At any given time, more than 1,000 legislative bills, which can affect how you do business as a government affairs professional, are being discussed in federal, state, and local jurisdictions. These bills are summarized in State and Federal Communications’ digital encyclopedias for lobbying laws, political contributions, and procurement lobbying and can be found in the client portion of our website.

Summaries of major bills are also included in monthly email updates sent to all clients. The chart below shows the number of bills we are tracking in regard to lobbying laws, political contributions, and procurement lobbying.

Lobbying

“Lobbing World” in The Hill.

“Bottom Line” in The Hill.

“TechAmerica Lobbyists Jump Ship for Rival Outfit” by Brian Heaton in Government Technology.

Campaign Finance

“Secret Persuasion: How Big Campaign Donors Stay Anonymous” by Peter Overby, Viveca Novak, and Robert Maguire on NPR.

“From Social Welfare Groups, A River Of Political Influence” by Peter Overby, Viveca Novak, and Robert Maguire on NPR.

“‘Unobtainium’ and the blurry lines of campaign finance law” by Matea Gold in The Washington Post.

“The Dirty Business Of Tax-Exempt Campaign Money Laundries” by Howard Gleckman in Forbes.

Arizona: “State Supreme Court asked to restore increased campaign contributions” by Howard Fischer in the Arizona Daily Star.

Louisiana: “Database: Search Louisiana campaign finance contributions” by Dmitriy Pritykin, in The Times-Picayune.

Louisiana: “Louisiana’s top 400 campaign donors get around legal limits to magnify political influence” by Manuel Torres in The Times-Picayune.

Massachusetts: “Attorney General Martha Coakley’s campaign funds in disarray” by Frank Phillips in The Telegraph.

Minnesota: “Campaign Finance Questions Still Unanswered” by The Associated Press in KAAL TV News.

Ethics

“Twitter IPO Makes House Ethics Nervous” by Matt Fuller in Roll Call.

Tech and Social Media

“What NASA Can Teach the Rest of Government About Using Social Media” by Mark Micheli in Government Executive.

Lobbying

“Lobby firm brings on Obama aide” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.

California: “FPPC fines ex-lawmaker Mike Roos for improper contributions” by Laurel Rosenhall in The Sacramento Bee.

Florida: “Tallahassee lobbyists won’t be audited until 2015” by Aaron Deslatte in the Orlando Sentinel.

Campaign Finance

California: “Assemblyman Alejo to return $21,092 in excess campaign contributions” by Patrick McGreevy in the Los Angeles Times.

Ethics

“Hacking Attempts on Federal Election Commisison Website” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine.

California: “Ex-Senate leader Dean Florez faces fines for misusing campaign funds” by Patrick McGreevy in the Los Angeles Times.

Florida: “Suspend ethics commission, state audit committee tells Palm Beach County” by Jennifer Sorentrue in the Palm Beach Post.

Massachusetts: “Massachusetts: State Ethics Commission conflict plan could have ‘huge effect on towns’” by Andy Metzger in The Republican.

Elections

“Roll Call’s 10 Most Vulnerable House Members Revealed” by Shira T. Center and Emily Cahn and Abby Livingston in Roll Call.

Alabama: “Alabama Special Election Is Proxy Battle for National GOP” by Emily Cahn in Roll Call.

Mississippi: “3 special elections for House seats Tuesday” by The Associated Press in the Sun Herald.

South Carolina: “Dozens of cities are holding elections in SC” by The Associated Press in GoUpstate.com.

Redistricting

Alaska: “Redistricting board withdraws request for delay” by The Associated Press in the Anchorage Daily News.

Lobbying

“Cooley-Dow Lohnes merger leaves lobbyists out” by Catherine Ho in The Washington Post.

“Hotel trade group shakes up lobby team” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.

Alabama: “Bill aims to discourage lawmakers from departing for lobbying positions” by Brian Lyman in the Montgomery Advertiser.

Florida: “As lawmakers consider audits, documents show how lawmakers-turned-lobbyists help tip the scales for large lobbying firms” by Matt Dixon in The Florida Time-Union.

Texas: “Candidates to lead Texas accept meals, gifts, more from lobbyists” by Christy Hoppe in The Dallas Morning News.

Campaign Finance

California: “Disgorgement Fight Could Shape Dark Money’s Future in CA” by Ben Adler in Capital Public Radio.

California: “California probe of campaign donations sheds light on ‘dark money’” by Chris Megerian and Anthony York in the Los Angeles Times.

Washington: “Washington elections draw big out-of-state donations” by Brian M. Rosenthal in The Spokesman-Review.

Ethics

California: “Gifts and elected officials” by Bennett Kessler in Sierra Wave.

New York: “JCOPE leader ballot splits commission 9-5” by James M. Odato in the Times Union.

South Carolina: “State House for Sale: Big businesses pay off in jobs, political contributions” by Jeff Wilkinson in The State.

Elections

“Federal Election Commission Lists 2014 Election Dates” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine.

Iowa: “Koch Group Has Ambitions in Small Races” by John Eligon in The New York Times.

New York: “N.Y. to run voter hotline on Election Day” by The Associated Press in the Times Union.

The new contribution limits passed earlier this year take effect today. The contribution limit for individuals, corporations, PACs, and other groups increased from $500 to $3,000 for statewide candidates, and from $500 to $1,000 for legislative candidates.

The legislation also eliminated the contribution limits for contributions to political committees.

Federal:

Michelle Obama Policy Initiatives Are a Big Deal for Big Business

Politico – Byron Tau and Helena Bottemiller Evich | Published: 10/30/2013

First lady Michelle Obama’s two signature policy initiatives, the Let’s Move! childhood obesity effort and the veteran-focused Joining Forces, have earned her bipartisan praise. Those efforts have been developed in close cooperation with some of K Street and corporate America’s biggest players that stand to benefit from the exposure, public goodwill generated from being involved in a public health or charitable effort, or the policy itself.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – California State Sen. Ron Calderon Accepted $88,000 in Bribes, FBI Affidavit Alleges

Sacramento Bee – Laurel Rosenhall | Published: 10/30/2013

California Sen. Ron Calderon allegedly accepted about $88,000 in bribes from an undercover FBI agent during an elaborate sting operation. An affidavit, filed as the FBI sought a search warrant for Calderon’s office, alleges he worked with interest groups in a “pay-to-play” fashion, accepting money in exchange for promises to carry or amend legislation to their benefit.

California – Critics Howl over Lobbyist Walking Governor’s Dog

San Francisco Chronicle – Carla Manucci | Published: 10/24/2013

Some are questioning whether Jennifer Fearing, senior state director for the Humane Society of the United States, has turned her role as regular walker of California Gov. Jerry Brown’s dog into an effective way to lobby the state’s chief executive on animal rights issues. Fearing had a perfect record this legislative season in getting bills signed by Brown, placing her in the ranks of Sacramento’s most effective lobbyists.

California – L.A. Moves to Boost Limits on Gifts to Lawmakers

Los Angeles Times – Steve Zahniser | Published: 10/25/2013

The Los Angeles Ethics Commission sent the city council its recommendation for new and more stringent limits on gifts to the city officials, part of a much larger package of rule changes. But when the council took up the proposal recently, they sought an increase, not a decrease, in the size of allowable gifts from bidders, contractors, and others with a financial stake in a city decision.

Colorado – Group Tests New Tactic with Ethics Complaint against Gov. Hickenlooper

Denver Post – Lynn Bartels | Published: 10/31/2013

Some groups are using ethics complaints to impugn the integrity of candidates in Colorado, even when the complaint is found to be without merit. The move has attracted bipartisan criticism.

Florida – Lobbyist Watch: Superlobbyist Platt’s “Rules for Successful Lobbying”

South Florida Sentinel – Brittany Wallman | Published: 10/29/2013

Broward County lobbyist George Platt has come up with guidelines for being successful in the influence industry. “Somehow the list grows as time passes … [there are] too many who lack a moral compass trying to become lobbyists; unlike some professions, there is no set of qualifications for entry,” said Platt.

Iowa – Big Campaign Group Gets Involved in Tiny Iowa Race

Business Week – Ryan Foley (Associated Press) | Published: 10/31/2013

Americans for Prosperity, the organization backed by the billionaire Koch brothers, has jumped into the municipal election in Coralville, Iowa and turned it into a referendum on government spending and borrowing. Residents of the town, with a population of 19,000, say they have never seen such an outside effort in a local vote, let alone by a conservative group in the state’s most Democratic county.

Iowa – Iowa Senate Ethics Rule Protects the ‘First-in-the-Nation’ Franchise

Quad City Times – James Lynch | Published: 10/24/2013

State Senate Ethics Committee Chairperson Wally Horn said the chamber’s rule prohibiting senators from being paid staffers of campaigns and PACs is there to protect the franchise of Iowa’s first-in-the-nation presidential caucuses. Other states that closely follow Iowa in the nomination process do not seem to share Horn’s concern, however.

Nevada

Embattled Nevada Assemblyman Jim Wheeler Urged to Resign after Slavery Comment

Reno Gazette-Journal – Sandra Chereb (Associated Press) | Published: 10/30/2013

A YouTube video surfaced of an event at which Nevada Assemblyperson Jim Wheeler said he would vote to allow slavery if that was the desire of his constituents. He said he believes it is his job to represent those who elected him regardless of his own beliefs. “If that’s what they wanted, I’d have to hold my nose … they’d probably have to hold a gun to my head, but yeah,” said Wheeler.

Nevada – Public Policy Maker or Private Lobbyist? 10 State Officials Play Dual Roles

Las Vegas Sun – Andrew Doughman | Published: 10/27/2013

Disclosure reports filed with the Nevada Commission on Ethics detail how legislators and members of state boards and commissions often get paid to do business before state agencies, boards, and commissions. Their elected or appointed positions likely enable them to build relationships and gain expertise useful in their private enterprise, a fact recognized by lawmakers when they passed a disclosure law in 1991.

New Mexico – Report Examines NM Lobbyists’ Largesse

Albuquerque Journal – Deborah Baker | Published: 10/31/2013

A report from New Mexico Common Cause said spending on lobbying “plays an influential role” in state lawmakers’ votes. Common Cause had several recommendations for regulating lobbyists, including requiring more specific information on disclosure reports and limits on their cumulative campaign donations.

New York – Turmoil in Ethics Hiring

Albany Times Union – James Odato | Published: 10/29/2013

The Joint Commission on Public Ethics hired Letizia Tagliafierro as its new executive director during a closed door meeting. In the brief public part of the meeting, commission member Ellen Yaroshefsky proposed what she called an independent search for an executive director. Yaroshefsky later resigned from the panel.

Oklahoma – Ex-Okla. Lawmaker Guilty in Bribery Trial

BusinessWeek – Tim Talley (Associated Press) | Published: 10/30/2013

Former Oklahoma Rep. Randy Terrill has been convicted of bribery. Prosecutors alleged Terrill offered to put former Democratic Sen. Debbe Leftwich in an $80,000-a-year job at the state medical examiner’s office if she would agree to not seek re-election in 2010 so a Republican, Rep. Mike Christian, could run for her open seat.

South Dakota – Power Shift Sought in Pierre: Governor’s office has been dominating legislative process

Sioux Fall Argus Leader – David Montgomery | Published: 10/30/2013

South Dakota legislative have begun looking for ways to strengthen their voice in state policy debates. Compared to the executive branch, with a full-time governor and his or her year-round staff, along with myriad state employees, South Dakota’s part-time citizen Legislature has fewer resources, less information, and less time to tackle problems.

Virginia – McAuliffe’s Wealth Could Create Conflicts of Interest

The Virginian-Pilot – Julian Walker | Published: 10/31/2013

If Terry McAuliffe becomes Virginia’s next governor, his business interests could trigger conflicts-of-interest. His campaign says his investments would go into a blind trust, but Republicans remain skeptical, given their view of McAuliffe’s history as a political financier with interests they say could intersect with a governor’s duties.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.

Lobbying

“Spending on Lobbying Keeps Slipping” by Russ Choma in the Center for Responsive Politics’ OpenSecrets.org.

“Surging cellphone industry shops for a new lobby chief” by Brendan Sasso and Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.

New Mexico: “Report examines NM lobbyists’ largesse” by Deborah Baker in the Albuquerque Journal.

Tennessee: “Tennessee Railroads names top lobbyist” by Lori Becker in the Nashville Business Journal.

Campaign Finance

“Do Rich Donors Really Buy Elections? These Stunning Maps Say It All” by Raphaella Baek in PolicyMic.

New Jersey: “Record Spending in New Jersey Elections” by Heather Haddon in The Wall Street Journal.

Texas: “Complete campaign finance totals for 2013 Houston races” in the Houston Chronicle.

Ethics

New York: “NY corruption commission subpoenas Senate Republican campaign committee records” by The Associated Press in the Post-Standard.

Tech and Social Media

Alaska: “Alaska lawmakers OK Facebook access for gov’t work” by Becker Bohrer (Associated Press) in the Anchorage Daily News.

Lobbying

“Top Lobbyists 2013” in The Hill.

“Lobbying World” in The Hill.

“K Street sees tax reform slowly dying” by Bernie Becker in The Hill.

Iowa: “Lobbying rules reviewed for former governor’s aide” by The Associated Press in the Omaha World Herald.

Campaign Finance

“SEC Poised to Improve Political Spending Transparency” by Lisa Rosenberg in the Sunlight Foundation Blog.

Nevada: “Sandoval pulls plug on perks for campaign donations” by Sandra Chereb, Associated Press in the Las Vegas Sun.

New York: “Four lobbying groups seek donor exemption from NY ethics board” by Jon Campbell in the Democrat & Chronicle.

Washington: “Seattle Chamber broke campaign finance rules to aid Murray PAC” by Russ Walker on KING5.com.

Ethics

New York: “Source: Commissioner quits NY ethics board” by Michael Gormley (Associated Press) in the Auburn Citizen.

Oklahoma: “Former Oklahoma Rep. Randy Terrill found guilty of political bribery charge” by Nolan Clay in The Oklahoman.

Tech and Social Media

“Slideshow: How Governments Are Using Instagram” in Governing.

Opponents of Initiative 522, a ballot measure requiring food producers to label food items containing genetically engineered ingredients, have broken a Washington fundraising record.

The No on 522 campaign has raised more than $21 million, the most money ever raised by a statewide initiative campaign.

The overall fundraising for Initiative 522, on both sides of the issue, totals $27.7 million, which is the second highest total in state history.

Lobbying

“K Street king mulls ‘going global’” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.

“From Cantor to K Street” by Eric Wasson in The Hill.

“Bring in the clowns: Lobby groups try fun and games” by Emily Goodin in The Hill.

Canada: “Lobbying watchdog hands down first ever suspension” by Kady O’Malley in CBC News.

New Mexico: “Report compares votes, industry lobbying figures” by Steve Terrell in The Santa Fe New Mexican.

North Carolina: “Longtime lobbyists start new ventures” by Laura Leslie in WRAL.

Texas: “Ethics commission to hold confidential hearing on lobbyists” by Ross Ramsey in the Lubbock Avalanche Journal.

Campaign Finance

District of Columbia: “Ending pay-to-play in D.C.” editorial in The Washington Post.

New York: “Moreland Commission targets campaign-finance law enforcement” by Paul LaRocco in Newsday.

Pennsylvania: “Harrisburg mayoral candidates skirt campaign finance rules” by Emily Previti in The Patriot-News.

Ethics

“Federal Election Commission Returns to Full Membership” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

“Ex-U.S. Rep. Rick Renzi gets 3-year prison term” by The Associated Press in Politico.

New Hampshire:  “N.H. ethics panel opens investigation into Sen. Peter Bragdon’s hiring by LGC” by Ben Leubsdorf in the Concord Monitor.

Tech and Social Media

“Why States Need Social Media Policies” by Melissa Maynard in Stateline.

Lobbying

“Exclusive: Washington lobbying law firm in merger talks – sources” by Casey Sullivan in Reuters.

Nevada: “Public policy maker or private lobbyist? 10 state officials play dual roles” by Andrew Doughman in the Las Vegas Sun.

Campaign Finance

Delaware: “Delaware Faces Lawsuit Over Campaign Finance Law That Targets Political Speech” by Ed Krayewski in Reason.com.

Michigan: “Michigan investigating Bernero, aides after campaign finance complaint” by Kristen M. Daum in the Detroit Free Press.

Nevada: “Sandoval campaign offers perks for cash” by Sandra Chereb (Associated Press) in the Miami Herald.

New Jersey: “Special interest groups exert growing influence in N.J. campaigns” by Matt Friedman in The Star-Ledger.

New York: “State limit on donations in doubt” by Rick Karlin in the Times Union.

Wisconsin: “Wisconsin lawmakers rake in special interest money” by Donovan Slack in the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

Ethics

California: “Settlement is last hurrah for campaign finance watchdog Ann Ravel” by Chris Megerian in the Los Angeles Times.

California: “Calif., PACs reach $1M campaign-finance settlement” by The Associated Press in the Las Vegas Sun.

California: “L.A. moves to boost limits on gifts to lawmakers” by David Zahniser in the Los Angeles Times.

Florida: “Ethics Commission wants more time for Fresen case” by James Call in the Florida Current.

Georgia: “Jordan to join Ga. ethics commission” by Christina Cassidy (Associated Press) I the Athens Banner-Herald.

Iowa: “Iowa Senate ethics rule protects the ‘first-in-the-nation’ franchise” by James Q. Lynch in the Sioux City Journal.

New York: “Job interview raises ethical questions” by James M. Odato in the Times Union.

Oklahoma: “Jurors at political bribery trial see negative side of Oklahoma Legislature” by Nolan Clay in The Oklahoman.

Texas: “Regulating Campaigns and Lobbying, Seen and Unseen” by Ross Ramsey in the Texas Tribune.

Elections

“2013 Legislative Elections: Fierce but Few” by Daniel C. Vock in Stateline.

From the State Legislatures

Hawaii: “Hawaii lawmakers to hold special session to consider gay marriage” by Malia Mattoch and Suzanne Roig in Reuters.

Montana: “Montana legislators debate rolling back term limits” by Reid Wilson in The Washington Post.

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals has reversed a District Court ruling, denying a preliminary injunction on campaign contributions to independent-expenditure PACs. The lawsuit was filed by New York Progress and Protection PAC, who alleged that a wealthy donor, Shaun McCutcheon, pledged to donate $200,000 to the PAC in support of Joseph J. Lhota, a NYC mayoral candidate. McCutcheon’s donation, however, would exceed the contribution limit of $150,000 to independent-expenditure committees set by New York law.

The Circuit Court granted the injunction, stating the contribution limits are “likely unconstitutional” and the claim has a substantial likelihood of success. The Court further noted the plaintiffs would face irreparable harm if the injunction was not granted.

The donor in question, Shaun McCutcheon, is also embroiled in a similar suit before the Supreme Court of the United States, challenging the federal limits to campaign contributions.

Lobbying

“Lobbyists shift strategy amid gridlocked Congress” by Catherine Ho in The Washington Post.

“GOP hardliners reach out to K Street” by Anna Palmer and Jake Sherman in Politico.

“Primary challenges would require shift from Chamber of Commerce” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.

“Grocery Manufacturers Assn. Discloses Federal and Washington State Lobbying” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine.

“Lobbying Heats Up Before Farm Talks” by Ron Nixon in The New York Times.

Campaign Finance

“Political influence by county: A new way to look at campaign finance data” by Ryan Sibley and Bob Lannon and Ben Chartoff in the Sunlight Foundation Blog.

California: “California’s political watchdog settles with shadowy Arizona group criticized for not disclosing donors” by Jessica Calefati in the San Jose Mercury-News.

California: “Political watchdog to levy $1-million fine on out-of-state groups” by Chris Megerian and Anthony York in the Los Angeles Times.

Connecticut: “Reporters grill Malloy on fundraisers” by Ken Dixon in the Connecticut Post.

District of Columbia: “McDuffie’s Campaign Finance Reform Bill Isn’t Strong Enough, Says Wells” by Matt Cohen in dcist.com.

New York: “Ex-Liu campaign treasurer appeals conviction in NY” by Larry Neumeister in the Post-Star.

Wisconsin: “Wisconsin lawmakers rake in special interest money” by Donovan Slack in the Fond du Lac Reporter.

Ethics

Iowa: “Three words make big difference in Iowa legislative ethics rules” by James Q. Lynch in the Sioux City Journal.

State Legislatures

Montana lawmaker term limits: “Montana lawmakers seek to strengthen Legislature” by The Associated Press in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle.

Tech and Social Media

“Change.org Enables Elected Leaders To Respond To Petitions” by Sarah Lai Stirland in TechPresident.

Lobbying

“Lobbying World” in The Hill.

Campaign Finance

District of Columbia: “Campaign finance reform will get D.C. Council vote next month” by Mike DeBonis in The Washington Post.

Kentucky: “Outside groups spend millions to sway Ky. senate race” by Joseph Gerth in The Courier-Journal.

Ethics

Georgia: “State auditor to investigate Deal, ethics commission” by Christina A. Cassidy in the Athens Banner-Herald.

Elections

Washington: “Washington state special election could decide party control” by Reid Wilson in The Washington Post.

Tech and Social Media

“Now You Can Petition Some Members of Congress Directly” by Joseph Marks in Nextgov.

“Farewell to The Thicket” by Karl Kurtz in NCSL’s The Thicket. The Thicket will be absorbed by the NCSL blog found here.