The Ethics Commission issued an opinion to clarify the prohibition on public officials or employees soliciting or using their public position to secure a financial benefit or detriment for a family member. Formal Advisory Opinion 2025-01 confirms domestic partners are considered members of a public official’s family. The commission concluded this opinion is consistent with how other state and local agencies treat domestic partnerships in family-related internal policies.

City Council voted 8-1 to establish an ethics commission over two years after voters approved the idea by ballot question in 2022. City Council will adopt a code of ethics created by the commission, and the code will be updated every three years. The commission will have the power to issue advisory opinions and decisions on violations of the code of ethics.

Elections

Ohio: “Vivek Ramaswamy Launches Campaign for Ohio Governor” by Patrick Svitek and Dylan Wells (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

California: “In Huntington Beach, Politics on a Plaque” by Orlando Mayorquin (New York Times) for Seattle Times

California: “California Agrees to Drop Parts of Social Media Law Challenged by Elon Musk’s X” by Tyler Katzenberger (Politico) for Yahoo News

Connecticut: “New Head of IT at CT Election Enforcement Agency Raises Conflict of Interest Concerns” by Joshua Eaton for CT Insider

National: “Trump, Schmoozing Saudis, Plays Two Roles: President and mogul” by Natalie Allison, Abigail Hausohner, and Cat Zakrzewski (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Firings of Some Federal Workers Should Be Halted, Watchdog Recommends” by Justine McDaniel (Washington Post) for MSN

Maine: “Portland Establishes Ethics Commission More Than 2 Years After Voters Approved It” by Grace Benninghoff (Portland Press Herald) for Yahoo News

Lobbying

New Mexico: “Lobbyist Transparency Bill Clears First Hurdle” by Marjorie Childress for New Mexico In Depth

Campaign Finance

National: “FEC Clears Ted Cruz of Wrongdoing Over Podcast Syndicator’s Donations to Super PAC” by Jasper Scherer (Texas Tribune) for Yahoo News

Idaho: “Idaho Legislators Address ‘Monetization of Politics’ in New Campaign Finance Bills” by Mia Maldonado (Idaho Capital Sun) for Yahoo News

Kentucky: “Questions Spur Further Investigation of London Mayor’s Improper Contributions to Beshear Campaign” by Tom Loftus (Kentucky Lantern) for Yahoo News

Maine: “Should Unenrolled Candidates Be Able to Take Twice as Much from Contributors? These Lawmakers Think So.” by Libby Palanza for Maine Wire

Ethics

National: “AP Sues 3 Trump Administration Officials, Citing Freedom of Speech” by David Bauder (Associated Press) for Yahoo News

National: “As Trump Pursues His Policies, Democratic States Block His Path” by Maeve Reston, Reis Thebault, Janna Slater, and Shayna Jacobs (Washington Post) for MSN

New York: “Judge Appoints Outside Lawyer to Argue Against Dropping Adams Charges” by Shayna Jacobs and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) for MSN

Oregon: “Questions Over Oregon Politician’s Pay Lead Defense Department to Terminate Agency Funding” by Les Zaitz (Malheur Enterprise) for Portland Oregonian

Campaign Finance

National: “Trump Wants More Power Over Agencies. Experts Worry About Campaign Finance Regulators” by Ashley Lopez for NPR

Ethics

National: “Experts Say Trump Comes Close to the Red Line of Openly Defying Judges” by Justin Jouvenal, Leo Sands, and Ann Marimow (Washington Post) for MSN

Mississippi: “Mississippi City Stuns Newspaper with Restraining Order Over Editorial” by Ann Branigin (Washington Post) for MSN

New York: “Hochul Announces Guardrails Around Eric Adams” by Nick Reisman and Joe Anuta (Politico) for MSN

Legislative Issues

National: “Trump Loyalist Kash Patel Becomes Director of FBI, Which He Vows to Remake” by Jeremy Robuck and Mark Berman (Washington Post) for MSN

Lobbying

Florida: “In Trump’s DC, K Street Clamors for Florida-Linked Lobbyists” by Kimberly Leonard (Politico) for MSN

Michigan: “Michigan House Passes Plan to Close ‘Revolving Door’ of Lawmakers, Lobbyists” by Arpan Lobo (Detroit Free Press) for MSN

Pennsylvania: “Johnny Doc’s Bribery Conviction Just Cost His Former Union Local 98 Another $25,000 in Ethics Fines” by Chris Palmer (Philadelphia Inquirer) for MSN

National/Federal

With Congress Pliant, an Emboldened Trump Pushes His Business Interests

DNyuz – Eric Lipton and Maggie Haberman (New York Times) | Published: 2/17/2025

Donald Trump re-entered the White House with a massively expanded portfolio of business interests, some of which require government approval or regulation, others of which are publicly traded, and still others involving foreign deals. Presidents are not subject to the conflict-of-interest laws that regulate the rest of the government, but his recent actions underscore how emboldened Trump feels in his second term. It demonstrates his confidence that the lines dividing various Trump interests, and his desire to reward friends and punish perceived enemies, will not trigger congressional oversight in a political ecosystem he helped change.

With Truth Social, Trump Has Official Mouthpiece and a Channel for Revenue

DNyuz – Sharon LaFraniere and Matthew Goldstein (New York Times) | Published: 2/19/2025

Anyone who wants to keep up with President Trump’s views knows to go to his Truth Social account. There, one finds his reasoning on a panoply of issues, including tariffs on Canada and Mexico, relations with Russia, American ownership of the Gaza Strip, and a budget bill now before Congress. In some ways, it is akin to how Trump turned Twitter, now called X, into his megaphone in his first term, when administration officials declared his posts to be official White House communications. But Trump is the biggest shareholder in the company that owns Truth Social and stands to benefit directly if his posts drive traffic to the site.

Acting Archivist, Inspector General for National Archives Forced Out

MSN – Maegan Vazquez (Washington Post) | Published: 2/16/2025

The acting archivist of the United States and several senior staff members at the National Archives and Records Administration have resigned, marking the latest departures at a typically nonpolitical agency that has been the target of President Trump’s ire since its attempts to recover presidential documents from his Florida home. The departures came after Trump officials made it clear they wanted to remove the agency’s leadership team and install loyalists.

U.S. Plan to Award $400M Vehicle Contract Removes Reference to Musk’s Tesla

MSN – Leo Sands (Washington Post) | Published: 2/13/2025

The State Department planned to spend $400 million over the next five years on a contract to build armored electric vehicles with Telsa, whose chief executive, Elon Musk, has been advising President Trump on how to slim federal spending, according to government documents. After media outlets reported on the possible contract, the document was updated to omit any reference to Tesla, changing the “Armored Tesla” contract instead to “Armored Electric Vehicles,” although the contract’s value remained the same.

Trump Asks Supreme Court to Allow Him to Fire Independent Agency Leader

MSN – Ann Marimow (Washington Post) | Published: 2/16/2025

The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to clear the way for the president to fire the leader of an independent agency that investigates whistleblower reports filed by government workers, he first time Trump has appealed to the justices for help in his efforts to remake and seize greater control of the federal bureaucracy. Hampton Dellinger, head of the Office of Special Counsel, said his termination was illegal because it violated a law that shields leaders of independent agencies from removal by the president, “except in cases of neglect of duty, malfeasance or inefficiency.”

Who’s Running DOGE? The White House Says It’s Not Elon Musk.

MSN – Faiz Siddiqui and Natalie Allison (Washington Post) | Published: 2/18/2025

Elon Musk has embarked on a tear through Washington in his first month as the most influential adviser to President Trump. The White House, though, says Musk has “no actual or formal authority” over government decisions, despite the display of influence by the world’s richest person. Musk, according to the Trump administration, is neither a Department of Government Efficiency employee, nor the official in charge of the group. That assertion came in a filing as part of a lawsuit by 14 states alleging Musk’s actions are unconstitutional.

State Dept. Orders Cancellation of News Subscriptions Around the World

MSN – Jeremy Barr and John Hudson (Washington Post) | Published: 2/18/2025

The State Department ordered the cancellation of all news subscriptions deemed “non-mission critical.” The move aligns with the Trump administration’s crackdown on media companies that count the U.S. government as paying customers. Embassy security teams rely on news coverage to prepare for diplomatic travel in conflict zones. Cancellation of subscriptions, including to local news outlets, could hinder their assessment of threats, a State Department official said.

Judge Stops Trump Ouster of Merit Systems Protection Board Chair

MSN – Olivia George (Washington Post) | Published: 2/18/2025

A federal judge ordered the reinstatement, at least temporarily, of the chairperson of the federal board that hears appeals of disciplinary actions against federal employees, ruling the Trump administration had not articulated adequate grounds for her removal. The administration fired Cathy Harris as chair of the Merit Systems Protection Board with a one-sentence email. The messages provided no reason for the ouster. The next day, Harris sued, claiming her termination violated federal law.

After Ceding Power of the Purse, GOP Lawmakers Beg Trump Team for Funds

MSN – Liz Goodwin (Washington Post) | Published: 2/19/2025

Republican senators find themselves in an unusual position by having to ask Trump administration officials to release funds they themselves appropriated. Senators have in recent days made the case to Cabinet secretaries and other officials to let money flow back into their states. They are trying to finagle exceptions to President Trump’s sweeping executive orders or cuts that freeze hundreds of billions of dollars, including money for farmers and infrastructure projects. That push comes as the administration has also sought to fire a wide swath of federal employees, some of whom live in red states.

Mass Resignation Marks a New Kind of Defiance in the Second Trump Era

MSN – Naftali Bendavid (Washington Post) | Published: 2/15/2025

The resignation of seven U.S. Justice Department officials after refusing to drop charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, an ally of President Trump, marks the first significant defiance of Trump by federal officials. The action could create a precedent for further acts of resistance if Trump orders other government officials to do things they find inappropriate or believe would violate their legal responsibilities.

Federal Lobbying Set New Record in 2024

OpenSecrets – Indy Scholtens | Published: 2/11/2025

Business associations, corporations, labor unions, and other organizations are spending more than ever to influence policy decisions at the federal level. In 2024, lobbying spending reached a record-breaking $4.4 billion. The $150 million increase in lobbying continues an upward trend that began in 2016. The health sector remained the largest spender, with a total of $743.9 million in lobbying expenditures in 2024. It is the only sector that spent more than $700 million on federal lobbying last year.

Trump Signs Order to Claim Power Over Independent Agencies

Politico – Megan Messerly and Bob King | Published: 2/18/2025

President Trump signed a sweeping executive order bringing independent agencies under the control of the White House, an action that would greatly expand his power but is likely to attract significant legal challenges. It represents Trump’s latest attempt to consolidate power beyond boundaries other presidents have observed and to test the so-called unitary executive theory, which states the president has the sole authority over the executive branch.

Venting at Democrats and Fearing Trump, Liberal Donors Pull Back Cash

Seattle Times – Lisa Lerer, Reid Epstein, and Theodore Schleifer (New York Times) | Published: 2/16/2025

The demoralization and fear gripping blue America in the early weeks of the Trump administration have left liberal groups and their allies struggling for cash, hurting their ability to effectively combat the right-wing transformation of the federal government. The small-dollar online spigot that powered opposition to the first Trump administration has slowed to a trickle as shaken liberal voters withhold their donations.

Senior Justice Department Ethics Official Resigns Over Sidelining by Trump Appointees, Source Says

Yahoo News – Sarah Lynch (Reuters) | Published: 2/19/2025

The Justice Department’s senior ethics official resigned after President Trump’s administration pulled him off his duties and assigned him to a new sanctuary-cities working group, a person familiar with the matter said. The official, Bradley Weinsheimer, decided to accept the government’s deferred resignation offer rather than accept the reassignment, the latest in a string of nonpolitical career Justice Department officials who have resisted efforts they say politicize investigations.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – Legislative Immunity Is a Privilege in Most States. A Speeding Ticket Could Change That in Arizona

MSN – Eric Sandoval (Associated Press) | Published: 2/15/2025

The Arizona Constitution shields state lawmakers from any civil process and arrest for anything but treason, felony, and breach of peace during legislative sessions and the 15 days before. Legislative immunity exists in most states and allows lawmakers to brush aside lawsuits and low-level infractions. In Arizona, the perk does not have unanimous support in the Legislature. Rep. Quang Nguyen introduced a resolution to end immunity for traffic violations. If passed, it would become a ballot measure.

California – Who’s Paying for California Politicians’ Travel? After CalMatters’ Report, Audit Proposes a Legal Fix

MSN – Alexei Koseff (CalMatters) | Published: 2/14/2025

A California Fair Political Practices Commission audit recommends simplifying disclosure requirements to cover more interest groups that take lawmakers to policy conferences and on international study tours, a change that can only be made by those very same legislators. The audit followed CalMatters’ revelations that a 2015 law requiring such trip organizers to annually disclose their major donors had been used only twice in seven years despite interest groups paying for millions of dollars in travel for lawmakers during that time.

California – OC Developer Fined by State Officials for Dark Money Campaign in Santa Ana

Voice of OC – Hosam Elattar | Published: 2/13/2025

Ryan Ogulnick, an Orange County developer, is facing a $87,000 fine from the California Fair Political Practices Commission for an alleged political money laundering scheme in Santa Ana. The commission found he illegally hid the source of over $300,000 that was spent on mailers in the 2018 city council elections. At least one commissioner is calling on the county’s district attorney to investigate.

Colorado – Democratic State Senator Abruptly Resigns from Colorado Legislature Amid Ethics Investigation

Colorado Sun – Jesse Paul | Published: 2/18/2025

State Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis abruptly announced her resignation from the Colorado Legislature amid an ethics investigation into her alleged yearslong mistreatment of her Capitol staffers. Her resignation comes after she was reelected to a second four-year term in the Senate in November. A Democratic vacancy committee will be convened to select her replacement, who will serve until at least the 2026 election.

Colorado – Denver Approves New Rules for Taxpayer-Funded Campaign Matching Dollars in City Elections

The Leader-Telegram – Elliott Wenzler (Denver Post) | Published: 2/19/2025

Denver’s Fair Elections Fund, which is intended to help more candidates for mayor and other city offices compete financially, will have new stipulations after the city council approved changes to its rules. The changes will ban anonymous donations, require “neutral debates” for participating candidates, pave the way for campaign finance investigations, and prohibit the use of public money on certain things like alcohol.

District of Columbia – D.C. U.S. Attorney Probing Democrats Over Alleged Threats, Documents Show

MSN – Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) | Published: 2/19/2025

The top federal prosecutor in the District of Columbia escalated his scrutiny of what he characterized as potential threats directed at Elon Musk and government workers, demanding information from a Democratic member of Congress who criticized Musk and telling his office he planned to prosecute anyone targeting public officials. Legal analysts called interim U.S. attorney Ed Martin’s direct inquiries to lawmakers highly irregular and his discussion of investigative targets troubling.

Florida – Space Coast Rocket Founder Robert Burns Ordered to Pay $24,500 in Campaign Finance Case

Yahoo News – Tyler Vazquez (Florida Today) | Published: 2/14/2025

Political consultant and Space Coast Rocket founder was ordered by a state judge to pay $24,500 in fines related to an election fraud case. Judge Lawrence Stevenson said Burns engaged in a “pattern of nonreporting contributions received, and expenditures made, while they were actively campaigning for and against multiple candidates.” According to a court filing, the Florida Elections Commission sent 84 letters regarding the failure to file reports that Burns ignored, resulting in the charges.

Illinois – Former Mayors Johnson and Lightfoot Accused of Impeding Inspector General’s Investigations

WBEZ – Fran Spielman | Published: 2/13/2025

Mayor Brandon Johnson and his predecessor, Lori Lightfoot, were accused of impeding the work of Chicago’s inspector general by withholding documents, selectively enforcing subpoenas, and demanding to have the Law Department sit in on interviews that “risk embarrassment” to the mayor. The roadblocks outlined by Inspector General Deborah Witzburg include picking and choosing which subpoenas to comply with and withholding or unreasonably delaying the release of sensitive documents, such as emails and text messages.

Illinois – After Madigan’s Conviction, Lawmakers Ask: Has Illinois done enough to root out corruption?

WTTW – Angel Vicky | Published: 2/12/2025

Like the prosecutors in former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s corruption trial presenting evidence, Republicans and ethics advocates are seizing on Madigan’s conviction as proof that Illinois needs reform. Republicans who are suing to undo a legislative district map they say Democrats gerrymandered to their advantage, argue redistricting is another area left untouched to Illinois’ ethical detriment.

Illinois – ‘You Can Raise Me Five Grand’: New details emerge in bribery case against state Sen. Emil Jones III

Yahoo News – Jason Meisner (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 2/19/2025

Illinois Sen. Emil Jones was dining at a Chicago steakhouse with an influential red light camera company executive when the executive expressed concern about Jones’ pending bill requiring a study on the automated traffic systems. The executive, Omar Maani of SafeSpeed, then asked Jones a point-blank question: how much do you want? “You can raise me five grand. That’d be good,” Jones allegedly told Maani. That conversation and other key details were revealed for the first time as Jones’ trial date on bribery charges approaches.

Kansas – Kansas House Committee Advances Election-Reform Bill That’s More Than a Name Change

Yahoo News – Tim Carpenter (Kansas Reflector) | Published: 2/13/2025

The House Elections Committee approved campaign finance reforms arising from disputes about Kansas’ definition of a PAC, coordination among PACs and candidates, and contributions given by a person in the name of another. The Governmental Ethics Commission, which would be renamed the Kansas Public Disclosure Commission in the bill, has engaged in political and legal battles with attorneys representing activists who bristled at vague language in state election statutes and challenged constitutionality of the commission’s interpretation of laws.

Kentucky – A Police Report, Lawsuits and Ethics Complaints: Pressures mount against councilwoman

Louisville Courier-Journal – Eleanor McCrary | Published: 2/17/2025

Louisville Metro Councilperson Donna Purvis is being accused of harassment after following an elderly constituent back to her apartment building in September after a heated verbal altercation at City Hall. It is the latest in a string of legal and ethics fights involving Purvis. In the six years she has been in office, Purvis has been sued for defamation by her former legislative assistant, racked up $20,000 in fines for campaign finance violations, and received multiple ethics complaints, some of which are ongoing.

Maine – Maine Lawmaker Accused of Forging Signatures on Campaign Finance Forms

Yahoo News – Rachel Ohm (Portland Press Herald) | Published: 2/13/2025

A grand jury indicted Maine Rep. Randall Hall on charges he forged signatures and made a false statement on campaign finance forms last year. According to the indictment, Hall forged signatures on 10 qualifying contribution affirmation forms, which are the forms that must be filled out by donors who give qualifying contributions to a candidate for state office so they can get clean elections funding from the state.

Michigan – Top Lawmaker Wants to Close Michigan ‘Revolving Door’ to Lobbyist Jobs

Bridge Michigan – Simon Schuster | Published: 2/18/2025

After years of failed attempts to slow the “revolving door” between Michigan policymakers and the professionals paid to influence them, a new proposal to block government leaders from immediately becoming lobbyists is gaining steam in the state Legislature. Bipartisan legislation would create a two-year waiting period before lawmakers who leave office can register as paid lobbyists to influence their former colleagues.

Minnesota – Senate GOP Files New Ethics Complaints Against Nicole Mitchell, State Senator Facing Felony Burglary Charges

Pioneer Press – Alex Derosier | Published: 2/18/2025

Minnesota Senate Republicans are leaning into their push to force state Sen. Nicole Mitchell from office after she was hit with another felony charge tied to her alleged break-in at her stepmother’s home last year. Republicans argued Mitchell had a conflict-of-interest when she voted to block a motion that would have opened her to an expulsion vote. They also filed an updated ethics complaint.

Mississippi – MS Campaign Finance Enforcement Lacks ‘Teeth,’ Hindering Accountability

Yahoo News – Charlie Drape and Grant McLaughlin (Clarion Ledger) | Published: 2/17/2025

Even if the state wanted to bring charges against federally indicted-Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba for failing to submit several campaign finance reports, it likely would not, due to Mississippi’s confusing campaign finance laws. The state attorney general’s office said the law is difficult to enforce because there are several state agencies involved before the attorney general can see a case. If that even happens, the punitive measures are minor at best, said Michelle Williams, the attorney general’s chief of staff.

New York – NY Ethics Panel Ruled Constitutional in Split Decision in Cuomo Case

Albany Times Union – Brendan Lyons | Published: 2/18/2025

New York’s top court upheld the constitutionality of the state’s new ethics commission. The decision revives the authority of the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government, which was created in 2022 to succeed the oft-criticized Joint Commission on Public Ethics that was disbanded. A state Supreme Court justice, as well as an appellate court in Albany, had ruled the new commission was formed in violation of the state constitution’s separation of powers doctrine.

New York – Acting Deputy AG Emil Bove Defends Move to Drop Eric Adams Case

MSN – Shayna Jacobs and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 2/19/2025

Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove defended his controversial decision to end the corruption case against New York Mayor Eric Adams, describing the choice to a federal judge as “a standard exercise of prosecutorial discretion.” Bove’s directive sparked days of open conflict within the department, drove eight veteran department attorneys to resign, and prompted the unusual proceeding in a Manhattan federal courtroom.

New York – Mass Resignations from Eric Adams’ Administration Spark Chaos in NYC Government

Yahoo News – Sally Goldenberg, Nick Reisman, Janaki Chada, and Joe Anuta (Politico) | Published: 2/17/2025

Four deputy mayors have signaled their intent to resign over concerns about New York City Mayor Eric Adams; conduct. The deputy mayors voiced worry that Adams is essentially doing the bidding of President Trump, who remains unpopular in the city. The Department of Justice ordered federal corruption charges against Adams dropped, in a case that appeared to be tied to the mayor’s cooperation on deporting migrants.

South Dakota – Felonies for Silent Supervisors a Sticking Point as Anti-Corruption Bills Clear SD Senate

Yahoo News – John Hult (South Dakota Searchlight) | Published: 2/18/2025

A package of four anti-corruption bills passed the South Dakota Senate and were sent to the House. The bills were sparked by recent criminal investigations into state employee misbehavior. The governor and attorney general agree on the language in three of the bills, but the question of felonies for state employee supervisors has confounded attempts for consensus on the fourth.

South Dakota – SD Governor Signs Bill Closing Loan Loophole in Campaign Finance Law

Yahoo News – South Dakota Searchlight staff | Published: 2/18/2025

South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden signed a bill into law that would close a campaign finance loophole. The new law says any loan to a campaign, when combined with contributions from the same source, cannot exceed contribution limits in state law.

Tennessee – Campaign Contribution Limits Could Be Lifted for Political Parties, Caucus PACs

Yahoo News – Sam Stockard (Tennessee Lookout) | Published: 2/18/2025

Smarting from a barrage of dark money that took out two state Senate incumbents in 2024, Tennessee lawmakers are set to consider eliminating campaign contribution limits for political parties and party caucuses. Senate Bill 229 aims to create more equity after out-of-state PACs spent heavily to defeat incumbent Sens. Frank Niceley and Jon Lundberg last August. The Lundberg election remains under investigation by the Tennessee Registry of Election Finance.

Texas – Critics of Texas House Leadership Spent Big in This Year’s Speaker’s Race. They Fought Years for That Chance.

MSN – Kate McGee (Texas Tribune) | Published: 2/13/2025

Over the past year, outside groups spent heavily on campaigns for their Texas House speaker of choice, turning a race that is usually waged  behind closed doors into a public spectacle that has raised allegations among its members of foul play. State Rep. Dustin Burrows, the candidate most closely associated with prior House leadership, ultimately won. But the result came only after a deluge of spending made possible by a pair of lawsuits 14 years apart filed by close associates or allies of a chief Burrows’ adversary: oil billionaire Tim Dunn.

Utah – A Lonely Holdout Where Republicans Still Resist Trump: Utah

Las Vegas Sun – Kellen Browning (New York Times) | Published: 2/18/2025

As President Trump pursues his right-wing agenda at breakneck speed, with Democrats in retreat and “Never Trump” conservatives making themselves scarce, one of the 50 states has remained a redoubt of a kinder, gentler, and more civil kind of Republicanism – Utah. One big reason is that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who make up a vast, and once reliably conservative, segment of the Utah population, have been drifting away from the GOP.

Virginia – Bills to Ban Personal Use of Campaign Funds Clear Virginia Legislature

MSN – Laura Vozella (Washington Post) | Published: 2/19/2025

The Virginia House and Senate voted unanimously to tighten the state’s notoriously loose campaign-finance laws by banning the personal use of campaign funds, something already banned in 48 states and in federal contests. Bills to prohibit using campaign coffers as personal piggy banks have been filed in Richmond every year since 2014 but never made it out of the General Assembly until now.

Virginia – How Trump’s Assault on Bureaucracy Could Rock Virginia Elections

MSN – Ally Mutnick (Politico) | Published: 2/12/2025

Virginia’s off-year races are often a bellwether for the national mood a year before the midterms. But they are poised to take on even more significance this November because so many government employees and contractors who live in Northern Virginia are experiencing firsthand the impact of the Trump administration’s attempt to shrink the federal bureaucracy. For Democrats, who have the thinnest of grips on the House of Delegates and are eagerly seeking to reclaim the governor’s mansion, it may be an opening.

Ethics

National: “Trump Signs Order to Claim Power Over Independent Agencies” by Megan Messerly and Bob King (Politico) for Yahoo News

National: “Senior Justice Department Ethics Official Resigns Over Sidelining by Trump Appointees, Source Says” by Sarah Lynch (Reuters) for Yahoo News

National: “Who’s Running DOGE? The White House Says It’s Not Elon Musk.” by Faiz Siddiqui and Natalie Allison (Washington Post) for MSN

Illinois: “‘You Can Raise Me Five Grand’: New details emerge in bribery case against state Sen. Emil Jones III” by Jason Meisner (Chicago Tribune) for Yahoo News

New York: “Acting Deputy AG Emil Bove Defends Move to Drop Eric Adams Case” by Shayna Jacobs and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) for MSN

South Dakota: “Felonies for Silent Supervisors a Sticking Point as Anti-Corruption Bills Clear SD Senate” by John Hult (South Dakota Searchlight) for Yahoo News

Legislative Issues

Minnesota: “Senate GOP Files New Ethics Complaints Against Nicole Mitchell, State Senator Facing Felony Burglary Charges” by Alex Derosier for Pioneer Press

Lobbying

National: “Federal Lobbying Set New Record in 2024” by Indy Scholtens for OpenSecrets

Campaign Finance

National: “Venting at Democrats and Fearing Trump, Liberal Donors Pull Back Cash” by Lisa Lerer, Reid Epstein, and Theodore Schleifer (New York Times) for Seattle Times

Tennessee: “Campaign Contribution Limits Could Be Lifted for Political Parties, Caucus PACs” by Sam Stockard (Tennessee Lookout) for Yahoo News

Ethics

National: “Acting Archivist, Inspector General for National Archives Forced Out” by Maegan Vazquez (Washington Post) for MSN

Kentucky: “A Police Report, Lawsuits and Ethics Complaints: Pressures mount against councilwoman” by Eleanor McCrary for Louisville Courier-Journal

New York: “Mass Resignations from Eric Adams’ Administration Spark Chaos in NYC Government” by Sally Goldenberg, Nick Reisman, Janaki Chada, and Joe Anuta (Politico) for Yahoo News

New York: “NY Ethics Panel Ruled Constitutional in Split Decision in Cuomo Case” by Brendan Lyons for Albany Times Union

Utah: “A Lonely Holdout Where Republicans Still Resist Trump: Utah” by Kellen Browning (New York Times) for DNyuz

Legislative Issues

Colorado: “Democratic State Senator Abruptly Resigns from Colorado Legislature Amid Ethics Investigation” by Jesse Paul for Colorado Sun

The New York Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (COELIG) was ruled to be constitutional by the state Court of Appeals, the highest court in New York. The ruling comes after an appellate court unanimously found the commission unconstitutional because COELIG violates the governor’s ability to enforce ethics laws as many members of the commission are not appointed by the governor. The Court of Appeals reversed citing a need for an independent agency to enforce ethics rules.

Campaign Finance

California: “OC Developer Fined by State Officials for Dark Money Campaign in Santa Ana” by Hosam Elattar for Voice of OC

Florida: “Space Coast Rocket Founder Robert Burns Ordered to Pay $24,500 in Campaign Finance Case” by Tyler Vazquez (Florida Today) for Yahoo News

Mississippi: “MS Campaign Finance Enforcement Lacks ‘Teeth,’ Hindering Accountability” by Charlie Drape and Grant McLaughlin (Clarion Ledger) for Yahoo News

Elections

Virginia: “How Trump’s Assault on Bureaucracy Could Rock Virginia Elections” by Ally Mutnick (Politico) for MSN

Ethics

National: “Trump Asks Supreme Court to Allow Him to Fire Independent Agency Leader” by Ann Marimow (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “With Congress Pliant, an Emboldened Trump Pushes His Business Interests” by Eric Lipton and Maggie Haberman (New York Times) for DNyuz

Illinois: “After Madigan’s Conviction, Lawmakers Ask: Has Illinois done enough to root out corruption?” by Angel Vicky for WTTW

Lobbying

Michigan: “Closing the Revolving Door – Michigan Legislators Move to Block Lawmaker to Lobbyist Pipeline” by Kevin Hardy for Thumbwind

Campaign Finance

Kansas: “Kansas House Committee Advances Election-Reform Bill That’s More Than a Name Change” by Tim Carpenter (Kansas Reflector) for Yahoo News

Maine: “Maine Lawmaker Accused of Forging Signatures on Campaign Finance Forms” by Rachel Ohm (Portland Press Herald) for Yahoo News

Texas: “Critics of Texas House Leadership Spent Big in This Year’s Speaker’s Race. They Fought Years for That Chance.” by Kate McGee (Texas Tribune) for MSN

Ethics

National: “U.S. Plan to Award $400M Vehicle Contract Removes Reference to Musk’s Tesla” by Leo Sands (Washington Post) for MSN

Illinois: “Former Mayors Johnson and Lightfoot Accused of Impeding Inspector General’s Investigations” by Fran Spielman for WBEZ

New York: “Mass Resignation Marks a New Kind of Defiance in the Second Trump Era” by Naftali Bendavid (Washington Post) for MSN

Legislative Issues

Arizona: “Legislative Immunity Is a Privilege in Most States. A Speeding Ticket Could Change That in Arizona” by Eric Sandoval (Associated Press) for MSN

Lobbying

California: “Who’s Paying for California Politicians’ Travel? After CalMatters’ Report, Audit Proposes a Legal Fix” by Alexei Koseff (CalMatters) for MSN

National/Federal

Trump’s New Line of Attack Against the Media Gains Momentum

DNyuz – David Enrich (New York Times) | Published: 2/7/2025

Media lawyers scoffed last year when Donald Trump sued two news organizations for producing journalism that, he claimed, violated laws meant to protect consumers from things like deceptive advertising. First Amendment experts still believe that Trump’s cases, against CBS News and The Des Moines Register, lack legal merit. But they now realize the lawsuits are proving effective at harassing the press and more of them are probably on the way.

Trump Tries to Fire Chair of Federal Election Commission. Why She’s Refusing to Leave.

MSN – Joey Garrison (USA Today) | Published: 2/6/2025

Ellen Weintraub, who has served as a Democratic member of the FEC since 2002, posted a letter signed by Donald Trump on social media that said she was “hereby removed as a Member of the Federal Election Commission, effective immediately.” Weintraub, who is currently chairperson of the FEC, questioned the legal validity of the move and signaled her intent to fight the removal.

Bondi Ends FBI Effort to Combat Foreign Influence in U.S. Politics

MSN – Ken Dilanian (NBC News) | Published: 2/6/2025

Attorney General Pam Bondi ordered a halt to a years-old federal law enforcement effort to combat secret influence campaigns by China, Russia, and other adversaries that try to curry favor and sow chaos in American politics. The order disbands the FBI’s Foreign Influence Task Force and pares back penalties for violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act, despite years of warnings by U.S. intelligence agencies that foreign malign influence operations involving disinformation were a growing and dangerous threat.

GOP Laws Aimed at Very Rare Noncitizen Voting Could Hit Eligible Voters

MSN – Patrick Marley and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 2/9/2025

Republicans in Congress and state Legislatures are charging forward with plans to require Americans to prove they are citizens as they say they seek to crack down on noncitizen voting, an almost nonexistent problem. Voting by noncitizens is already illegal in all state and federal elections and requiring voters to provide proof of citizenship could make it harder for millions of legitimate voters to cast ballots. Driver’s licenses and other state IDs can be used only for people who provided proof of citizenship to get those IDs, so some people will need to track down other documents.

In Trump’s Actions, Opponents See More Than Cuts – They See a Constitutional Crisis

MSN – Naftali Bendavid and Hannah Knowles (Washington Post) | Published: 2/8/2025

As President Trump and congressional Democrats clash about spending authority, citizenship rules, control of the government, and other fundamental powers, the president’s opponents are increasingly making an unnerving accusation: that the country is in the grip of a full-blown constitutional crisis. That term recalls some of the most perilous moments in American history, from the Civil War to Watergate. Some of Trump’s adversaries contend that in seizing powers the Constitution does not give him and forcing clashes with Congress and the courts, the president has thrust American democracy into a similarly dangerous moment.

Trump Halts Aid to South Africa, Claiming Discrimination Against Afrikaners

MSN – María Luisa Paúl (Washington Post) | Published: 2/8/2025

President Trump signed an executive order halting all U.S. aid to South Africa and directing his administration to develop a plan for resettling White Afrikaners as refugees, citing what he called “government-sponsored race-based discrimination” against them. The subject of Trump’s criticism appears to be a recent law that allows land expropriation without compensation in rare cases. South African officials have said the policy is part of an effort to address disparities left by apartheid, a system that for decades barred Black South Africans from owning land.

Trump Administration Cuts Teams That Fight Foreign Election Interference

MSN – Colby Itkowitz, Yvonne Wingett Sanchez, Sarah Ellison, and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 2/8/2025

The Trump administration eliminated much of the federal government’s front line of defense against foreign interference in U.S. elections. The move alarmed state election officials and election security experts, who warned that safeguarding Americans from foreign disinformation campaigns will be difficult if no one at the federal level is doing that work.

Trump Pauses DOJ Enforcement of Bribery Laws for US Firms Overseas

MSN – Josh Meyer (USA Today) | Published: 2/10/2025

President Trump signed an executive order pausing enforcement of a federal law that makes it a crime for U.S. businesses to bribe foreign officials, saying the law puts companies at a disadvantage on the global stage. Trump ordered Attorney General Pam Bondi to stop actions taken under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, including prosecutions of American individuals and companies who the Justice Department has charged with bribing foreign government officials in attempts to gain business in other countries.

Trump Removes Top Government Ethics Czar

MSN – Fredreka Schouten (CNN) | Published: 2/10/2025

President Trump removed the head of the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) from his post, the latest example of Trump acting against a government watchdog. The agency’s director, David Huitema, was confirmed to the post by the Senate in November and officially began the job in December. OGE directors typically serve five-year terms, allowing them to overlap administrations as part of an attempt to reduce partisanship.

Trump Dismisses Archivist to the United States

MSN – Maegan Vazquez (Washington Post) | Published: 2/8/2025

President Trump fired the head of the National Archives and Records Administration, targeting an independent agency that was involved in trying to recover documents he took to his Florida estate after his first presidential term. Colleen Shogan was named archivist of the United States by Joe Biden in 2022 and confirmed to her role in 2023, a year after the Archives referred its search for documents in Trump’s possession to the FBI.

Judge to Trump-Terminated Ethics Watchdog: You’re un-fired

MSN – Josh Gerstein (Politico) | Published: 2/10/2025

A federal judge reined in President Trump’s firing spree, ruling a federal ethics watchdog can return to his job for at least a few days while the judge receives more detailed legal arguments about the case. Judge Amy Berman Jackson issued the reprieve to Special Counsel Hampton Dellinger, after he sued to contest the email he received from the White House indicating he had been dismissed from his position. Dellinger leads an independent federal agency that handles whistleblower issues and complaints about violations of the Hatch Act, which limits political activity by government employees.

Trump White House Says It Can Talk to Justice Dept. on Criminal Cases

MSN – Perry Stein and Jeff Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 2/9/2025

The Trump administration’s rules for how White House staff can interact with the Justice Department are a departure from Biden-era guidance, explicitly saying the president and vice president and their top lawyers can discuss ongoing criminal and civil cases with the attorney general and her deputies. Legal experts say the guidance could erode guardrails that have traditionally given the Justice Department a degree of independence from the White House that does not exist for other executive branch agencies.

From the States and Municipalities

Alabama – State-Commissioned Report Finds ‘Significant’ Issues in Alabama Ethics Law, Recommends Major Reforms

Alabama Daily News – Alexander Willis | Published: 2/11/2025

A report commissioned by the Alabama Legislature found “significant overbreadth concerns” in the state’s ethics law, including “structural vulnerabilities” that could enable discriminatory enforcement, with state lawmakers recommended to enact sweeping reforms. The Bopp Law Firm found provisions that raised “serious First Amendment concerns” regarding secrecy agreements amid ethics complaints, vagueness and due process concerns, and breadth of issues in who the ethics law applies to.

California – California Regulators Allege This Silicon Valley Ex-Lawmaker Violated Campaign Finance Law Dozens of Times

MSN – Yue Stella Yu (CalMatters) | Published: 2/7/2025

California’s campaign finance investigators allege former state Assemblyperson Evan Low, who raised money for a foundation co-managed by his chief of staff, received non-monetary donations worth more than $113,000 from that foundation for his re-election campaign. If proven true, such donations, and a lack of timely disclosures from Low and the nonprofit foundation, would violate reporting requirements and contribution limits, according to a staff report from the California Fair Political Commission.

California – S.F. Union Files Another Ethics Complaint Against Waymo After First Try Gets Tossed

MSN – Chase DiFeliciantonio (San Francisco Chronicle) | Published: 2/6/2025

The San Francisco Ethics Commission will not pursue allegations brought against Waymo last year by the Teamsters union that the company improperly lobbied San Francisco airport officials. In a second complaint to the commission, the union’s attorneys argued other lobbyists and executives for the autonomous vehicle maker failed to properly register before meeting with airport officials last year, and other meetings since then also violated ethics rules.

California – LA’s Top Homelessness Official Signed $2.1 Million Contract with Husband’s Employer

MSN – Nick Gerda and David Wagner (LAist) | Published: 2/11/2025

Documents show Va Lecia Adams Kellum, chief executive of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, signed a $2,1 million contract and two other contract amendments with Upward Bound House, a nonprofit where her husband works in senior leadership. State law bans public officials from any involvement in contracts in which they have a financial interest, including agreements that financially benefit their spouse or groups that pay their spouse.

Hawaii – Hawai’i Executive Indicted for Illegal Campaign Donations

Honolulu Civil Beat – Blaze Lovell | Published: 2/11/2025

Developer Timothy Lee was indicted on nine felony counts of illegally funneling money to Honolulu mayoral candidates in 2020. The details of Lee’s case harken back to an earlier era of campaign spending cases when felony charges were more common. In the early 2000s, dozens of executives at design and engineering firms were accused of laundering money to the campaigns of Hawai’I’s most prominent politicians. Many avoided any jail time and paid hefty fines instead.

Hawaii – Hawai’i’s Crackdown on Lobbyists Has Come a Long Way. Is It Far Enough?

Honolulu Civil Beat – Patty Epler | Published: 2/8/2025

Fifty years ago, Hawaii was considered a national leader in what was then a growing movement to crack down on inappropriate political influence by special interests. But things soon stalled. Hawaii remained stuck, for the most part, with the barest of transparency requirements and minimal punishment. Then, two state lawmakers and some Maui County officials were arrested for taking millions of dollars in bribes. The Legislature could not ignore the public outrage and things improved.

Illinois – Ethics Board ‘Revokes’ Informal Agreement That Allowed Mayor to Accept Pricey Gifts

WTTW – Heather Cherone | Published: 2/11/2025

Mayor Brandon Johnson is subject to the city’s ethics ordinance and prohibited from accepting most gifts worth more than $50, the Chicago Board of Ethics announced. No longer will gifts accepted by Chicago’s mayor on behalf of the city be covered by an “unwritten arrangement” dating back to the 1980s, board President William Conlon said during a meeting.

Illinois – ‘People Really Stood Their Ground,’ Juror Says of Split Michael Madigan Verdict

Yahoo News – Jason Meisner, Megan Crepeau, and Ray Long (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 2/12/2025

A jury delivered a split verdict against former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, finding him guilty on 10 of 23 criminal counts in his case. The jury also found Madigan not guilty on seven counts and was unable to reach a verdict on six additional counts. The convictions related to Madigan’s efforts to secure a valuable state board position for former Chicago Ald. Danny Solis and to an alleged bribery scheme involving Commonwealth Edison.

Illinois – President Donald Trump Pardons Ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich Nearly 5 Years After Commuting His Sentence, AP Says

Yahoo News – Rick Pearson (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 2/10/2025

Nearly five years after commuting former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s federal prison sentence, President Trump granted a full pardon to the disgraced former governor who was convicted more than 13 years ago on an array of corruption charges, including fundraising schemes and attempting to sell a U.S. Senate seat for his personal benefit. Unlike the commutation, which left intact Blagojevich’s conviction, pardon wipes clean the criminal slate of the only Illinois governor in history to be impeached and convicted by the General Assembly, and banned from seeking any state elected office ever again.

Indiana – Almost $30M Spent Lobbying Indiana General Assembly Last Year

Yahoo News – Leslie Bonilla Muñiz (Indiana Capital Chronicle) | Published: 2/10/2025

Experienced lawmakers from both parties said lobbyists bring valuable information. Sometimes they even use their expertise to write legislation or contribute fixes. But they had varying opinions on accepting lobbyist-funded dinners and gifts, and on how well Indiana regulates the influence of political contributions on legislation. Many groups also operate 501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations, which can engage in lobbying related to social welfare goals. Their donors and contributions are confidential.

Kentucky – What Is Executive Branch Lobbying? How People Get Paid to Influence KY’s Top Leaders

Yahoo Finance – Austin Horn (Lexington Herald-Leader) | Published: 2/10/2025

Lobbying efforts to sway executive branch decisions are an important, lucrative, and growing aspect of Frankfort. The subject matter of executive branch lobbying often revolves around state contracts. Lobbyist Bob Babbage said one key distinction between executive and legislative lobbying is that the people you are lobbying have different perspectives. Cabinet members always look at the statewide picture, but legislators’ first loyalties lie with their constituents.

Louisiana – Louisiana Ethics Board Agrees to Keep Governor’s Staff Information Private in Spite of Law

Yahoo News – Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) | Published: 2/12/2025

The home addresses of Gov. Jeff Landry’s executive staff will be kept out of public records, despite a state law that requires the information to be disclosed. The Louisiana Board of Ethics voted to keep their addresses secret. Its members agreed with Attorney General Liz Murrill’s view that the disclosure conflicts with the right to privacy contained in the state constitution.

Minnesota – Judge Blocks Minnesota Campaign Law to Limit Donations from Corporations with Foreign Ownership

MSN – Briana Bierschbach (Minneapolis Star Tribune) | Published: 2/7/2025

A federal judge permanently blocked the implementation of a Minnesota campaign finance law that aimed to limit political contributions from corporations with foreign ownership. In his ruling, U.S. District Court Judge Eric Tostrud said the law was too broad.

Mississippi – Evidence in Jackson’s Bribery Scandal Can’t Be Made Public Until Trial, Judge Says

MSN – Charlie Drape (Jackson Clarion Ledger) | Published: 2/6/2025

A federal judge granted a protective order blocking all evidence in Jackson’s bribery scandal from being released until the trial begins. Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens, and city Councilperson Aaron Banks were accused of soliciting and accepting bribes from undercover FBI agents who said they wanted to develop to a convention center hotel in Jackson. The order means the evidence may not become public before the spring elections.

Montana – Montana Senate Votes to Send Ellsworth Investigation to Department of Justice

Montana Free Press – Tom Lutey | Published: 2/6/2025

Allegations of criminal activity by former Montana Senate leader Jason Ellsworth are being handed over to the state Department of Justice following a heated floor debate in the Senate chambers in which minority Democrats prevailed. Republicans have openly stated Ellsworth is guilty since news broke that he awarded $170,100 in contracted work to a former business associate, Bryce Egglsteon. Ethics proceedings against Ellsworth were launched in the Senate after a brief investigation.

Nevada – Many Nevada Candidates Are Fined Over Transparency on Campaign Funds. Few Pay in Full.

Nevada Independent – Eric Neugeboren | Published: 2/11/2025

Across the first 11 months of 2024, the Nevada Secretary of State’s Office assessed more than $440,000 in fines related to campaign finance violations, with the PAC associated with Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford facing one of the largest at more than $20,000. But almost all of those fines have not yet been paid off, and many of them will likely end up being waived or reduced, which is part of the reason why the secretary of state’s office is looking to reform the penalty process in this year’s legislative session.

New York – Gov. Hochul’s Administration Seeks Investigation of $10M Ad Blitz Against Her

Gothamist – Jon Campbell | Published: 2/11/2025

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration wants an official investigation into the organizations behind a $10 million advertising campaign that criticized her for changes to a home health care program for the elderly and disabled. State Health Commissioner James McDonald requested a formal inquiry into the Alliance to Protect Home Care and two other nonprofits tied to the spending. McDonald accused the groups of “flouting the state’s ethics and charitable registration laws” in part by failing to disclose the true identity of the people or groups funding the television, radio, and online ads blanketing the state in recent months.

New York – Mayor Adams Aide Under NYC Council Probe Didn’t Recuse from Ex-Employer Dealings Due to ‘Miscommunication’

MSN – Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) | Published: 2/6/2025

Nate Bliss, a senior aide to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, did not recuse himself for years from city government business dealings with his ex-employer and is now blaming the slipup on a “miscommunication” with the Conflicts of Interest Board. The city council’s Oversight and Economic Development Committee launched a probe over his ties to his ex-employer after it emerged his jump from Taconic to City Hall happened less than three months before Adams’ administration picked Taconic to execute “Innovation East,” a major redevelopment of the city’s Manhattan public health lab.

New York – Top Justice Department Official Orders Prosecutors to Drop Charges Against New York Mayor Eric Adams

MSN – Jake Offenhartz, Alanna Durkin Richer, and Eric Tucker (Associated Press) | Published: 2/10/2025

The Justice Department ordered federal prosecutors to drop their case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, which would clear him of all corruption charges. Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove said the order was not based on the strength of evidence in the case, but rather because it had been brought too close to Adams’ reelection campaign and was distracting from the mayor’s efforts to assist in the Trump administration’s law-and-order priorities.

New York – Mohamed Bahi, Ex-Eric Adams Aide, to Plead Guilty to Federal Conspiracy Charges

The City – Greg Smith | Published: 2/7/2025

A onetime senior aide to New York City Mayor Eric Adams who was charged with organizing an illegal straw donor scheme for the mayor has agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy. Mohamed Bahi, formerly one of the mayor’s liaisons to the Muslim community, was initially charged with witness tampering and obstruction of justice in a criminal complaint that alleged he had direct conversations with Adams about the campaign donation scheme.

New York – Report: State campaign finance match program combats megadonor influence

WAMC – Jeongyoon Han (WXXI) | Published: 2/6/2025

More small donors are contributing to state elections in New York, according to a recent report, and the share of large donations for candidates’ fundraising decreased from 2024 to 2020. The report by the Brennan Center for Justice credits a state-run public campaign finance program for the change. Proponents say it encourages candidates to rely more on donations from constituents, and less on megadonors and special interest groups.

Ohio – Jim Tressel Nominated as Lieutenant Governor to Gov. Mike DeWine

MSN – Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 2/10/2025

Gov. Mike DeWine nominated former Ohio State University football coach Jim Tressel as his lieutenant governor. Tressel, who retired as president of Youngstown State University in 2023, will, if confirmed by the General Assembly, finish the final 22 months of Jon Husted’s term as lieutenant governor. DeWine appointed Husted to JD Vance’s U.S. Senate seat.

Ohio – Advocacy Groups Take Issue with Ohio House Rules on Chamber Lobby, Floor Votes

Ohio Capital Journal – Susan Tebben | Published: 2/11/2025

Nearly five dozen advocacy groups signed on to a letter opposing Ohio House rules for this General Assembly, including a ban on public gathering near the House chamber at certain times and decreasing public notice for floor votes. When the rules were first approved, Republicans said they would create more efficiency in legislative business, while Democrats questioned the effect on transparency going forward with the new rules.

Ohio – Ex-Councilman P.G. Sittenfeld Loses Appeal, Could Be Sent Back to Prison

WCPO – Paula Christian and Felicia Jordan | Published: 2/11/2025

Former Cincinnati City Councilperson P.G. Sittenfeld could be heading back to prison after a three-judge panel of the Sixth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against his appeal to have his public corruption conviction thrown out. The appeal focused on whether the government presented enough evidence for a jury to rule an explicit quid pro quo had occurred, and whether Sittenfeld’s indictment “was constructively amended,” meaning the jury was given evidence pointing to crimes outside of Sittenfeld’s actual indictment.

Oregon – Oregon Legislator Seeks Stricter Lobbying Limits for Former Lawmakers Representing State Agencies

Yahoo News – Julia Shumway (Oregon Capital Chronicle) | Published: 2/11/2025

Rep. Anna Scharf is pushing to tighten Oregon’s anti-revolving-door law, saying it unfairly discriminates between former lawmakers who lobby for private industries and those who obtain state jobs after leaving the Legislature. Oregon, like most states, makes former lawmakers wait before they can become lobbyists who ask their former colleagues to support bills. In Oregon, lawmakers cannot take a paid lobbying job until they have been out of office for at least a year.

Rhode Island – RI Ethics Panel to Review ‘Gift Rule’ Following ILO Group Investigation

Yahoo News – Eli Sherman (WPRI) | Published: 2/11/2025

The Rhode Island Ethics Commission voted to reexamine the state’s gift law, in a move that could limit the value of what lobbyists for nonprofit organizations can give to public officials. The panel voted to take another look at the rule, which currently prohibits any “interested party” from giving a gift exceeding $25 to a public official if the gift-giver might profit from their decisions.

South Dakota – South Dakota House Restores ‘Loan Loophole’ Bill Back to Original Form, Sends to Governor

Yahoo News – Joshua Haiar (South Dakota Searchlight) | Published: 2/6/2025

A bill that would close a campaign finance loophole in South Dakota allowing unlimited funds into a campaign is headed to the governor’s desk. It would prevent the ability to make unlimited campaign donations as long as the contribution is categorized as a loan. The debate took a tense turn when Rep. Brandei Schaefbauer accused the bill’s sponsors of using it as a tool to target businessperson Toby Doeden.

Wisconsin – Wisconsin Supreme Court Says Swing State’s Embattled Elections Chief Can Remain in Post

MSN – Scott Bauer (Associated Press) | Published: 2/7/2025

The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled the state’s nonpartisan top elections official, Meagan Wolfe, who has been targeted for removal by Republican lawmakers over the 2020 presidential election, can remain in her post despite not being reappointed and confirmed by the state Senate. The court said no vacancy exists and, because of that, the elections commission “does not have a duty to appoint a new administrator to replace Wolfe simply because her term has ended.”

Campaign Finance

Hawaii: “Hawai’i Executive Indicted for Illegal Campaign Donations” by Blaze Lovell for Honolulu Civil Beat

New York: “Report: State campaign finance match program combats megadonor influence” by Jeongyoon Han (WXXI) for WAMC

Elections

Ohio: “Jim Tressel Nominated as Lieutenant Governor to Gov. Mike DeWine” by Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN

Ethics

California: “LA’s Top Homelessness Official Signed $2.1 Million Contract with Husband’s Employer” by Nick Gerda and David Wagner (LAist) for MSN

Illinois: “Ethics Board ‘Revokes’ Informal Agreement That Allowed Mayor to Accept Pricey Gifts” by Heather Cherone for WTTW

Illinois: “‘People Really Stood Their Ground,’ Juror Says of Split Michael Madigan Verdict” by Jason Meisner, Megan Crepeau, and Ray Long (Chicago Tribune) for Yahoo News

Louisiana: “Louisiana Ethics Board Agrees to Keep Governor’s Staff Information Private in Spite of Law” by Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) for Yahoo News

Lobbying

Oregon: “Oregon Legislator Seeks Stricter Lobbying Limits for Former Lawmakers Representing State Agencies” by Julia Shumway (Oregon Capital Chronicle) for Yahoo News

Rhode Island: “RI Ethics Panel to Review ‘Gift Rule’ Following ILO Group Investigation” by Eli Sherman (WPRI) for Yahoo News

Campaign Finance

California: “California Regulators Allege This Silicon Valley Ex-Lawmaker Violated Campaign Finance Law Dozens of Times” by Yue Stella Yu (CalMatters) for MSN

Nevada: “Many Nevada Candidates Are Fined Over Transparency on Campaign Funds. Few Pay in Full.” by Eric Neugeboren for Nevada Independent

Elections

National: “Trump Administration Cuts Teams That Fight Foreign Election Interference” by Colby Itkowitz, Yvonne Wingett Sanchez, Sarah Ellison, and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

Alabama: “State-Commissioned Report Finds ‘Significant’ Issues in Alabama Ethics Law, Recommends Major Reforms” by Alexander Willis for Alabama Daily News

National: “Trump Pauses DOJ Enforcement of Bribery Laws for US Firms Overseas” by Josh Meyer (USA Today) for MSN

National: “Trump Removes Top Government Ethics Czar” by Fredreka Schouten (CNN) for MSN

Illinois: “President Donald Trump Pardons Ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich Nearly 5 Years After Commuting His Sentence, AP Says” by Rick Pearson (Chicago Tribune) for Yahoo News

Lobbying

New York: “Gov. Hochul’s Administration Seeks Investigation of $10M Ad Blitz Against Her” by Jon Campbell for Gothamist