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.

On October 28, U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa introduced a bill dealing with federal vendor suspensions and debarment.

The Stop Unworthy Spending Act (SUSPEND Act), House Resolution 4435, establishes a Board of Suspension with the General Services Administration for purposes of serving as a centralized body to manage and improve all executive agency suspension and debarment activities. The bill terminates any suspension and debarment office or functions in other executive agencies effective October 1, 2016 but it does allow for some exceptions.

“While the vast majority of contractors and grantees fulfill their obligations, the SUSPEND Act streamlines the procedures for dealing with the ones that do not,” said Issa in a House Oversight Committee press release.

The legislation provides $2 million dollars for each fiscal year from 2015 to 2021 to carry out the functions of the newly created Board.

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.

The Hawaii State Ethics Commission issued an ethics advisory in response to inquiries received regarding grassroots lobbying activity during the Legislature’s second special session. The Legislature convened on October 28 to discuss same-sex marriage, and many organizations involved in supporting or opposing the bill may be required to report activities to the commission under Hawaii lobbying law.

Grassroots lobbying activities such as preparing or distributing flyers and other mailers encouraging members of the public to contact their legislators in support of or in opposition to the bill; producing or paying for broadcast, print, or internet media announcements advocating for or against the issue; and organizing sign-waving or rallies to demonstrate support for or against same-sex marriage may all constitute reportable lobbying expenses under Hawaii law.

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.

City Council instructed the city’s lawyers to draft an ordinance increasing the gift limit to $150 for gifts provided by bidders, contractors, and other restricted sources. Currently, people doing business with the city can provide gifts to city officials valued at $100 or less per calendar year.

Recently, the Los Angeles Ethics Commission recommended curtailing gifts to city officials, hoping to boost public confidence in government. The commission’s recommendation would have extended the current ban on gifts from lobbyists to all people with a financial stake in city decisions.

Photo of the Los Angeles City Hall by Brion Vibber on Wikipedia.

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.

National:

Lobbying Bonanza as Firms Try to Influence European Union

New York Times – Eric Lipton Danny Hakim | Published: 10/18/2013

As the European Union has emerged as a regulatory superpower, its policies have become ever more important to corporations operating across borders. In turn, the lobbying business in Brussels has become larger and more competitive, rivaled only by Washington, D.C. Some say American law firms are undercutting efforts to bring more transparency to lobbying in the Belgian capital, citing lawyer-client confidentiality to evade a government-backed but voluntary disclosure effort.

State Pro-Business Organizations Are Publicly Funded, but Privately Controlled

The Center for Public Integrity – Nicholas Kusnetz | Published: 10/23/2013

Some states have given control over corporate tax incentives to public-private partnerships that are often run by the states’ most influential businesspeople. Supporters say these partnerships are more nimble than government bureaucracies and are insulated from electoral politics. But much of the spending remains secret. Even most public agencies do not disclose the recipients of all the incentives because of tax privacy laws.

Federal:

Cassidy Lobby Shop Goes Social

Washington Post – Catherine Ho | Published: 10/18/2013

With the lobbying business at a standstill on K Street, even big firms such as Cassidy & Associates have to embrace new ways of reaching policymakers and clients to protect their bottom lines. Cassidy has been trying to attract visitors to its Web site, which the firm has spent the last year overhauling to attract more potential clients through Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

From the States and Municipalities:

Alabama – Alabama Considers Creating Election Commission

San Francisco Chronicle – Philip Rawls (Associated Press) | Published: 10/19/2013

Candidates have to report their contributions and expenditures to the Alabama secretary of state, but little is being done to make sure the reports are filed accurately. Some lawmakers said the solution could be to create a small state agency similar to the Federal Elections Commission.

California – FPPC Fines Arizona Group $1 Million for Campaign Finance Violations

Sacramento Bee – Laurel Rosenhall | Published: 10/24/2013

The California Fair Political Practices Commission levied a combined $1 million fine against Americans for Responsible Leadership and the Center to Protect Patient Rights for illegally funneling millions of dollars into a pair of ballot measure campaigns in 2012.

California – Riverside County Supervisors to Amend Campaign Finance Rules

Desert Sun; City News Service –   | Published: 10/22/2013

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors amended campaign finance regulations so candidates or PACs will, beginning January 1, 2014, have to electronically post details of a contribution within 10 days if the amount meets or exceeds $1,000. The revision affects candidates for assessor-clerk-recorder, auditor-controller, district attorney, judge, sheriff, supervisor, superintendent of schools, and treasurer-tax collector, as well as sponsors of ballot measures that are countywide in scope.

District of Columbia – Campaign Finance Reform Will Get D.C. Council Vote Next Month

Washington Post – Mike DeBonis | Published: 10/22/2013

The District of Columbia Council will vote on a package of campaign finance reforms as soon as November 5. The changes would restrict the ability of different companies owned by the same people to donate to the same candidate, require lobbyists to disclose their bundling of campaign contributions, and require political committees to report donations of $10,000 or more they believe to have been bundled, among other provisions.

Georgia – Commissioner: State auditor to handle ethics probe

Columbus Republic – Christina Cassidy (Associated Press) | Published: 10/22/2013

The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts will investigate concerns surrounding the state ethics commission and its handling of complaints involving Gov. Nathan Deal. State Auditor Greg Griffin was initially appointed by the governor since the job became open outside of a legislative session. That connection to Deal drew criticism from Senate Minority Leader Steve Henson, who called the decision a “travesty of justice,” and said a special prosecutor would have been a better option.

Hawaii – Ethics Probe into Honolulu Mayor Sparks Talk of Reform

Honolulu Civil Beat – Nick Grube | Published: 10/18/2013

Ethical questions have been raised about a luau to celebrate the inauguration of Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell, including whether it was a vehicle used by city contractors and lobbyists to curry favor with the new mayor. It has also opened up the debate over whether Honolulu’s ethics laws need to be strengthened to close any loopholes regarding gift-giving.

Michigan – Activists ‘Make it Rain’ in Michigan House, Drop Fake Million Dollar Bills on Lawmakers

MLive.com – Jonathan Oosting | Published: 10/23/2013

Anti-corruption protesters shouted from the Michigan House gallery as they showered state lawmakers with fake million dollar bills. The national group Represent Us says Michigan has one of the worst records of government corruption in the nation. It pulled a similar stunt in the New York Senate this June.

Montana – Montana Legislature Committee Hears Divide over Political Practices Job

The Missoulian – Charles Johnson | Published: 10/22/2013

The Legislature’s State Administration and Veterans’ Affairs Committee is studying Montana’s political practices office and looking at how other states regulate of campaign finances, ethics, and lobbyist and disclosure. Any recommendations will go to the 2015 Legislature for consideration. Those testifying before the committee offered divergent opinions about the role of the office and how it should be structured.

New York – Group Supporting Lhota Can Accept Unlimited Donations, Court Says

New York Times – Thomas Kaplan | Published: 10/24/2013

A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ruled a political committee created to support New York City mayoral candidate Joseph Lhota can accept contributions above the $150,000 annual limit for individuals set by state law. The judges said the state’s cap on donations to independent political groups was probably unconstitutional.

New York – New Bill Would Require Businesses Seeking State Contracts to Detail Donations to Governor

New York Daily News – Ken Lovett | Published: 10/22/2013

A bill introduced recently in the New York Legislature would require businesses seeking state agency contracts to make public a list of all campaign contributions made to the governor and others in the executive branch. Before any contract could be awarded, the companies would have to detail all donations from the business, its subsidiaries, key employees, and their spouses over the preceding 18 month period.

Texas – 5th Circ. Axes Texas Ban on Corporate PAC Donations

Law360.com – Jeremy Heallen | Published: 10/16/2013

The Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Texas cannot bar PACs from soliciting corporate donations, making it the fourth Circuit Court to uphold indirect corporate political contributions since the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United ruling. Texans for Free Enterprise, a PAC that does not contribute directly to campaigns but solicits donations to run ads supporting or opposing candidates, had challenged the law.

Washington – Wash. AG Still Seeking Penalty against Food Industry Group That Didn’t Disclose Donors

Columbus Republic – Mike Baker (Associated Press) | Published: 10/22/2013

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson will move ahead with a lawsuit filed against the Grocery Manufacturers Association. Ferguson said he will still seek penalties from the group, which recently identified donors who contributed money to oppose a food labeling initiative. The attorney general said the case involved concealing a record-setting amount of donations and there must be sanctions for violating the law.

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

“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.

Q. I am a registered lobbyist with a personal relationship with a state legislator.  I would like to give her a gift for a special occasion.  Is this permissible?

A. As a registered lobbyist, you should always be aware of the restrictions placed on you for providing things of value to a state official.  A number of jurisdictions have strict “no gift” laws in place.  Wisconsin prohibits a lobbyist from providing things of pecuniary value to a legislator with very limited exceptions.

A gift can be permissible based on the personal relationship between the lobbyist and the legislator.  Texas and Florida allow gifts between a registered lobbyist and a legislator if they are related to a certain degree.  Please note that jurisdictions can examine the circumstances of the gift such as the extent of the relationship between the lobbyist and the legislator.  The lack of a history of gift giving between the parties or evidence of a personal relationship may render the gift impermissible.  The federal “friendship” exception also does not apply to state and local jurisdictions.

A registered lobbyist may be allowed to give a gift based on the special occasion or reasoning behind it.  In Massachusetts, a lobbyist may give a legislator gifts on certain occasions of religious or personal significance.  Connecticut allows gifts for certain major life events.  Be sure to confirm if any occasions are excluded.  Massachusetts does not consider a birthday to be an occasion of personal significance!

A gift may not be prohibited even if you are a registered lobbyist.  Confirm whether an intended gift is permissible with your state’s ethics office.

You can directly submit questions for this feature, and we will select those most appropriate and answer them here. Send your questions to: marketing@stateandfed.com.

(We are always available to answer questions from clients that are specific to your needs, and we encourage you to continue to call or e-mail us with questions about your particular company or organization. As always, we will confidentially and directly provide answers or information you need.) Our replies to your questions are not legal advice. Instead, these replies represent our analysis of laws, rules, and regulations.

Lobbying

“There’s no sunrise yet on K Street” by Kevin Bogardus and Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

“The state of K Street: Flat” by Byron Tau in Politico Influence.

“Major oil group boosts lobbying” by Ben Geman in The Hill.

“Facebook Lobbyist to Head Up Cory Booker’s Senate Staff” by Andrew Ramonas in the Blog of the Legal Times.

Campaign Finance

Arizona: “Horne denies campaign finance wrongdoing” by Howard Fischer in the Arizona Daily Star.

Montana: “Appeal filed over documents tied to dark money” by The Associated Press in the Billings Gazette.

Ethics

Georgia: “Ethics commission chair: Board close to finalizing plan for outside investigation” by Christina A. Cassidy (Associated Press) in The Republic.

Elections

“More female governors expected after 2014” by Emily Schultheis in Politico.

Redistricting

Alaska: “Alaska Redistricting Board to meet” by The Associated Press in the Anchorage Daily News.

The city Board of Ethics has proposed new gift regulations designed to clarify what is and is not permitted under the city code. The proposed limits would allow city officers and employees to accept gifts of up to $200 per year from a single source, including cash gifts up to $50. Currently, only gifts of substantial economic value given with the expectation of influencing the public official or employee are prohibited.

City watchdogs have criticized the proposed limits as being too lenient, but ethics board member Sanjuanita Gonzales suggested those limits could be subject to change after public input.

A hearing on the proposed regulations is scheduled for November 20.