On July 7, the gift limit for lobbyists imposed by Canada’s federal Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct increased from $40 for gifts and hospitality for an official they lobby or expect to lobby to $43. The new gift limit has an […]
On July 7, the gift limit for lobbyists imposed by Canada’s federal Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct increased from $40 for gifts and hospitality for an official they lobby or expect to lobby to $43. The new gift limit has an annual maximum amount of $215, per calendar year, from one lobbying source. The previous aggregate limit was $200. The intention of the limits is to avoid the creation of a sense of obligation on the part of the official. Both increases were announced by the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying of Canada, which considers Statistics Canada’s consumer price index. The commissioner, on an annual basis, has the option to take inflation into account in adjusting the individual and annual gift limit amounts.
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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 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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ALAKSA: The 2026 legislative session ended yesterday evening. Lawmakers passed House Bill 16 which makes various changes to the state’s campaign finance laws. New contribution limits will be imposed. Individuals may contribute up to $2,000 each election cycle to a […]
ALAKSA: The 2026 legislative session ended yesterday evening. Lawmakers passed House Bill 16 which makes various changes to the state’s campaign finance laws. New contribution limits will be imposed. Individuals may contribute up to $2,000 each election cycle to a nongroup entity or candidate. Individuals will be able to contribute $5,000 each per year to a political party or group entity. A group that is not a political party may contribute not more than $4,000 each election cycle to a candidate or $5,000 each year to another group entity, or to a political party. A nongroup entity may not contribute more than $4,000 each election cycle to another nongroup entity or $5,000 to a political party or group. When contributions are being made to a joint campaign for governor and lieutenant governor an individual may not contribute more than $4,000 each election cycle, while a group may not contribute more than $8,000 each election cycle. House Bill 16 is waiting the governor’s approval. The bill will take effect 90 days from when it is enacted. The new limits would be in place for the upcoming 2028 elections. Lawmakers will also return to a special session today, May 21. The special session has been called by Gov. Mike Dunleavy to address legislation relating to the taxation of certain natural gas pipeline property, amongst other issues. No hard deadline to the end of the session was given and it will continue for as long as necessary. This may affect lobbying reporting dates if the special session continues into June.
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May 21, 2026 •
The Abolish Super PACs Act Introduced in U.S. Senate
On May 20, Sen. Bernie Sanders introduced The Abolish Super PACs Act into the U.S. Senate. Senate Bill 4602 would amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to limit contributions to independent expenditure-only political action committees (super PACs) to […]
On May 20, Sen. Bernie Sanders introduced The Abolish Super PACs Act into the U.S. Senate. Senate Bill 4602 would amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to limit contributions to independent expenditure-only political action committees (super PACs) to $5,000 per individual per calendar year. Sanders asserts that the cap would effectively abolish the financial power and influence of super PACs in elections. The effective date would begin on the first calendar year after enactment of the legislation.
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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.
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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February 9, 2026 •
Austin, Texas Contribution Limits Increased
The City of Austin, Texas increased campaign contribution limits for candidates for mayor and city council from $450 to $500 per contributor per election. The aggregate contribution limit to candidates from donors outside of Austin increased to $48,000 per election, […]
The City of Austin, Texas increased campaign contribution limits for candidates for mayor and city council from $450 to $500 per contributor per election. The aggregate contribution limit to candidates from donors outside of Austin increased to $48,000 per election, and $32,000 per runoff election.
Invite them out for coffee or a steak? Make sure you know the gift restrictions of your state or municipality. Request a demo of our online guidebooks today.
October 28, 2025 •
Ontario Government Proposes Raising Contribution Limits and Changing Election Dates
On October 27, Attorney General Doug Downey announced comprehensive proposals to change Ontario’s dates of elections, increase its political contribution limits, eliminate pre-writ spending limits for third parties, and alter other provincial campaign finance laws. The reforms, announced in a news […]
On October 27, Attorney General Doug Downey announced comprehensive proposals to change Ontario’s dates of elections, increase its political contribution limits, eliminate pre-writ spending limits for third parties, and alter other provincial campaign finance laws.
The reforms, announced in a news release by the government of Ontario, would eliminate “American-style fixed election dates” in favor of provincial elections taking place on a date determined by the lieutenant governor on the advice of the premier, but within the five-year maximum limit mandated by the province’s constitution.
Beginning in 2026, individuals’ contribution limits to a political party would be raised from $3,400 to $5,000. Future increases would be indexed to the rate of inflation.
In addition to eliminating third party and political party pre-writ spending limits, the government proposes establishing new financial penalties for those not in compliance with the Election Finances Act.
The amendments to the law would also provide new investigative powers to the Chief Electoral Officer to request information from third parties to ensure they are in compliance with political advertising rules. The proposed changes to the law also include requiring third parties to provide proof of registration status to broadcasters and publishers before placing political advertisements during an election period.
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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.
