The group Represent South Dakota announced plans to lead efforts for a ballot measure in 2018 to amend South Dakota’s constitution to tighten ethics laws.

The Voter Protection and Anti-Corruption Amendment would ban lobbyist gifts to politicians, lower campaign contribution limits, and restrict the ability of lawmakers to overturn laws passed by voters.

Represent South Dakota has already filed the proposal with the Legislative Research Council and expects to start collecting signatures in June 2017.

The push for the new constitutional amendment comes in response to the recent repeal of Initiated Measure 22. Initiated Measure 22 was the voter approved ethics and campaign finance overhaul that established various lobbying and campaign finance restrictions.

See what’s happening in government relations this week in our News You Can Use Video Digest. Enjoy!

Federal:

DOJ Renews Promise of Action on Lobbying Law Compliance
Bloomberg BNA – Kenneth Doyle | Published: 4/5/2017

The Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) annual report on Lobbyist Disclosure Act (LDA) compliance noted the Justice Department expects to take action on four “chronic offenders” of the law. The report said House and Senate officials in charge of administering the LDA have referred thousands of cases of noncompliance, but the U.S. attorney’s office has been able to resolve only about half of these cases through letters and other contacts seeking compliance. The GAO said officials believe many of those who fail to file disclosure reports are no longer lobbying. But more than 1,300 referrals regarding failure to file lobbying reports remained unresolved last year. Meanwhile, another 700 referrals for failing to file required reports on lobbyists’ political contributions also remained unresolved.

Ethics Panel Opens Investigation into Nunes
The Hill – Cristina Marcos and Katie Bo Williams | Published: 4/6/2017

House Intelligence Committee Chairperson Devin Nunes (R-Calif.) temporarily recused himself from all matters related to the panel’s ongoing probe into Russia’s interference in the presidential election. The House ethics committee released a statement saying it would investigate allegations that “Nunes may have made unauthorized disclosures of classified information, in violation of House rules, law, regulations, or other standards of conduct.” Nunes has come under fire for going to the White House grounds to meet with a secret source and view documents he said suggest President Trump and his transition team members’ identities may have been improperly revealed in reports on surveillance of foreign targets.

Former Trump Staffers Hunt for Foreign Lobbying Work
Politico – Theodoric Mayer, Kenneth Vogel, and Josh Dawsey | Published: 4/3/2017

Some of President Donald Trump’s former campaign hands are rushing to sign lucrative deals with foreign clients, shrugging off their own pledges to avoid foreign lobbying and the president’s vow to “drain the swamp.” Former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski’s firm is one a handful of upstarts looking to undercut the lobbying giants that for years dominated the market for foreign lobbying work in Washington. They are betting their experience on Trump’s campaign and relationships with former colleagues now in his administration can woo foreign governments away from more established rivals.

Trump Can Quietly Draw Money from Trust Whenever He Wants, New Documents Show
Washington Post – Drew Harwell | Published: 4/3/2017

The trust agreement that Donald Trump used to put his adult sons in charge of his company allows him to draw money from it upon his request, illustrating the thin divide between the president and his private fortune. Trump and his attorneys have pointed to the Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust as a response to widespread worries from ethics lawyers, who have said the president’s refusal to divest ownership of his company creates the potential that he can derive personal profit from his public office. Trump’s trust is not “blind” because he knows how his assets are performing, has close relationships with both trustees, can make money off the trust’s financial interests, and can revoke the trust at any time.

From the States and Municipalities:

Alabama – Ethics Commission Finds Probable Cause Against Gov. Robert Bentley
AL.com – Mike Cason | Published: 4/5/2017

Gov. Robert Bentley could face criminal prosecution after the Alabama Ethics Commission found probable cause he broke ethics and campaign finance laws in a sex-tinged scandal that has engulfed him for over a year. The commission voted to refer four issues to the Montgomery County district attorney’s office, which will decide whether to pursue charges. The commission found probable cause to believe Bentley had misused state resources and campaign funds, improperly accepted a campaign donation outside of an allowed fundraising window, and lent himself campaign money when he was not a candidate. Bentley has been under scrutiny since recordings surfaced last year of him making suggestive remarks to a female aide before his divorce.

Arizona – Arizona Secretary of State’s Website to Track Political Spending Triples in Cost
Arizona Republic – Mary Jo Pitzl | Published: 3/29/2017

It was a key talking point of her 2014 campaign for secretary of state: Michele Reagan would build a website to allow the public to track the money spent in political campaigns, from the governor’s office down to the smallest town-council race. But the much-touted See the Money website has yet to materialize, despite a nearly $500,000 investment, a now-completed contract with an outside firm, and a string of promised due dates. Reagan said she is moving the project in-house and is determined to have it online by January.

Colorado – A Dark Money Lawsuit, a Colorful Cast of Characters, and Colorado’s Citizen Campaign Finance Cop
Colorado Independent – Corey Hutchins | Published: 4/4/2017

The best drama in Colorado politics is not occurring at the Capitol, but in a courtroom.  The characters in the dispute are half the intrigue. At issue is the question of whether it is legal for someone to set up a nonprofit to shield donors from disclosure even when that nonprofit works almost exclusively, through an affiliated entity, on campaigns for or against candidates. In Colorado, anyone who lodges a complaint about a suspected campaign finance violation has to prove his or her own case against an alleged violator in a courtroom setting. It is a system its critics say discourages average citizens from bringing complaints against powerful people or well-funded groups.

Florida – Hillsborough Commissioners Add Themselves to New Lobbying Ordinance
SaintPetersBlog.com – Mitch Perry (Florida Politics) | Published: 4/5/2017

Registered lobbyists can no longer text or email Hillsborough County commissioners during meetings. Lobbyists who violate the new ordinance can be punished with a ban of up to a year, though it would take four violations to reach that. Commissioners that violate the ban and do not report communications sent to them during meeting will be punished with a $250 fine on the first offense and $500 on the second. If a third violation occurs, the Florida Commission on Ethics will be notified.

Kansas – These High School Journalists Investigated a New Principal’s Credentials. Days Later, She Resigned.
Washington Post – Samantha Schmidt | Published: 4/5/2017

A group of reporters and editors from the student newspaper, the Booster Redux at Pittsburg High School in Kansas, had gathered to talk about Amy Robertson, who was hired as the high school’s head principal on March 6. The student journalists had begun researching Robertson, and quickly found some discrepancies in her education credentials. When they researched Corllins University, the private university where Robertson said she got her master’s and doctorate degrees, the website did not work. They found no evidence it was an accredited university. The students began digging into a weeks-long investigation that would result in an article questioning the legitimacy of the principal’s degrees and of her work as an education consultant. Robertson resigned four days later.

Maine – Lying-to-Legislature Bill Narrowed to Apply to Lobbyists Only
Portland Press Herald – Kevin Miller | Published: 4/3/2017

A legislative committee voted in favor of a bill to make it a crime for lobbyists to lie to Maine lawmakers after narrowing a bill to exclude the public, and themselves. Maine is one of nine states that have no laws against providing false information in committee. Fifteen states plus the District of Columbia prohibit lobbyists from providing false testimony, and some states require speakers to take an oath before testifying in committee.

North Carolina – Lawmakers Revive Plan for Combined State Elections, Ethics Board
WRAL – Matthew Burns | Published: 4/4/2017

House Republicans would prefer changing a law struck down by a three-judge panel related to overseeing North Carolina elections instead of extending a court fight with new Gov. Roy Cooper. A new measure approved by the Elections Committee would rework an eight-member state panel overseeing both elections and ethics rules the judges threw out as unconstitutional and give more control over the board to Cooper. The revised bill would still merge the elections and ethics boards, but the governor would be able to appoint all members from nominations made by the state Republican and Democratic parties. The board would be split evenly between the two parties.

Pennsylvania – Have Bribery, Fraud and Abuse of Power Become Synonymous with ‘Pennsylvania’?
PennLive.com – Jan Murphy | Published: 3/30/2017

Pennsylvanians have witnessed scores of corruption cases involving state officials from both sides of the political aisle and all three state governmental branches. Whether it is on a per-capita basis or simply the sheer number of high-profile corruption cases in recent years, Muhlenberg College political scientist Chris Borick said it is obvious that “something is pretty wrong in our political system in terms of corruption.” Some blame it on lax rules that do not hold government officials accountable or lawmakers’ failure to enact reform laws such as a ban on gifts or limits on campaign contributions. Though watchdogs continue to seek such reforms, little progress has been made in the Legislature.

Tennessee – Analysis: Possible double dipping at Tennessee statehouse
The Tennessean – Dave Boucher and Joel Ebert | Published: 3/31/2017

A review of campaign finance reports filed in 2016 by all 131 current Tennessee lawmakers found state representatives and senators spent $189,700 combined in campaign money on expenses that may have been paid for by state funds. But lawmakers are not required to report specific dates and locations of smaller purchases that are typically less than $100. That makes it unclear how many of those expenses also may have been reimbursed by the state, providing the opportunity to obscure double dipping or other financial abuse.

Tennessee – Nashville’s Private Club with a PAC
The Tennessean – Joel Ebert and Dave Boucher | Published: 4/2/2017

Many nights, the most powerful Tennessee lawmakers imbibe and eat at The Standard, a restaurant a few blocks from the Capitol. Often, it is at the expense of their campaign donors. An analysis found 25 Tennessee legislators and one prominent Nashville elected official, or their PACs, combined with seven other state PACs to spend $150,000 from their campaign coffers at the restaurant and club since 2009. More than $50,000 of that money was spent by elected officials to pay for their personal memberships in the club. The Standard also operates its own state PAC, which has donated almost $100,000 to state and local leaders who are members or who frequent the club.

Vermont – Vermont’s Campaign Finance Law Survives Legal Challenge
U.S. News & World Report; Associated Press –   | Published: 4/3/2017

A challenge to Vermont’s campaign finance laws has been struck down in federal court. Dean Corren, an unsuccessful candidate for lieutenant governor, sued the state for violating his First Amendment rights, alleging a restriction on fundraising for publicly financed candidates is unconstitutional.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 60 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

The Alabama Ethics Commission found probable cause to believe Gov. Robert Bentley committed violations of both the Alabama Ethics Act and the Fair Campaign Practices Act.

The investigation is related to Bentley’s relationship with Rebekah Mason, a former political adviser.

The matter has been referred to the Montgomery County District Attorney for further review and potential prosecution.

Campaign Finance

Colorado: “A Dark Money Lawsuit, a Colorful Cast of Characters, and Colorado’s Citizen Campaign Finance Cop” by Corey Hutchins for Colorado Independent

Ethics

“It’s Plausible Trump Incited Violence, Federal Judge Rules in OK’ing Lawsuit” by Eliott McLaughlin for CNN

“How the U.S. Ethics Chief Took on Trump and Became a Reluctant Washington Hero” by David Montgomery for Washington Post

“Russian Spies Tried to Recruit Carter Page Before He Advised Trump” by Adam Goldman for New York Times

Kansas: “These High School Journalists Investigated a New Principal’s Credentials. Days Later, She Resigned.” by Samantha Schmidt for Washington Post

North Carolina: “Lawmakers Revive Plan for Combined State Elections, Ethics Board” by Matthew Burns for WRAL

Legislative Issues

Minnesota: “House DFL Leader Won’t Back Down from ‘White Male Card Game’ Remarks” by Brian Bakst for Minnesota Public Radio

Lobbying

Florida: “Hillsborough Commissioners Add Themselves to New Lobbying Ordinance” by Mitch Perry (Florida Politics) for SaintPetersBlog.com

Texas: “Jet Setting Liquor Regulators Could See Wings Clipped by Lawmakers” by Jay Root for Texas Tribune

Lawmakers are back to work attempting to combine state elections and ethics boards after a three-judge panel ruled that the General Assembly overstepped its state constitutional authority when it adopted Senate Bill 4 establishing a bipartisan board to oversee elections and consider ethics complaints and issues.

The House Elections Committee approved changes to Senate Bill 68 to remove the bill’s original content relating to school attendance, replacing it with a reworked proposal to create a Bipartisan State Board of Elections and Ethics Enforcement.

Senate Bill 68 would merge the elections and ethics boards, but the governor would be able to appoint all members from nominations made by North Carolina’s Republican and Democratic parties. The board would be split evenly between the two parties.

Senate Bill 68 is set for a floor vote in the House on April 5.

Lobbying

“Changing of the Guard at DC’s Top Lobby Firm” by Megan Wilson for The Hill

Maine: “Lying-to-Legislature Bill Narrowed to Apply to Lobbyists Only” by Kevin Miller for Portland Press Herald

Campaign Finance

Missouri: “Greitens’ Political Nonprofits Take Center Stage in Missouri; Common for Governors Around US” by Jo Mannies for St. Louis Public Radio

Tennessee: “Nashville’s Private Club with a PAC” by Dave Boucher and Joel Ebert for The Tennessean

Vermont: “Vermont’s Campaign Finance Law Survives Legal Challenge” by the Associated Press for U.S. News & World Report

Ethics

“Blackwater Founder Held Secret Seychelles Meeting to Establish Trump-Putin Back Channel” by Adam Entous, Greg Miller, Kevin Sieff, and Karen DeYoung for Washington Post

“Trump Aides’ Disclosures Reveal Surge in Lucrative Political Work” by Steve Eder, Eric Lipton, and Andrew Lehren for New York Times

“Trump Can Quietly Draw Money from Trust Whenever He Wants, New Documents Show” by Drew Harwell for Washington Post

Tennessee: “Lawmakers Kill Gift Transparency Bill; Senate OKs Higher Campaign Limits” by Dave Boucher and Joel Ebert for The Tennessean

Lobbying

“Former Trump Staffers Hunt for Foreign Lobbying Work” by Theodoric Mayer, Kenneth Vogel, and Josh Dawsey for Politico

Tennessee: “Tennessee Bill to Limit State-Paid Legislative Travel Falters” by Joel Ebert and Dave Boucher for The Tennessean

Campaign Finance

New York: “In a Bind, de Blasio May Explore Legal Defense Fund Legislation” by Samar Khurshid for Gotham Gazette

Tennessee: “Analysis: Possible double dipping at Tennessee statehouse” by Dave Boucher and Joel Ebert for The Tennessean

Washington: “State Sues Tim Eyman, Alleging Campaign-Finance Violations” by Jerry Cornfield for Everett Herald

Ethics

“Flynn Made $1.3 Million for Lobbying, Speeches, Other Work” by Stephen Braun and Chad Day (Associated Press) for PBS

“Trump Couple, Now White House Employees, Can’t Escape Conflict Laws” by Eric Lipton and Jesse Drucker for New York Times

“Hands Raised, Trump Aides Rush to Try to Testify on Russia” by the Associated Press for New York Times

Pennsylvania: “Controller: Nutter and former chairwoman of Mayor’s Fund should pay back thousands spent on trips, hotels and restaurants” by Claudia Vargas and David Gambacorta for Philadelphia Inquirer

Campaign Finance

Arizona – “Arizona Secretary of State’s Website to Track Political Spending Triples in Cost” Mary Jo Pitzl for Arizona Republic

Michigan – “‘Shadowy’ 527 Political Groups Would Have to Report Finances Under New Bill” by Emily Lawler for MLive.com

New York – “De Blasio Stymied in Attempt to Pay Legal Fees with Donations” by J. David Goodman for New York Times

Ethics

“Ivanka Trump, Shifting Plans, Will Become a Federal Employee” by Rachel Abrams and Maggie Haberman for New York Times

Florida – “Bribery Attempts in Miami Beach Drop, But They Still Happen, Ethics Survey Shows” by Joey Flechas Miami Herald

Pennsylvania – “Have Bribery, Fraud and Abuse of Power Become Synonymous with ‘Pennsylvania’?” by Jan Murphy for PennLive.com

South Carolina – “South Carolina Ports Agency Suspends Payments to Consultant Richard Quinn During Statehouse Corruption Probe” by David Wren for Charleston Post and Courier

Virginia – “Feds Looking into Any ODU Payments, Gifts to Ex-Norfolk Sheriff Bob McCabe” by Scott Daugherty for The Virginian-Pilot

Washington – “Head of Public Disclosure Commission Stepping Down in May” by the Associated Press for U.S. News and World Report

See what’s happening in government relations this week in our News You Can Use Video Digest. Enjoy!

Federal:

2 White House Officials Helped Give Nunes Intelligence Reports
New York Times – Matthew Rosenberg, Maggie Haberman, and Adam Goldman | Published: 3/30/2017

Two White House official were involved in giving House Intelligence Committee Chairperson Devin Nunes access to intelligence reports that seemed to show that President Donald Trump and his associates were incidentally included in surveillance efforts. The New York Times reported that multiple sources said Ezra Cohen-Warrick, senior director for intelligence at the National Security Council, and Michael Ellis, a lawyer who used to work for Nunes and is now in the White House Counsel’s Office, helped Nunes get the information. American officials said the reports consisted primarily of ambassadors and other foreign officials talking about how they were trying to develop contacts within Trump’s family and inner circle in advance of his inauguration.

A Former Trump Administration Appointee Who Left Without Signing Ethics Pledge Is Now a Lobbyist
Washington Post – Matea Gold | Published: 3/29/2017

Robert Wasinger, a former campaign official and transition team member for Donald Trump, served briefly as White House liaison to the State Department before joining McGuireWoods Consulting as senior vice president of its federal public affairs group in February. He registered recently as a lobbyist for Verizon and Inovio Pharmaceuticals. Ethics experts said it is troubling that there are now two examples of early Trump appointees who left without committing to the lobbying ban.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arizona – Arizona Firefighters Have Grip on Financial Power in Local Elections – But Should They?
Arizona Republic – Jessica Boehm | Published: 3/28/2017

In 2015 and 2016, firefighter union PACs across Arizona donated hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars to mayoral or city council candidates they often had never met. In total, 31 firefighter union PACs donated more than $250,000 to 59 city council and mayoral candidates in Arizona. Firefighter leaders say their campaign donations are noble efforts to ensure their communities are run by politicians who will do the best job for the community. Others question the power and legality of city employees so actively involved in electing council members, the people who will decide matters such as their wages and department budgets.

California – PG&E to Pay $86.5 Million for Backdoor Lobbying of Regulators
KNSD – Jaxon Van Derbeken | Published: 3/28/2017

Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) will pay $86.5 million in a settlement over corruption allegations that followed a fatal pipeline explosion in San Bruno. The announcement comes in the wake of the disclosure of a series of improper communications and back-channel deals linked to the disaster. The utility’s inappropriate actions also affected gas-pipeline operations in San Carlos. Under pressure, PG&E agreed to release 65,000 emails sent between 2010 and 2014. In them, critics found proof of an overly cozy relationship between  top officials at PG&E and regulators both before and after the explosion that killed eight people.

Connecticut – Ted Kennedy Jr.’s 2014 Campaign, Still Under Scrutiny, Shows Election-Reform Troubles
Hartford Courant – Edmund Mahoney and Jon Lender | Published: 3/29/2017

Ted Kennedy, Jr. in his 2014 campaign for the Connecticut Senate signed a contract promising to limit campaign spending to a grant of about $95,000 in taxpayer money he received under the state’s Citizen Election Program, the landmark campaign finance reform its supporters claim is a model for keeping special interest money out of elections. But records show Kennedy and the Democratic Party spent almost four times that much on his campaign, using a loophole opened by an amendment pushed through the Democrat-controlled state Legislature the year before. The Democratic State Central Committee paid about $288,000 to cover “organizational expenditures” on the Kennedy campaign – after family, friends, and business associates of Kennedy donated about $300,000 to the committee.

Florida – Florida Paid Law Firm for Meeting with House Speaker
U.S. News and World Report – Gary Fineout (Associated Press) | Published: 3/27/2017

Blurring the lines between his role as an up-and-coming legislator and his job as an attorney, the law firm of House Speaker Richard Corcoran once charged the state for a meeting with Corcoran in his capacity as a lawmaker. Billing records show the firm of Broad and Cassel charged the state’s economic development agency ahead of a meeting between its affiliate, the state Division of Bond Finance, and Corcoran – putting the meeting in the crosshairs of a new review by Gov. Rick Scott of potential conflicts-of-interest. Corcoran said he was unaware his firm asked to be paid to prepare for the meeting with him. He said he and all lawmakers are routinely asked by friends and colleagues to meet with people to discuss issues and problems they have with state government.

Illinois – Campaign Donation Limits Lifted in Illinois Governor’s Race
Northwest Herald – Sophia Tareen (Associated Press) | Published: 3/27/2017

Chris Kennedy’s roughly $250,000 donation to his own campaign has lifted spending caps in what is expected to be another big money race for Illinois governor. Kennedy’s contribution follows Gov. Bruce Rauner’s record-setting $50 million donation to his own re-election bid last year. But Rauner’s contribution did not remove the limits because of how early the donation was made. When a self-funded statewide candidate or family member gives more than $250,000 in the 12 months before an election, the caps are lifted for all candidates. Illinois’ gubernatorial primary is March 20, 2018.

Illinois – Court Strikes Down Ban on Campaign Contributions from Medical Marijuana Licensees
Illinois Policy – Jacob Huebert | Published: 3/24/2017

An Illinois law banning state marijuana growers and sellers from making campaign contributions has been struck down as unconstitutional. U.S. District Court Judge John Lee ruled the legislation, passed in 2013, the same year the General Assembly voted to legalize medical marijuana, violates free speech rights guaranteed by the First Amendment. Lee said the state had provided no justification for banning contributions from the medical cannabis industry while not banning donations from any other regulated industries.

Iowa – House Ethics Committee Admonishes Americans for Prosperity Lobbyist
Des Moines Register – Brianne Pfannenstiel | Published: 3/22/2017

The Iowa House Ethics Committee voted to issue a letter admonishing Americans for Prosperity lobbyist Drew Klein for failing to register his position on a controversial bill scaling back collective bargaining rights. State law requires lobbyists to register their support or opposition to legislation moving through the Capitol to create transparency. The committee said Klein did not officially register his support of House File 291 until after it had already been under discussion. That prompted a complaint from the Iowa Federation of Labor.

Missouri – Goodbye to All That? Missouri Lawmakers Dragging Feet on Lobbyist-Gift Ban
St. Louis Public Radio – Marshall Griffin | Published: 3/24/2017

There has been no movement for nearly two months on bills that would ban gifts from lobbyists to Missouri lawmakers. The House passed House Bill 60 on January 17, and a Senate committee conducted a joint hearing on it and on the Senate version, Senate Bill 305. With the legislative session scheduled to end on May 12, it remains to be seen whether what was once a strong priority for Republicans will pass at all.

New Jersey – 2 Christie Allies Are Sentenced in George Washington Bridge Scandal
New York Times – Nick Corasaniti | Published: 3/29/2017

Two former aides to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie were sentenced to prison for their role in a political revenge plot involving traffic jams at the George Washington Bridge, a scandal that sank Christie’s presidential aspirations. Bill Baroni, Christie’s appointee to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, was sentenced to two years, and Bridget Kelly, Christie’s former deputy chief of staff, received 18 months. The government’s star witness, David Wildstein, testified he and the co-defendants sought to retaliate against a Democratic mayor for not endorsing Christie’s re-election. Christie was not charged with any wrongdoing. But his version of events – that he was not aware that anyone in his office was involved until months after the fact – was contradicted by testimony from multiple people.

New Mexico – What Financial Disclosure Forms Don’t Require Reveal as Much as What They Do
New Mexico In Depth – Sandra Fish | Published: 3/23/2017

New Mexico In Depth created a database of the information in financial disclosures filed by lawmakers this year. The disclosures do not just reveal potential conflicts for lawmakers. In fact, sometimes the forms do not reveal much at all. The watchdog group Ethics Watch has noted that reporting requirements are unclear and lawmakers interpret them in a variety of ways. New Mexico is the only state in the nation that does not pay lawmakers. So, they typically have outside jobs that can pose conflicts-of-interest with their work at the Capitol.

Oregon – Lax Conflicts of Interest Rules Let Oregon Lawmakers Keep Quiet About Their Ties
Portland Oregonian – Gordon Friedman | Published: 3/26/2017

Oregon law allows officials to make decisions financially benefitting a class of people equally, even if the state lawmaker is a member of that group. That means it is perfectly legal for Oregon lawmakers to sponsor and vote for bills that benefit people in the occupation they hold or the type of companies their families work for. Regardless of potential conflicts, lawmakers are not allowed under Senate and House rules to recuse themselves from voting. They are required only to announce prior to voting that a potential conflict exists. Failing to disclose a conflict can result in censure or other discipline. But the onus is also on lawmakers to self-report.

Pennsylvania – Judge Mid-Trial Dismisses All Charges in Pennsylvania Pay-to-Play Case
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – Angela Couloumbis and Craig McCoy (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 3/27/2017

U.S. District Court Judge John Jones III has thrown out a “pay-to-play” case against an investment adviser accused of bribing Pennsylvania’s former treasurer to get state business. Jones said prosecutors had not proven that favors were traded in exchange for campaign contributions from defendant Richard Ireland. Prosecutors had relied on testimony from former state Treasurer Rob McCord, who pleaded guilty two years ago to extortion charges after being caught strong-arming contributions from campaign donors, including some who had state contracts. But during testimony, McCord provided such lukewarm support for the government’s case that prosecutors grew increasingly short with him, almost treating him as a hostile witness.

Texas – Liquor Regulators Partying on Taxpayers’ Tab
Texas Tribune – Jay Root | Published: 3/24/2017

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) has spent at least $85,000 on out-of-state travel since the 2011 fiscal year, much of it on liquor industry conferences. Almost $17,000 has been paid to the National Conference of State Liquor Administrators (NCSLA), an industry trade group that brings liquor interests and government regulators together, for registration and membership fees over the same period. TABC Director Sherry Cook says the NCSLA’s meetings provide training and networking opportunities that help keep her agency abreast of the complicated regulatory structure in various states. Critics say they are junkets that waste precious tax dollars while raising troubling questions about the cozy relationship between the government regulators and powerful corporate interests.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 60 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

The Billings City Council unanimously voted this week to repeal the city’s ethics ordinance and dismiss the Board of Ethics. In place of the Board of Ethics, the Yellowstone County Attorney will oversee the city’s ethics complaints.

The city says it will use already existing state ethics standards and enforcement procedures currently being used in Helena and Great Falls.

The current and now nonoperational Ethics Board asked to remain in place, believing they are better trained to handle ethics complaints and are more available to the city’s population to report ethics violations.

Under the newly repealed ethics ordinance, the city attorney was not able to review ethics complaints against city council members, so a separate private attorney was hired, something City Council was aiming to change.

The new ethics provisions are set to become effective at the end of April.

Campaign Finance

“Ex-Congressman Stockman Indicted in Texas” by Josh Gerstein for Politico

Connecticut: “Ted Kennedy Jr.’s 2014 Campaign, Still Under Scrutiny, Shows Election-Reform Troubles” by Edmund Mahony and Jon Lender for Hartford Courant

Ethics

“Schock Staffer Was FBI Informant, Court Filings Reveal” by Megan Wilson for The Hill

Alabama: “Vote on Whether to Impeach Alabama Governor May Come Quickly” by Kim Chandler (Associated Press) for Myrtle Beach Sun News

Maine: “Memo: Dozens of Maine lawmakers may have failed to disclose changes in income” by Steve Mistler for Maine Public

New Jersey: “2 Christie Allies Are Sentenced in George Washington Bridge Scandal” by Nick Corasaniti for New York Times

New Jersey: “N.J. Election Watchdog Meets after Year of Paralysis” by Nicholas Pugliese for Bergen Record

Elections

“A Former Trump Administration Appointee Who Left Without Signing Ethics Pledge Is Now a Lobbyist” by Matea Gold for Washington Post

Lobbying

California: “PG&E to Pay $86.5 Million for Backdoor Lobbying of Regulators” by Jaxon Van Derbeken for KNSD

The executive director of Washington’s Public Disclosure Commission, Evelyn Fielding Lopez, announced her plan to leave her position in May.

Lopez was appointed in October 2015 and faced calls for her resignation from Republican leaders in 2016 alleging bias in favor of Democrats.

The Commission appointed Barbara “BG” Sandahl as the agency’s new assistant director.

The appointment of the next executive director is expected to be made soon.