corporate election activity since the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. Senate Bill 2471, signed […]
Hawaii Redefines Corporate Powers to Exclude Election Spending
Hawaii has enacted one of the most significant state-level laws concerning corporate election activity since the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. Senate Bill 2471, signed into law by Governor Josh Green, redefines the scope of corporate powers for entities organized or transacting business in Hawaii by explicitly excluding election-related spending. The law is set to take effect on July 1, 2027, though legal challenges are anticipated before that date.
Understanding what the law allows, which entities it covers, and what penalties apply is essential for any organization with a presence in the state.
What Hawaii’s SB 2471 Changes for Corporate Election Activity
At its core, SB 2471 removes election and ballot-issue activity from the scope of powers available to corporations and other artificial legal entities in Hawaii. This means that covered entities will be effectively prevented from paying, contributing, or expending money or anything of value, whether directly or indirectly, to support or oppose a candidate, political committee, or political party.
The law applies beyond candidate elections. Covered entities are also prevented from spending to support or oppose constitutional amendments, county charter amendments, or other ballot questions once those measures have been formally certified or submitted to voters. Additionally, the law removes the authority for covered entities to make donations of any kind, except charitable donations.
There is an exception for bona fide news stories, commentaries, and editorials. However, even that exception does not apply if the broadcasting, print, online, or digital distribution facility is owned or controlled by a candidate, political committee, or political party.
Which Entities Are Covered Under the New Hawaii Election Spending Law
SB 2471 applies broadly across entity types. The law covers domestic and foreign corporations, professional corporations, credit unions, agricultural cooperative associations, consumer cooperative associations, limited-equity housing cooperatives, limited liability partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability companies, nonprofit associations, and nonprofit corporations other than committees.
A critical provision of the bill conditions its applicability on ongoing enforcement against foreign entities transacting business in Hawaii.
Candidate committees, noncandidate committees, and similar committees created under federal law are explicitly granted the power to engage in election and ballot-issue activity. These carve-outs preserve the ability of political committees to operate within established campaign finance frameworks
Penalties for Violations of Hawaii’s Corporate Powers Limits
Any election or ballot-issue activity by a covered entity will be deemed void. Beyond that, the consequences for violations can include suspension of the entity’s authority to operate or transact business in Hawaii, ineligibility for state contracts, designation as a non-compliant entity, revocation of the entity’s operating instrument, involuntary dissolution, and revocation of tax-exempt status where applicable.
Enforcement authority is limited to two state officials: the attorney general and the director of commerce and consumer affairs. This centralized enforcement structure means that private parties and local officials cannot independently pursue violations, Hawaii’s Law in the Context of the Post-Citizens United Landscape
Hawaii is not acting in isolation. The state is one of several jurisdictions that have introduced measures this year addressing the role of corporate powers in elections. These efforts represent an ongoing legislative response to the 2010 Citizens United decision, which held that the federal government’s restriction on independent political expenditures by corporations, associations, and labor unions violated the First Amendment.
While the Citizens United ruling remains the law of the land at the federal level and as applied throughout the states, Hawaii is approaching the issue in a novel way. SB 2471 received overwhelming bipartisan support in both chambers of the Hawaii legislature, signaling broad political backing for the measure. However, the law is expected to face legal challenges before its effective date of July 1, 2027.
Organizations operating in Hawaii or monitoring state-level campaign finance developments should track the progress of any litigation closely, as court rulings could shape the future of similar measures in other states.
Steps for Businesses and Organizations to Prepare
Even though the law does not take effect until July 2027, companies and organizations with operations in Hawaii should begin evaluating their existing election and ballot-issue spending activity. Assess whether your entity type is covered under the law. Identify any planned contributions, expenditures, or ballot-measure spending that would need to be curtailed before the effective date.
For organizations operating across multiple states, Hawaii’s new law adds another layer to an already complex patchwork of state-level campaign finance and corporate governance requirements. State and Federal Communications provides compliance consulting services to help government affairs professionals and corporate counsel navigate these evolving obligations.
SB 2471 removes election and ballot-issue activity from the scope of corporate powers in Hawaii. Covered entities are prevented from paying, contributing, or spending money to support or oppose candidates, political committees, political parties, or ballot measures. The law also prevents non-charitable donations.
The law applies to a wide range of entity types, including domestic and foreign corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, professional corporations, credit unions, cooperative associations, nonprofit associations, and nonprofit corporations. Candidate committees, noncandidate committees, and similar committees created under federal law are treated uniquely in that they are granted the power to engage in election and ballot-issue activity.
The law is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2027. However, legal challenges are expected before that date, and organizations should monitor developments closely.
Penalties include suspension of the entity’s authority to transact business in Hawaii, ineligibility for state contracts, designation as non-compliant, revocation of operating instruments, involuntary dissolution, and revocation of tax-exempt status. Any prohibited election activity will also be deemed void.
Yes. The law applies to both domestic and foreign entities transacting business in Hawaii. For guidance on compliance, State and Federal Communications offers online compliance guidebooks and consulting services to assist organizations operating across multiple jurisdictions.
May 21, 2026 •
Missouri Passes Election Bill and Adjourns
The second regular session of the 103rd General Assembly has concluded except for a technical session on May 28 and the official adjournment sine die on May 30. During the session, lawmakers passed House Bill 1871, requiring all solicitations, except […]
The second regular session of the 103rd General Assembly has concluded except for a technical session on May 28 and the official adjournment sine die on May 30. During the session, lawmakers passed House Bill 1871, requiring all solicitations, except those from a connected organization of a continuing committee, to disclose what percentage of the campaign contribution will be received by the candidate, committee, or any other entity. The bill also requires donations to be one-time unless a donor affirmatively opts into recurring contributions. The bill permits a registered lobbyist to maintain a candidate committee designated to seek election to a county, municipal, or school board office, provided they are not registered to lobby the county, municipality, or school district. Gov. Kehoe must sign or veto legislation within 15 days after transmittal, or it becomes law without his signature with an effective date of August 28.
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City Council passed an ordinance limiting contributions by individuals to City Council candidates, candidate committees, PACs, or any set of related committees to $2,825 during any election cycle. Contributions were previously unlimited. Under Ordinance 2026-093, the Citizens’ Tax Oversight Committee […]
City Council passed an ordinance limiting contributions by individuals to City Council candidates, candidate committees, PACs, or any set of related committees to $2,825 during any election cycle. Contributions were previously unlimited. Under Ordinance 2026-093, the Citizens’ Tax Oversight Committee will investigate violations of the campaign finance ordinance. The ordinance is effective June 3, and contribution limits will be adjusted per the Consumer Price Index every four years in the same manner as state contribution limits.
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May 4, 2026 •
Corporate Campaign Contribution Rules: State Guide
Corporate Campaign Contribution Rules: What You Need to Know by State Corporations looking to make campaign contributions from corporate funds must navigate a layered compliance process. The rules vary significantly by state, covering whether contributions are permitted at all, whether […]
Corporate Campaign Contribution Rules: What You Need to Know by State
Corporations looking to make campaign contributions from corporate funds must navigate a layered compliance process. The rules vary significantly by state, covering whether contributions are permitted at all, whether registration is required, and what reporting obligations apply. Here is a step-by-step breakdown.
Step 1: Determine Whether Corporate Contributions Are Permitted
Not all states allow corporations to give campaign contributions. Before committing funds, confirm whether the relevant jurisdiction permits corporate giving.
- Prohibited states: Arkansas, Missouri, Ohio, and Pennsylvania prohibit corporations from making contributions to candidates.
- Limited giving: In Kentucky, corporations may only contribute to political issue committees and independent expenditure-only committees.
- Broad permissibility: States like Delaware and Virginia allow corporations to contribute to most candidates and committees.
- Capped giving: In New York, corporations may give up to $5,000 per calendar year to candidates and committees.
Step 2: Determine Whether Registration Is Required
Many states do not require corporations to register simply to make contributions. However, some states do trigger registration requirements based on spending thresholds.
South Carolina: A corporation that receives contributions, makes expenditures, or makes independent expenditures exceeding $500 in the aggregate during an election cycle to influence the outcome of an elective office is considered a committee and must register with the state.
Virginia: Any corporation that anticipates receiving contributions or spending more than $200 to influence the outcome of any nonfederal election must register as a political committee with the state Board of Elections. Corporations that contribute directly from operating funds are generally not required to register unless they make an independent expenditure benefiting a nonfederal Virginia candidate or political committee.
For corporations operating across multiple jurisdictions, tracking these thresholds is essential. State and Federal Communications’ corporate contribution compliance resources can help organizations stay current on registration obligations.
Step 3: Determine Whether Reporting Is Required
Even where contributions are permitted, and registration is not required, reporting obligations may still apply.
Washington: Contributions made from general corporate funds to candidates and political committees are not required to be reported annually. However, reporting is triggered when a corporation meets all three of the following conditions during the preceding calendar year:
- Contributes more than $24,000 in the aggregate to legislative or state office candidates and statewide ballot committees
- Makes independent expenditures totaling more than $1,200 for political advertising supporting or opposing one or more legislative or state office candidates and statewide ballot measures
- Employs a registered lobbyist
California: Corporations that qualify as a recipient committee, major donor committee, or independent expenditure committee must file disclosure reports with the state.
Check the Rules Before You Give
Campaign contribution laws differ substantially from state to state, and noncompliance can carry serious consequences. It is always best practice to review the applicable laws in each jurisdiction before making any contribution.
State and Federal Communications maintains resources on contribution law and compliance consulting services to help corporations navigate these requirements with confidence. Jurisdiction-specific guidance is also available through the firm’s online compliance guidebooks.
FAQ Section
It depends on the state. Some states, including Arkansas, Missouri, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, prohibit corporate contributions to candidates entirely. Others, like Delaware and Virginia, permit contributions to most candidates and committees. States such as New York allow corporate contributions subject to annual dollar limits.
Many states do not require registration for making contributions alone. However, some states impose registration thresholds. In South Carolina, a corporation spending more than $500 in aggregate during an election cycle to influence an election must register as a committee. In Virginia, the threshold for nonfederal election activity is $200.
Reporting requirements vary by state. In Washington, reporting is triggered when a corporation exceeds $24,000 in aggregate contributions to legislative or state office candidates and statewide ballot committees, makes more than $1,200 in independent expenditure political advertising, and employs a registered lobbyist. In California, corporations that qualify as recipient committees, major donor committees, or independent expenditure committees must file disclosure reports.
The first step is confirming whether corporate contributions are legally permitted in the relevant jurisdiction. From there, corporations should assess whether registration and reporting obligations apply based on the amount and nature of the contributions.
State and Federal Communications publishes contribution law resources and provides expert compliance consulting for corporations navigating multi-jurisdictional political giving.
The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) released their annual report for 2025. Last year’s election had unprecedented campaign spending and a new record for disclosure reports filed. Additionally, 6270 lobbyist reports and 2,419 pay-to-play reports were filed. The […]
The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) released their annual report for 2025. Last year’s election had unprecedented campaign spending and a new record for disclosure reports filed. Additionally, 6270 lobbyist reports and 2,419 pay-to-play reports were filed. The report contains policy recommendations for lawmakers, including proposing requiring quarterly and 72/24-hour notice reports for independent expenditure committees. The report can be found at https://www.elec.nj.gov/pdffiles/annual_reports/annual2025.pdf.
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April 10, 2026 •
Mississippi Legislature Session Adjourns
The Mississippi Legislature adjourned after passing the state budget but may reconvene on April 15 unless it is declared unnecessary by the leaders of the House and Senate. Many procurement and political contribution bills died in committee this session. These include a […]
The Mississippi Legislature adjourned after passing the state budget but may reconvene on April 15 unless it is declared unnecessary by the leaders of the House and Senate. Many procurement and political contribution bills died in committee this session. These include a bill that would raise competitive bidding thresholds to $15,000, a change in primary election dates, and prohibition on contributions from foreign nationals. Bills that have passed include raises to teachers’ salaries, changing the structure of public employee’s retirement systems, and natural disaster relief.
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March 18, 2026 •
Salt Lake City, Utah Contribution Limits Increased
The campaign contribution limits for city elections have been adjusted. The amount that may be contributed to mayoral candidates increased from $3,980 to $4,200 per election cycle. The amount for City Council candidates increased from $850 to $900 per election […]
The campaign contribution limits for city elections have been adjusted. The amount that may be contributed to mayoral candidates increased from $3,980 to $4,200 per election cycle. The amount for City Council candidates increased from $850 to $900 per election cycle.
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March 11, 2026 •
Oregon Legislature Adjourns Sine Die
The 2026 legislature adjourned sine die on March 6. Lawmakers passed a campaign finance reform bill to modify the timeline of certain campaign finance regulations passed during the previous 2024 legislative session. House Bill 4018 makes certain technical fixes to […]
The 2026 legislature adjourned sine die on March 6. Lawmakers passed a campaign finance reform bill to modify the timeline of certain campaign finance regulations passed during the previous 2024 legislative session. House Bill 4018 makes certain technical fixes to definitions within the previous 2024 bill. It also pushes back the implementation date for a contribution tracking system from 2028 to 2032. The contribution limits remain unchanged and are set to go into effect next year. State officials have recognized the law still needs extensive work and have also passed Senate Bill 1502, which directs the secretary of state to prefile proposed legislation next year setting forth recommendations for changes to the campaign finance limitation presently being implemented. Both bills have been sent to Gov. Tina Kotek. If signed, House Bill 4018 is effective immediately and Senate Bill 1502 becomes effective June 5.
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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.
