On March 27, the city of Pickering, in Ontario, Canada, passed a new lobbying law and will become the 10th municipality in Ontario to have a lobbyist registry framework in place. This by-law authorizing a lobbyist registry for the city technically came into force with its passage, but all enforcement and penalties will not take effect until November 1, 2023.

All lobbyists must file a registration (a first filing of a return) regarding lobbying communication within ten business days of the initial communication occurring. A lobbyist must file a return updating any change to their registration immediately. Lobbying is defined as “any communication with a public office holder by an individual who is paid or who represents a business or financial interest with the goal of trying to influence any legislative action including development, introduction, passage, defeat, amendment or repeal of a bylaw, motion, resolution or the outcome of a decision on any matter before council, a committee of council, or a staff member acting under delegated authority.”

The list of covered public office holders includes members of the city council, officers or employees of the city in management positions, members of local boards or committees established by the city council, and individuals providing professional services to the city during the course of providing such services.

The mandatory registry applies to consultant lobbyists, in-house lobbyists, and certain voluntary lobbyists. Lobbying on a contingency basis is prohibited. Former public office holders are forbidden from lobbying for a period of 12 months after leaving office. Penalties include being barred from lobbying for various periods of time. Additionally, all lobbyists must adhere to a formal Code of Conduct for Lobbyists, which is part of the by-law, during all lobbying activities with public office holders.

 

National/Federal

Former Trump Officials Must Testify in 2020 Election Inquiry, Judge Says

DNyuz – Maggie Haberman and Alan Feuer (New York Times) | Published: 3/24/2023

A federal judge ruled a number of former officials from former President Trump’s administration – including his former chief of staff, Mark Meadows – cannot invoke executive privilege to avoid testifying to a grand jury investigating Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Prosecutors are likely to be especially eager to hear from Meadows, who refused to be interviewed by the House select committee that investigated the attack on the Capitol. Meadows was a central player in various efforts to help Trump reverse the election outcome in a number of contested states.

A Campaign Aide Didn’t Write That Email. A.I. Did.

DNyuz – Shane Goldmacher (New York Times) | Published: 3/28/2023

Inside political campaigns, artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to soon help perform mundane tasks that previously required fleets of interns. Republican and Democratic engineers alike are racing to develop tools to harness AI to make advertising more efficient, to engage in predictive analysis of public behavior, to write more and more personalized copy, and to discover new patterns in mountains of voter data. The technology is evolving so fast that most predict a profound impact, even if specific ways in which it will upend the political system are more speculation than science.

Fetterman Set to Return to Senate Week of April 17

MSN – Al Weaver (The Hill) | Published: 3/29/2023

Sources said U.S. Sen. John Fetterman is set to return to the Senate the week of April 17. He has been absent since mid-February after checking himself into Walter Reed Medical Military Hospital with clinical depression. U.S. Sen. Bob Casey said he met with his fellow Keystone State lawmaker recently and was pleased to see how he was doing.

How TikTok Built a ‘Team of Avengers’ to Fight for Its Life

MSN – Hailey Fuchs, Clothilde Goujard, and Daniel Lippman (Politico) | Published: 3/30/2023

TikTok’s battle for survival has become a vivid study in how a wealthy, foreign-owned corporation can use its financial might to build an impressive-looking network of influence, and in the limitations of what lobbying can do to protect a company at the center of a firestorm. A Politico investigation revealed an effort by TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, dating back to at least 2018, long before concerns about TikTok’s Chinese ownership reached their current pitch.

House’s Monthly Pay Cycle, an Inconvenience for Some, Could Get Review

MSN – Justin Papp (Roll Call) | Published: 3/30/2023

When money gets low, some Capitol Hill staffers hit up receptions for free food. Others, especially junior staffers, work multiple jobs to get them from one paycheck to the next. Still others run up credit card debt while working in the halls of Congress. The low pay for staff has been an issue for years. But the infrequency of the paychecks, just one per month, can compound the problem.

Schools Forced to Divert Staff Amid Historic Flood of Records Requests

MSN – Hannah Natanson and Karina Elwood (Washington Post) | Published: 3/27/2023

School districts across the nation are facing a mounting pile of increasingly complex records requests from parents, community members, or attorneys representing education advocacy groups – all of whom say they want greater transparency about how local children are educated. The focus is on curriculum documentation or the contents of emails between school board members, as concerns have spread over what public schools are teaching about race, gender and sexual orientation.

Indicted Chinese Exile Controls Gettr Social Media Site, Ex-Employees Say

MSN – Joseph Menn (Washington Post) | Published: 3/26/2023

An exiled Chinese tycoon indicted in New York in a billion-dollar fraud case controls the conservative social media platform Gettr and used it to promote cryptocurrencies and propaganda, former employees said. They said the arrested expatriate, Guo Wengui, and his longtime money manager, William Je, called the shots at the company while Donald Trump senior adviser Jason Miller was its chief executive and public face. The revelations show a man accused of massive fraud on two continents climbed high into Trump’s political sphere and dictated messaging at a social media site that reaches millions of Americans.

Activist Group Led by Ginni Thomas Received Nearly $600,000 in Anonymous Donations

MSN – Shawn Boberg and Emma Brown (Washington Post) | Published: 3/28/2023

A Washington Post investigation sheds new light on the role money from donors who are not publicly identified has played in supporting Ginni Thomas’s political advocacy, long a source of controversy. She is married to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. A conservative activist group led by Ginni Thomas collected nearly $600,000 in anonymous donations to wage a cultural battle against the left. Contributions to Crowdsourcers for Culture and Liberty were channeled through a right-wing think tank that agreed to serve as a funding conduit from 2019 until the start of last year.

AP Sources: Judge rules Pence must testify before grand jury

MSN – Jill Colvin and Eric Tucker (Associated Press) | Published: 3/28/2023

A federal judge ruled former Vice President Mike Pence will have to testify before a grand jury in the Justice Department’s investigation into efforts by Donald Trump and his allies to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Sources said Pence would not have to answer questions about his actions on January 6, 2021, as Pence was presiding over a joint session of Congress to certify Joe Biden’s victory. But he would have to testify about any potential illegal acts committed by Trump.

Supreme Court Justices Under New Ethics Disclosures on Trips, Other Gifts

MSN – Jonathan O’Connell and Ann Marimow (Washington Post) | Published: 3/28/2023

Federal judges, including Supreme Court justices, must follow strengthened financial disclosure requirements surrounding gifts they receive. The new requirements mark a technical but significant change that lawmakers and transparency advocates hope will lead to more disclosure by judges and justices. The revisions come after years of pressure from members of Congress, who say the judiciary should follow ethics guidelines closer to those that apply to the executive and legislative branches.

Lindsey Graham Publicly Admonished for Fundraising on Capitol Grounds

MSN – Mariana Alfaro (Washington Post) | Published: 3/24/2023

A nine-minute Fox News appearance last year earned U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham a public admonishment from the Senate Ethics Committee because in the video, he solicited campaign contributions for former candidate Herschel Walker while standing on Capitol grounds. The committee acknowledged Graham self-reported his actions to them. The committee also noted this is not the first time Graham violated Senate rules banning fundraising appeals on federal property.

Republicans Face Setbacks in Push to Tighten Voting Laws on College Campuses

Yahoo News – Neil Vigdor (New York Times) | Published: 3/29/2023

Alarmed over young people increasingly proving to be a force for Democrats at the ballot box, Republican lawmakers in a number of states have been trying to enact new obstacles to voting for college students. Out of 17 states that generally require voter ID, five do not accept any student IDs. Proponents of such restrictions often say they are needed to prevent voter fraud, even though instances of fraud are rare. Two lawsuits were filed in state and federal court shortly after Idaho’s Republican governor, Brad Little, signed a student ID prohibition into law on March 15.

From the States and Municipalities

Canada – Liberals, Conservatives and Bloc Approve Loosening of Ethical Lobbying Rules

Western Standard – Lee Harding | Published: 3/27/2023

In a letter to Commissioner of Lobbying Nancy Bélanger, the House of Commons Ethics Committee approved of the commissioner’s proposed changes to the Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct. Committee members aid they wanted Belanger to formalize the ability of lobbyists to offer “sponsored travel” junket trips to members of Parliament and their family members and associates “where they serve a legitimate purpose.” They approved the increase on the annual limit on gifts from a lobbyist to $200, and on hospitality to $200.

Arizona – Arizona Court Declines Most of Lake’s Appeal Over Gov’s Race

MSN – Jacques Billeaud (Associated Press) | Published: 3/23/2023

The Arizona Supreme Court declined to hear most of Kari Lake’s appeal in a challenge of her defeat in the governor’s race but revived a claim that was dismissed by a trial court. Lake, who lost to Democrat Katie Hobbs by just over 17,000 votes, was among the most vocal 2022 Republican candidates promoting Donald Trump’s election lies, which she made the centerpiece of her campaign. While most other election deniers around the country conceded after losing their races in November, Lake did not.

Arizona – Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs’ Spokesperson Resigns After Twitter Post Invoking Gun Violence

MSN – Stacey Barchenger (Arizona Republic) | Published: 3/29/2023

Arizona – Arizona State Rep. Liz Harris Says Constitution Required Her to Allow Baseless Cartel Bribery Claims

Yahoo News – Ray Stern (Arizona Republic) | Published: 3/23/2023

A lawmaker whose invited guest speaker accused public officials and the LDS church of conspiring with a Mexican drug cartel told an Arizona House ethics panel she had a constitutional duty to allow the testimony. Rep. Liz Harris was hit with a complaint after her guest, insurance agent Jacqueline Breger, presented the allegations at a joint Senate and House elections committee hearing. Rep. Stephanie Stahl Hamilton, who filed the complaint, said the presentation amounted to “disorderly conduct” by Harris and made Arizona a “national joke.”

Colorado – Proposal to Cap Candidate Contributions in Colorado’s Local Elections Advances

Colorado Politics – Hannah Metzger | Published: 3/27/2023

Colorado could soon establish a statewide limit on donations made to candidates in local elections if a new bill is passed into law. House Bill 1245 would cap contributions from individuals at $250 and donations from small-donor committees at $2,500 in municipal elections, among other provisions. Karen Goldman with the Colorado Municipal Clerks Association raised concerns about elements of the bill intended to increase transparency in campaign contributions, calling the proposed changes “excessive and unworkable.”

Connecticut – Legislator’s Arrest Places Spotlight on Drinking at Connecticut State Capitol

Yahoo News – Christopher Keating (Hartford Courant) | Published: 3/26/2023

In previous years, organized parties with live music and copious amounts of alcohol kept lawmakers at the Capitol in Hartford until dawn on the session’s final day. Legislative receptions often featured liquor, including an annual wine tasting at the same time House and Senate members were debating in nearby chambers. The issue gained increased attention following the arrest of Rep. Robin Comey, who had been at a bar with three other legislators. Comey was driving a Honda Civic in a narrow section of Capitol Avenue near the Red Rock Tavern when her car flipped upside down and landed on its roof.

District of Columbia – D.C. Campaign Finance Office Tosses Complaints About Silverman’s Poll

MSN – Michael Brice-Saddler (Washington Post) | Published: 3/27/2023

The District of Columbia’s Office of Campaign Finance has dismissed a third and final complaint related to former city council member Elissa Silverman’s decision to poll last year’s Ward 3 Democratic primary election, concluding a controversial saga the erstwhile lawmaker says cost her a seat on the council. Silverman turned some heads in June when she said she polled the Ward 3 race and discussed the results with two candidates in that contest who had asked for her endorsement.

Florida – Florida Bill Would Shield DeSantis’s Travel Records

DNyuz – Nick Corasaniti (New York Times) | Published: 3/24/2023

Florida lawmakers moved to shield Gov. Ron DeSantis’s travel records from the public, proposing to change the state’s public information laws just as the governor ramps up what is expected to be a 2024 presidential campaign. The bill includes a sweeping retroactive clause that would block the release of many records of trips already taken by DeSantis and other officials, as well as their families and staff members. In recent months, the governor has traveled widely as he promotes a new book and moves toward a White House bid.

Florida – DeSantis Wants ‘Media Accountability.’ A New Bill Makes Suing Journalists Easier.

MSN – Elahe Izadi and Lori Rozsa (Washington Post) | Published: 3/23/2023

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is expected to challenge Donald Trump and a growing field for the 2024 Republican nomination for president, has made open antipathy toward “corporate media” a key part of his brand in his ascent in conservative politics. A new bill moving through the Legislature appears to codify DeSantis’s combative stance toward media and his portrayal of journalists as partisan players who lack accountability by making it far easier to sue news organizations for defamation and win.

Florida – Disney Quietly Dodged DeSantis’s Oversight Board, Appointees Realize

MSN – Bryan Pietsch (Washington Post) | Published: 3/30/2023

The Disney World oversight board installed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis accused the previous board of passing an 11th-hour agreement in cahoots with the company that has hamstrung it from much of its administrative power over the amusement park. In an apparent retaliation for Disney’s critique of a DeSantis-backed bill, the governor replaced the previous Disney-friendly oversight board with a new panel made up entirely of his own appointees, including religious and conservative activists.

Illinois – Out-of-State PAC Backing Conservative School Board Candidates Hasn’t Disclosed Spending

Yahoo News – Dan Petrella (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 3/28/2023

A New York-based PAC backing conservative candidates in local school board races in Illinois has not disclosed what it is spending on mailers that began arriving in Chicago-area mailboxes recently as required under state law, according to state election officials. While the 1776 Project is registered with the FEC, Illinois campaign finance law requires independent expenditure committees that spend money on races in the state to register. Since it is not even registered with the state, the 1776 Project had not reported any such spending one week before Election Day.

Illinois – ‘ComEd Four’ Trial Offering a Fascinating and Unprecedented Look into the Inner Workings of Madigan’s Political Power

Yahoo News – Jason Meisner and Ray Long (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 3/26/2023

Through wiretapped conversations, internal documents, and the sworn accounts of key insiders, federal prosecutors in a corruption trial have laid bare the inner workings of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s extraordinary power. Before resigning, Madigan held sway over the fate of legislation and the political and professional futures of hordes of lawmakers, lobbyists, and job seekers. Proving Madigan’s influence is a key element of the prosecution’s case against four associates of the former speaker accused of conspiring to bribe him to help Commonwealth Edison’s legislative agenda.

Maryland – Baltimore Board of Ethics Makes Mosby Defense Fund Donor List Public, Minus Names of Donors

MSN – Emily Opilo (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 3/23/2023

A list of donors to a legal-defense fund established to benefit Baltimore political power couple Nick and Marilyn Mosby became public, minus the names of the more than 130 donors. The list was expected to offer a public accounting of who gave to the fund. The fund was at the center of a Board of Ethics ruling against Nick Mosby, the Baltimore City Council president. The board found he violated the ethics ordinance by indirectly soliciting for the fund and by failing to include it on his annual ethics disclosure form. After contesting the ruling for nearly a year, Mosby complied with an order from the board to provide information about the fund.

New Jersey – N.J. Election Watchdog Declines to Discipline Executive Director Over Alleged Anti-Gay Email

MSN – Matt Arco (NJ Advance Media) | Published: 3/28/2023

The head of the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) will not be disciplined for allegations of workplace homophobia, racism, and insubordination after members of the commission cleared him of wrongdoing. The hearing for ELEC Executive Director Jeff Brindle was held after a colleague filed a complaint about an email Brindle sent in response to a National Coming Out Day announcement. It also came as the Legislature is considering a controversial bill that would reshape ELEC, including allowing Gov. Phil Murphy to replace the agency’s current commissioners and ultimately oust Brindle.

New Jersey – Critics Slam Lawmakers’ Push to Raise Campaign Donation Limits

New Jersey Monitor – Nikita Biryukov | Published: 3/30/2023

New Jersey lawmakers in both chambers are set to approve an overhaul of the state’s campaign finance system that, among numerous other things, would drastically increase how much donors can give to candidates and political parties. The bill, expected to receive final votes in the state Assembly and Senate on March 30, would double the $2,600 limit on contributions to candidates, roughly double the $37,000 cap on donations to county political parties, and triple the $25,000 maximum contribution limit to committees run by the state political parties and the Legislature’s leaders.

New Mexico – Steak Dinners and Ski Passes: As lobbyists spend to influence New Mexico Legislature, 2 lawmakers seek more transparency

Albuquerque Journal – Dan McKay | Published: 3/23/2023

State Sens. Jeff Steinborn and Mark Moores say New Mexico’s lobbyist reporting requirements miss critical information. They pushed for legislation this year that would require lobbyists to disclose what bills they are lobbying on and the position they take. Senate Bill 218 advanced through one committee but died without reaching the full Senate for a vote. Meager as the required spending reports are, Steinborn said, they nevertheless hint at lobbyists’ influence.

New Mexico – Council Walks Back Campaign Code Rewrite

Santa Fe Reporter – Andrew Oxford | Published: 3/29/2023

Santa Fe’s mayor and city council walked back proposed changes to local campaign finance rules after the municipal ethics board raised concerns the update – coming just months before an election – could lead to less transparency about who is spending money to influence voters. City Clerk Kristine Bustos-Mihelcic backed the election code rewrite as a means of simplifying Santa Fe’s labyrinthine campaign rules and more closely aligning local policies with state law.

New Mexico – NM Legislators Fail to Pass Ethical Conduct Bill as Lobbyists Fear Unsafe Working Conditions

Source New Mexico – Megan Gleason | Published: 3/23/2023

An effort to update and standardize professional conduct standards for public employees, including lawmakers, failed to get through the 2023 legislative session. As a result, lobbyists say people who work and visit the Roundhouse will still need to assign their own measures to feel safe in Santa Fe. The current guidelines already say public employees cannot ask for money or something else of value in exchange for a vote or other official favors, but this bill would have specified that sexual acts also cannot be traded.

New York – NYC Councilwoman Inna Vernikov Used Government Email to Solicit Business

MSN – Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) | Published: 3/26/2023

New York City Councilperson Inna Vernikov used her government email account to solicit business for a self-defense company she has been involved with. In an email from her government account to constituents, Vernikov wrote she has “partnered with” Legion to offer classes in Krav Maga, an Israeli martial art. Vernikov said she is no longer on Legion’s board. Richard Briffault, a former chairperson of the Conflicts of Interest Board, said Vernikov likely violated ethics law even if she is not currently involved with Legion in a formal capacity, as the rules bar public officials from using “any city resources for any non-city purpose.”

North Carolina – N.C. Board Removes Election Officials Who Refused to Certify

Yahoo News – Hannah Schoenbaum (Associated Press) | Published: 3/28/2023

The North Carolina State Board of Elections removed two local election officials who had refused to certify their county’s 2022 results after officials determined they violated state law. The elections board voted unanimously to dismiss Surry County elections secretary Jerry Forestieri and board member Timothy DeHaan in one of the strongest disciplinary actions taken against local officials across the U.S. who have delayed or refused to certify election results.

Oklahoma – Oklahoma Rep. Dean Davis Claimed ‘Legislative Immunity’ During His Arrest. Are State Officials Really Exempt?

Yahoo News – Jessie Christopher Smith (Oklahoman) | Published: 3/28/2023

The circumstances and fallout regarding the arrest of Oklahoma Rep. Dean Davis have generated discussion about constitutional privileges for lawmakers and the exact boundaries of the protection. During his arrest at a bar in Oklahoma City, Davis presented his legislative identification card to police, asking an officer to read it aloud. The card contains language from the state constitution that prohibits a legislator from being arrested under certain circumstances. After reading the card, the officer told Davis he was not at the Capitol, and he was going to be arrested on a complaint of public drunkenness.

Oregon – Port of Morrow Commissioners, Already Under Investigation, Keep Voting on Amazon’s Data Center Tax Deals

MSN – Mike Rogoway (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 3/24/2023

Two commissioners at the Port of Morrow who each own a stake in Amazon’s local fiber-optics provider voted recently to give the city of Boardman a share of new tax deals for data centers the company wants to build outside city limits. They voted even though their prior votes on the port’s dealings with Amazon, a customer of their fiber business, are already the subject of a state ethics investigation. The Oregon Government Ethics Commission has said state law allows these latest votes, provided they acknowledge publicly they might profit from the deals.

Virginia – Lawsuit Filed Over Nomination Method for One Va. GOP Race

MSN – Laura Vozzella (Washington Post) | Published: 3/27/2023

A court feud has erupted over the method of nomination Virginia Republicans will use in one state Senate race, with one party official arguing Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s chief of staff and the attorney general put pressure on the state elections commissioner to change a primary to a convention. The case puts the spotlight back on the arcane business of nomination selection that split the party as Youngkin sought his party’s gubernatorial nomination. At that time, the multimillionaire political newcomer sought a primary, a format that tends to favor candidates with more money, and accused one of his rivals of trying to tilt the playing field toward a convention.

Washington – Those Mailers Telling You to Call Your Elected Leaders? They May Soon Tell You Who Paid for Them

KNKX – Scott Greenstone | Published: 3/27/2023

Legislation advancing in Washington would require groups sponsoring ads that urge people to contact lawmakers about a bill to list their major donors. When the Legislature is in session, the bill would require groups lobbying the public to register who paid for and worked on the campaign within 24 hours of the ad being presented to the public.

West Virginia – PSC Orders Audit of Mon Power, Potomac Edison Lobbying Expenses

Charleston Gazette – Mike Tony | Published: 3/27/2023

Wisconsin – Costly Court Race Points to a Politicized Future for Judicial Elections

DNyuz – Reid Epstein (New York Times) | Published: 3/28/2023

The campaign for a swing seat on Wisconsin’s Supreme Court – officially nonpartisan but positively awash in partisanship – brings together the old and new ways of judicial politics in America and offers a preview of what might be to come. The race could lead to a sea change in how state Supreme Court races are contested in the other where high court justices are elected, injecting never-before-seen amounts of money, politicization, and voter interest.

Wisconsin – Wis. School Blocks 1st-Graders from Singing ‘Rainbowland’ in Spring Show

MSN – María Luisa Paúl (Washington Post) | Published: 3/29/2023

Melissa Tempel’s first grade class at Heyer Elementary School in Wisconsin has spent weeks preparing for its upcoming spring concert. Students were set to perform “Rainbowland,” a duet by Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton, with lyrics that advocate for inclusion. But within one day of students learning the song, Tempel said school administration asked her to remove “Rainbowland” from the concert. The district said it called for the song to be removed because its lyrics “could be deemed controversial” according to a school board policy on controversial issues in the classroom.

Campaign Finance

Maryland: “Baltimore Board of Ethics Makes Mosby Defense Fund Donor List Public, Minus Names of Donors” by Emily Opilo (Baltimore Sun) for MSN

Elections

Virginia: “Lawsuit Filed Over Nomination Method for One Va. GOP Race” by Laura Vozzella (Washington Post) for MSN

Wisconsin: “Costly Court Race Points to a Politicized Future for Judicial Elections” by Reid Epstein (New York Times) for DNyuz

Ethics

National: “Activist Group Led by Ginni Thomas Received Nearly $600,000 in Anonymous Donations” by Shawn Boberg and Emma Brown (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “AP Sources: Judge rules Pence must testify before grand jury” by Jill Colvin and Eric Tucker (Associated Press) for MSN

Oklahoma: “Oklahoma Rep. Dean Davis Claimed ‘Legislative Immunity’ During His Arrest. Are State Officials Really Exempt?” by Jessie Christopher Smith (Oklahoman) for Yahoo News

Lobbying

Washington: “Those Mailers Telling You to Call Your Elected Leaders? They May Soon Tell You Who Paid for Them” by Scott Greenstone for KNKX

West Virginia: “PSC Orders Audit of Mon Power, Potomac Edison Lobbying Expenses” by Mike Tony for Charleston Gazette

Campaign Finance Washington DC: “D.C. Campaign Finance Office Tosses Complaints About Silverman’s Poll” by Michael Brice-Saddler (Washington Post) for MSN Ethics Florida: “Florida Bill Would Shield DeSantis’s Travel Records” by Nick Corasaniti (New York Times) for DNyuz National: “Schools Forced to Divert Staff Amid Historic Flood of Records Requests” by Hannah Natanson and Karina Elwood (Washington Post) for MSN National: “Indicted Chinese Exile Controls Gettr Social Media Site, Ex-Employees Say” by Joseph Menn (Washington Post) for MSN New York: “NYC Councilwoman Inna Vernikov Used Government Email to Solicit Business” by Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) for MSN Legislative Issues Arizona: “Arizona State Rep. Liz Harris Says Constitution Required Her to Allow Baseless Cartel Bribery Claims” by Ray Stern (Arizona Republic) for Yahoo News Lobbying Canada: “Liberals, Conservatives and Bloc Approve Loosening of Ethical Lobbying Rules” by Lee Harding for Western Standard New Mexico: “Steak Dinners and Ski Passes: As lobbyists spend to influence New Mexico Legislature, 2 lawmakers seek more transparency” by Dan McKay for Albuquerque Journal

National/Federal

As Chatbots Spread, Conservatives Dream About a Right-Wing Response

DNyuz – Stuart Thompson, Tiffany Hsu, and Steven Lee Myers (New York Times) | Published: 3/20/2023

Artificial intelligence has become another front in the political and cultural wars in the U.S. and other countries. Even as companies scramble to join the commercial boom prompted by the release of ChatGPT, they face a debate over the use, and potential abuse, of artificial intelligence. The technology’s ability to create content that hews to predetermined ideological points of view, or presses disinformation, highlights a danger – that an informational cacophony could emerge from competing chatbots with different versions of reality, undermining the viability of artificial intelligence as a tool in everyday life and further eroding trust in society.

Two Gifts to Trump Family from Foreign Nations Are Missing, Report Says

MSN – Jacqueline Alemany and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) | Published: 3/17/2023

Federal officials cannot find two gifts received by former President Trump and his family from foreign nations, including a life-size painting of Trump from the president of El Salvador and golf clubs from the Japanese prime minister, according to a new report from House Democrats. The gifts are among more than 100 foreign gifts, with a total value of nearly $300,000, that Trump and his family failed to report to the State Department in violation of federal law, according to the report, which cites government records and emails.

Trump Lawyer Must Turn Over Evidence on Classified Documents, Court Rules

MSN – Josh Dawsey, Devlin Barrett, Jacqueline Alemany, and Rachel Weiner (Washington Post) | Published: 3/22/2023

A federal appeals court ruled that a lawyer for Donald Trump must provide notes, transcripts, and other evidence to prosecutors investigating how classified documents remained at the former president’s Mar-a-Lago home months after a subpoena to return all sensitive files. The order from a panel of three judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ends an emergency hold on a ruling by a lower-court judge. It is possible Trump will seek to carry the fight up to the Supreme Court.

The Jan. 6 Investigation Is the Biggest in U.S. History. It’s Only Half Done.

MSN – Spencer Hsu, Devlin Barrett, and Tom Jackman (Washington Post) | Published: 3/18/2023

The District of Columbia’s federal court system is bracing for many years more of trials stemming from the riot at the U.S. Capitol, with new charges possible against as many as 1,000 more people. Prosecutors are hopeful many will be incentivized to plead to help manage the crush of cases, which already have strained the court in the nation’s capital. A Washington Post analysis of the cases so far shows defendants who seek a trial rather than plead guilty end up getting about a year of prison time added to their sentences.

Is Sean Hannity a Journalist? Role of Hosts Is Key in Fox News Lawsuit.

MSN – Jeremy Barr (Washington Post) | Published: 3/20/2023

FEC Eyes New Rules for Candidates to Draw Pay, Perks from Campaigns

MSN – Kate Ackley (Roll Call) | Published: 3/22/2023

U.S. Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost and a slate of former congressional candidates urged the FEC to loosen restrictions on using campaign funds for salaries and benefits for those seeking office. Making it easier for candidates to draw a regular salary, plus health care and other benefits, would help encourage more diversity among House, Senate, and presidential hopefuls, they argued.

Jan. 6 Panel’s Video Depositions Become Tantalizing Tool for Probes

Roll Call – Michael Macagnone | Published: 3/22/2023

Clips from videotaped depositions with allies of Donald Trump were one of the most effective tools employed by the House select committee investigating the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol to make the public case against Trump’s role. Experts expect that will change the dynamics of congressional committees this year and beyond. Lawmakers will come around to those technological advancements that grab public attention and allow them to better shape their arguments, and witnesses will recalculate how their answers might later be used at hearings.

Abortion on the Ballot? Not If These Republican Lawmakers Can Help It.

Yahoo News – Alice Mianda Ollstein and Megan Messerly (Politico) | Published: 3/19/2023

After watching the pro-choice side win all six ballot initiative fights related to abortion in 2022, including in red states, conservatives are mobilizing to avoid a repeat. Legislatures in Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio, and Oklahoma are debating bills this session that would hike the filing fees, raise the number of signatures required to get on the ballot, restrict who can collect signatures, mandate broader geographic distribution of signatures, and raise the vote threshold to pass an amendment from a majority to a supermajority.

George Santos Never Filed a Key Financial Disclosure. Enforcement Has Been Lax for Years.

Yahoo News – Jessica Piper (Politico) | Published: 3/19/2023

Though it was obvious at the time that George Santos missed the deadline in 2021 to file a financial disclosure report, the issue did not attract much attention until after he had been elected to Congress and a series of resumé fabrications began to surface. Dozens of candidates who should have filed financial disclosures over the past two election cycles avoided doing so or filed the forms late without asking for an extension. The fact that such violations are rarely even flagged, and penalties are essentially non-existent, makes it easy for candidates to avoid disclosing key financial information, ethics experts say.

US Lawmakers Resume Globetrotting Paid by Special Interests

Yahoo News – Billy House (Bloomberg) | Published: 3/18/2023

Members of Congress and their staffers rebounded from pandemic travel anxiety in 2022, accepting more than $6.6 million worth of airline tickets, hotel rooms, and meals paid for by special-interest groups. Destinations included more than 40 foreign countries, including Israel, Spain, and Japan, as well as U.S. cities such as Las Vegas, New Orleans, and Miami. Some lawmakers took spouses and other family members, also free-of-cost, on the excursions.

From the States and Municipalities

Oceania – How Well-Connected Lobbyists Ask For – and Receive – Urgent Meetings, Sensitive Information and Action on Law Changes for Their Corporate Clients

RNZ – Guyon Espiner | Published: 3/22/2023

A media investigation unearthed thousands of emails, text messages, and even encrypted Signal communications, revealing the extent of the lobbying industry in New Zealand. The documents show lobbyists targeting ministerial advisors, inviting them to drinks, dinner, and sports events with text messages addressing them as “brother” and “comrade.” New Zealand has among the weakest regimes in the developed world for regulating lobbying and the industry largely operates in the shadows, with little information about the client lists of many of the major firms.

Arizona – Group Attempts to Quash New Campaign Finance Law

White Mountain Independent – Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) | Published: 3/20/2023

A conservative advocacy group founded by the Koch brothers is asking a federal judge to quash new voter-approved campaign finance laws aimed at exposing “dark money” contributions for political purposes. Attorneys for Americans for Prosperity contend the First Amendment protects the right of individuals to donate to advocacy organizations without fear their identities would be disclosed. But in a new lawsuit, they contend Proposition 211 “trammels that right by subjecting countless Americans nationwide to governmental doxxing for doing nothing more than supporting their chosen non-profit organizations and charities.”

California – San Francisco Will Allow City Officials to Fundraise for Safe-Consumption Sites

KQED – Sydney Johnson | Published: 3/21/2023

San Francisco leaders are making an exception to their own ethics policy so city officials can solicit donations for safe-consumption sites. The Board of Supervisors passed a resolution on that allows Mayor London Breed, her officers, and officials at the Department of Public Health to seek out contributions for nonprofits, which would then use the private funds to operate safe-consumption sites, where medical staff can supervise people using drugs and respond if there is an overdose.

California – City Blacklists 4 More Firms Tied to Mohammed Nuru Scandal

San Francisco Standard – Michael Barba | Published: 3/22/2023

The federal cases against two Bay Area executives accused of bribing former San Francisco Public Works head Mohammed Nuru with a $40,000 tractor are about to cost them more city business. A city investigation digging deeper into the corruption cases against Alan Varela and William Gilmartin of ProVen Management, a construction and engineering firm behind major infrastructure projects, has revealed new links between the executives, their firm, and four other companies. Now City Attorney David Chiu is suspending the firms from bidding on city contracts.

California – Should San Jose Require Nonprofits to Register as Lobbyists?

San Jose Spotlight – Jana Kadah | Published: 3/16/2023

Like corporate lobbyists, nonprofit leaders meet regularly with San Jose officials to influence policy decisions. But nonprofits, which are often awarded millions in city contracts, do not have to disclose their meetings like other lobbyists. Ethics experts say more transparency is needed, while nonprofit leaders worry changing the rules will make it harder for them to advocate for policies and discourage smaller nonprofits from working with the city.

California – Stockton Councilman Files Restraining Order Against 209 Times Founder, Cites Threats, Harassment

Yahoo News – Ben Irwin and Aaron Leathley (Stockton Record) | Published: 3/22/2023

A temporary restraining order was granted protecting Stockton City Councilperson Brando Villapdua, who accused the 209 Times founder, Motecuzoma Sanchez, of harassing the lawmaker. Court documents say Sanchez harassed and threatened Villapudua into supporting the removal of City Manager Harry Black “and others.” After a closed meeting of the council, Sanchez began verbally attacking and threatening Villapudua and became “physically aggressive in such a quick manner” that the 209 Times founder had to be physically restrained at Valley Brewin the city, according to court documents.

California – State Launches Probe of Cannabis Licensing to ‘Clean House’ of Corruption

Yahoo News – Adam Elmahrek (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 3/23/2023

Corruption in California’s cannabis industry has become widespread and brazen. There have been “pay-to-play” schemes, including a demand for cash in a brown paper bag for a marijuana license, threats of violence against local officials, and city council members accepting money from cannabis businesses even as they regulated them. Those problems and more were uncovered by a Los Angeles Times investigation. Now state officials are launching an audit aimed at curtailing bribery, conflicts-of-interest, and other misdeeds.

Colorado – Kelly Brough’s Partner Has Long Influenced City Politics on Behalf of Businesses Like Frontier Airlines, Kroenke and Large Developers

Denverite – Ben Markus | Published: 3/21/2023

Before Kelly Brough decided to run for mayor of Denver, she had a conversation with her partner, David Kenney. Brough said she has been in a relationship for about 10 years with Kenney, a longtime political consultant and city and state lobbyist, whose clients make up some of the largest developers in Denver. He has exercised his connections in the current administration, meeting with Mayor Michael Hancock and several of his top deputies at least 31 times between 2011 and 2022. His firm has been involved in a series of successful ballot issue campaigns on behalf of business interests.

Connecticut – Former West Haven Employee Sentenced to Prison for Fraud

Connecticut Mirror – Andrew Brown | Published: 3/22/2023

John Bernardo, a former West Haven employee, was sentenced to 13 months in prison for participating in a scheme to steal federal relief funds that were meant to help the city and its residents weather the COVID-19 pandemic. Bernardo was the first defendant to be sentenced as part of a federal probe, which uncovered more than $1.2 million that was embezzled through a network of bogus companies and a stream of fake invoices paid by the city’s Finance Department.

Florida – Randy Fine Pulls $2 Million Request as Brevard Zoo Considers Ban on Campaign Events

Yahoo News – Eric Rogers and Dave Berman (Florida Today) | Published: 3/16/2023

Florida Rep. Randy Fine pulled a $2 million state funding request for the Brevard Zoo’s aquarium project at Port Canaveral. The move came after Brevard Zoo Executive Director Keith Winsten said the zoo’s board would consider halting rentals for political campaign events after the 2024 election cycle in the wake of controversy over a fundraiser held at the zoo’s Nyami Nyami River Lodge for Fine’s 2024 state Senate run.

Georgia – Grand Jury Heard Audio of Another Trump Call Seeking to Overturn Election

MSN – Holly Bailey (Washington Post) | Published: 3/16/2023

An Atlanta-area special grand jury that investigated efforts by Donald Trump and his allies to overturn his 2020 election loss in Georgia heard audio of another phone call in which Trump pressed a top state official to help overturn Joe Biden’s victory in the state. Five members of the special grand jury said they listened to a recording of a 2020 phone call between Trump and the Georgia House speaker at the time, David Ralston, in which Ralston resisted Trump’s requests to convene a special session of the legislature to overturn Biden’s narrow election win.

Hawaii – Why This Hawaii Lawmaker’s Job with a Major Construction Company Raises Concern

Honolulu Civil Beat – Kevin Dayton | Published: 3/20/2023

In a state in which construction and development interests wield strong influence, first-term Rep. Micah Aiu’s job outside the Hawaii Legislature could be seen as problematic. Aiu works as an in-house lawyer for Nan Inc., a major construction company that competes for state jobs. Since last summer, Nan was awarded eight contracts worth $325 million. Aiu also sits on the House Finance Committee, which plays an outsized role in developing the state budget and the list of construction projects the state will fund each year. Freshmen lawmakers are routinely assigned to that committee to help them absorb the nuances of the budget process.

Illinois – Suburb Tries New Tack, an Elected Ethics Board, to Nip Illinois-Style Corruption; Critics Say It May Not Have Enough Teeth

Yahoo News – Caroline Kubzansky (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 3/21/2023

Critics note most or all ethics boards in Illinois, which range throughout the state, are limited because they have only advisory powers. They can investigate wrongdoing by officials but then must refer their findings to that same board so its members can consider whether to take action. Niles, a town shaken by an ethics scandal in which the mayor was convicted on federal corruption charges in 2010, floated a different approach. On April 4, voters there will elect the members of their ethics board, creating what may be the first entity of its kind in Illinois.

Indiana – Numerous Indiana Lawmakers Do Private Consulting. But Who Are They Working For?

Indiana Capital Chronicle – Casey Smith | Published: 3/13/2023

At least 15 legislators in the Indiana General Assembly provide professional advice and guidance to private businesses outside of the Capitol. Other lawmakers have outside limited liability companies that do not specifically reference consulting work but still could provide that service. While some lawmakers choose to list individual clients in their financial disclosure forms, they are not required to do so unless they are a significant income source, leaving the public in the dark about who they are affiliated with.

Kansas – Kansas Lawmakers Are Among Worst Paid in Nation. Some Say It Impedes True Representation

MSN – Ketie Bernard (Kansas City Star) | Published: 3/20/2023

Since 2009, Kansas lawmakers have been paid $88.66 per day. Assuming an eight-hour workday, lawmakers make roughly $11.08 per hour, not including the per diem received for travel and living expenses in Topeka. But oftentimes the hours far exceed the traditional eight-hour day once constituent services on unpaid days, evening meetings, and late-night debates are factored in. Lawmakers are expected to continue serving their constituents year-round even though they are only paid for the 90-day legislative session. Kansas may be paying below the federal minimum wage to the officials tasked with determining the policies and laws of the state.

Kansas – Kansas Lawmakers Back Off Aggressive Campaign Finance Overhaul. Here’s What They Will Do.

Yahoo News – Andrew Bahl (Topeka Capital Journal) | Published: 3/22/2023

Kansas lawmakers backed off a more aggressive overhaul of the state’s campaign finance laws, instead opting for a more limited set of changes that focuses on the Governmental Ethics Commission’s administrative procedures. The initial bill was criticized as an attempt to eviscerate limits on campaign donations and effectively render the commission powerless. It raised eyebrows at the Capitol as it came amid an investigation into prominent legislators and state Republican Party officials, despite arguments from GOP lawmakers that the bill was unrelated to the high-profile investigation.

Maryland – Baltimore Council President Nick Mosby Complies with Ethics Order on Legal-Defense Fund

MSN – Emily Opilo (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 3/21/2023

Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby closed a nearly yearlong saga over a legal-defense fund formed in his name by complying with a Board of Ethics order. A judge upheld the board’s findings that Mosby violated the law by indirectly soliciting donations for the fund and by failing to disclose its existence on his ethics filing in 2022, which covered activity in 2021. The fund was established for the defense of the council president and also his wife, former Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby, as federal authorities investigated their financial dealings.

Massachusetts – Residents’ Right to Be Rude Upheld by Massachusetts Supreme Court

Yahoo News – Jenna Russell (New York Times) | Published: 3/17/2023

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court reaffirmed the right to be rude at public meetings. Stemming from a lawsuit filed against the town of Southborough by a resident who said members of the Select Board had silenced her unlawfully, the decision pushed back against attempts to mandate good manners. Many local public officials experienced fierce disputes over masks, vaccines, and remote learning during the coronavirus pandemic that erupted at meetings.

Michigan – Can ‘Deradicalization’ Reform Extremists? Michigan Program to Find Out in Limbo

Bridge Michigan – Jonathan Oosting | Published: 3/22/2023

Michigan’s experiment in deradicalizing young extremists may be over before it begins, after the second arrest of a man who had agreed to participate in the program. In a first-of-its kind arrangement, Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office last fall agreed to pay up to $10,000 for a pair of consultants to help Andrew Nickels disengage “from extremist organizations” and avoid violence through counseling and support, according to a contract.

Michigan – Former Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Marrocco Sentenced to 3 Months in Prison in Corruption Probe

Detroit News – Anna Liz Nichols | Published: 3/16/2023

Former Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Anthony Marrocco was sentenced to three months in prison followed by two years of supervised release in connection with a long-running federal corruption probe. Marrocco was sentenced for trying to extort a developer into buying tickets to a campaign fundraiser and threatening to delay or withhold a county permit. He agreed to plead guilty to attempted extortion in exchange for prosecutors dropping three other extortion-related charges that each carried a 20-year possible prison sentence.

Montana – Lawmakers Opt to Keep ‘Clean Campaign Act’ Despite Judge Striking It Down

Helena Independent Record – Sam Wilson | Published: 3/22/2023

A campaign finance law struck down by a federal judge last year will live on in Montana’s law books after legislators from both parties voted down a proposal to repeal the defunct statute. The state’s requirement that candidates give their opponent a heads-up on attack ads published or broadcast in the last 10 days before an election was ruled unconstitutional. The judge found the disclosure requirement violated the free-speech rights of a conservative political committee.

Nebraska – Filibuster Over Transgender Bill Jams Nebraska Legislature for Weeks

MSN – Maham Javaid (Washington Post) | Published: 3/20/2023

The Nebraska Legislature has been unable to pass a single bill this year. One senator’s distaste with the advancement of a bill seeking to ban gender-affirming care for Nebraskans under 19, coupled with the state’s unique filibustering rules, has brought the session to a standstill. While filibustering is not rare for Nebraska’s unicameral Legislature, state Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh is the first lawmaker to filibuster every bill introduced to the floor. Senators opposing the bill seeking to restrict gender-affirming care say this is the first time their Legislature has become a part of the national culture war around transgender rights.

New Jersey – Independent Election Watchdog Sues Murphy for Trying to Force Him Out. ‘It’s Political Thuggery.’

MSN – Susan Livio, Matt Arco, and Brent Johnson (NJ Advance Media) | Published: 3/16/2023

Election Law Enforcement Commission Executive Director Jeff Brindle filed a lawsuit against New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and three of his top aides, alleging a conspiracy to force Brindle from his job. The suit alleges the Murphy administration sought to remove Brindle over a satirical op-ed he wrote that was critical of groups that engage in political activity but do not publicly disclose their donors. Brindle says he has been the subject of a “concerted and joint action and conspiracy to extort and coerce” him to resign by citing a homophobic email he allegedly sent and a racist statement he allegedly made. Brindle has denied the allegations.

New Jersey – NJ Senate Passes Money-in-Politics Overhaul That Would Give Phil Murphy Sway Over Election Watchdog

Yahoo News – Ashley Balcerzak (Bergen Record) | Published: 3/20/2023

The New Jersey Senate passed an amended campaign finance overhaul critics say continues to gut “pay-to-play” laws, weakens the watchdog agency overseeing all elections in the state, and contains a second attempt to give the governor more power to choose who leads that agency. The Elections Transparency Act includes substantial changes to how money flows in New Jersey elections, including increasing the amounts that individuals and corporations can donate to politicians and parties; illuminating certain “dark money” donors; and cutting down the time accounts can be investigated for violations.

New York – New York Is Overhauling Campaign Finance. But Not the Loophole That Makes Party Fundraising Stronger

Buffalo News – Chris Bragg | Published: 3/21/2023

Soon after Gov. Kathy Hochul was elected last year, 43 members of her campaign staff received a total of $363,000 in payments from the New York State Democratic Party’s so-called called housekeeping account, a type of fundraising allowed under state election law but long criticized by reform groups. Housekeeping accounts can receive unlimited contributions from donors, including corporations. Watchdogs argued that, in practice, donations to housekeeping accounts have been used to subsidize favored candidates backed by political parties, permitted by loopholes and lackluster election law enforcement.

North Carolina – Biden Administration Suggests Supreme Court Drop Election Case

Bloomberg Law – Greg Stohr | Published: 3/20/2023

The Biden administration suggested the U.S. Supreme Court drop a closely watched election case after an unusual twist raised fresh questions about the court’s jurisdiction. The dispute centers on the “independent state legislature theory,” which would oust state judges and other officials from longstanding roles in shaping the rules for federal elections. The case, argued in December, centers on the North Carolina Supreme Court’s rejection of a Republican-drawn congressional map.

Ohio – Cuyahoga County Gave No-Bid, $120,000 Lobbying Contract to Ronayne Campaign Donor

MSN – Lucas Daprile (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 3/18/2023

A company whose president donated $10,000 to Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne’s campaign later received a $120,000 no-bid lobbying contract from the county. The year-long contract to McCaulley&Company was approved by the Board of Control following a recommendation from the county executive’s office. The board also approved an exemption from competitive bidding on the contract, even though the county interviewed multiple firms before approving its last federal lobbying contract.

Tennessee – Nashville Sues State Over New Council-Slashing Law

MSN – Cassandra Stevenson (Tennessean) | Published: 3/15/2023

Days after Gov. Bill Lee signed a bill that will slash Nashville’s metro council in half, the city filed a lawsuit against the state claiming the law violates the Tennessee Constitution and the rights of Davidson County voters. The new law requires city and metropolitan governments to cap their councils at 20 members. In practice, Nashville’s 40-member council is the only body in the state immediately impacted by the legislation. No other city or metropolitan government has a council larger than 20 members.

Texas – The Justice Department’s Fight Against Judge Shopping in Texas

MSN – Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 3/19/2023

The Justice Department challenged three high-profile lawsuits filed in Texas against Biden administration policies, accusing state politicians of choosing small, conservative federal court divisions that have little relevance to their cases but nearly guarantee them a sympathetic judge. It is part of the administration’s first concerted effort to fight what some legal experts say is a growing problem of “forum shopping” – a strategy in which plaintiffs are alleged to cherry-pick judges they want to hear their cases, bucking the random assignment of judges that is considered a tenet of the American legal system.

Utah – Got an Ethics Complaint Against an Elected Official? You’ll Need Insider Knowledge and Email Address.

MSN – Emily Anderson Stern (Salt Lake Tribune) | Published: 3/20/2023

The Executive Branch Ethics Commission was created one decade ago after Utah was rattled by two major scandals that led to the FBI investigating a state attorney general and his predecessor, as well as a lieutenant governor. Annual reports indicate the commission has heard just two complaints, none of which seemingly have been found to have merit and referred to the Legislature for potential action. In that time, the governor-appointed volunteer panel’s operations have been supplemented with nearly $50,000 from the Legislature.

Campaign Finance Kansas: “Kansas Lawmakers Back Off Aggressive Campaign Finance Overhaul. Here’s What They Will Do.” by Andrew Bahl (Topeka Capital Journal) for Yahoo News Elections National: “Abortion on the Ballot? Not If These Republican Lawmakers Can Help It.” by Alice Mianda Ollstein and Megan Messerly (Politico) for Yahoo News Ethics California: “San Francisco Will Allow City Officials to Fundraise for Safe-Consumption Sites” by Sydney Johnson for KQED Connecticut: “Former West Haven Employee Sentenced to Prison for Fraud” by Andrew Brown for Connecticut Mirror National: “Jan. 6 Panel’s Video Depositions Become Tantalizing Tool for Probes” by Michael Macagnone for Roll Call National: “As Chatbots Spread, Conservatives Dream About a Right-Wing Response” by Stuart Thompson, Tiffany Hsu, and Steven Lee Myers (New York Times) for DNyuz Lobbying Colorado: “Kelly Brough’s Partner Has Long Influenced City Politics on Behalf of Businesses Like Frontier Airlines, Kroenke and Large Developers” by Ben Markus for Denverite Oceania: “How Well-Connected Lobbyists Ask For – and Receive – Urgent Meetings, Sensitive Information and Action on Law Changes for Their Corporate Clients” by Guyon Espiner for RNZ

Campaign Finance

Arizona: “Group Attempts to Quash New Campaign Finance Law” by Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) for White Mountain Independent

Ethics

National: “Judge Rules Trump Lawyer Corcoran Must Testify, People Familiar Say” by Josh Dawsey, Jacqueline Alemany, and Spencer Hsu (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “George Santos Never Filed a Key Financial Disclosure. Enforcement Has Been Lax for Years.” by Jessica Piper (Politico) for Yahoo News

Michigan: “Former Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Marrocco Sentenced to 3 Months in Prison in Corruption Probe” by Anna Liz Nichols for Detroit News

Texas: “The Justice Department’s Fight Against Judge Shopping in Texas” by Perry Stein (Washington Post) for MSN

Utah: “Got an Ethics Complaint Against an Elected Official? You’ll Need Insider Knowledge and Email Address.” by Emily Anderson Stern (Salt Lake Tribune) for MSN

Legislative Issues

Nebraska: “Filibuster Over Transgender Bill Jams Nebraska Legislature for Weeks” by Maham Javaid (Washington Post) for MSN

Lobbying

Ohio: “Cuyahoga County Gave No-Bid, $120,000 Lobbying Contract to Ronayne Campaign Donor” by Lucas Daprile (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN

Campaign Finance Florida: “Randy Fine Pulls $2 Million Request as Brevard Zoo Considers Ban on Campaign Events” by Eric Rogers and Dave Berman (Florida Today) for Yahoo News New Jersey: “Independent Election Watchdog Sues Murphy for Trying to Force Him Out. ‘It’s Political Thuggery.'” by Susan Livio, Matt Arco, and Brent Johnson (NJ Advance Media) for MSN Elections Georgia: “Grand Jury Heard Audio of Another Trump Call Seeking to Overturn Election” by Holly Bailey (Washington Post) for MSN Ethics National: “Two Gifts to Trump Family from Foreign Nations Are Missing, Report Says” by Jacqueline Alemany and Josh Dawsey (Washington Post) for MSN Indiana: “Numerous Indiana Lawmakers Do Private Consulting. But Who Are They Working For?” by Casey Smith for Indiana Capital Chronicle Massachusetts: “Residents’ Right to Be Rude Upheld by Massachusetts Supreme Court” by Jenna Russell (New York Times) for Yahoo News Legislative Issues Tennessee: “Nashville Sues State Over New Council-Slashing Law” by Cassandra Stevenson (Tennessean) for MSN Lobbying California: “Should San Jose Require Nonprofits to Register as Lobbyists?” by Jana Kadah for San Jose Spotlight

National/Federal

No Rest Between Censuses for Congressional Mapmakers

DNyuz – Reid Epstein (New York Times) | Published: 3/10/2023

For just about all of the nation’s history, politicians would fight over redistricting for a short period after each once-a-decade census, then forget about congressional maps until the next reapportionment. Now, a string of lawsuits and in-the-works state referendums are poised to redefine the battles over state legislative and congressional lines and leave the country in a state of perpetual redistricting. Not since 2012 and 2014 have all 50 states’ congressional lines remained constant for consecutive elections, a streak unlikely to be broken next year.

Social Media Threats Exploded after Tucker Carlson’s Jan. 6 Claims, Analysis Finds

MSN – Jessica Guynn and Will Carless (USA Today) | Published: 3/13/2023

Tucker Carlson’s portrayal of the deadly January 6 attack as a largely peaceful event on his  Fox News show set off a new wave of social media chatter that includes death threats against Capitol police officers and Democratic leaders, according to experts who monitor extremism and a report from Advance Democracy. The segment downplayed the violence, falsely recasting the mob that breached the Capitol as an “orderly and meek” gathering of “sightseers.”

GOP Rep. Andy Ogles Seems to Have Kept $25,000 From a GoFundMe for a Child Burial Garden

New Republic – Tori Otten | Published: 3/15/2023

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles appears to have kept money raised through a charitable GoFundMe event. A media investigation found Ogles set up a GoFundMe in 2014 after his son was stillborn. Ogles said he wanted to build a garden where families could bury their stillborn children and sit on benches by the gravestones. It raised almost $25,000, but the garden was never built. GoFundMe confirmed that Ogles received the money.

Sold: Yacht with a waterfall. Price: $19 million. Broker: George Santos.

Yahoo News – Rebecca Davis O’Brien and William Rashbaum (New York Times) | Published: 3/15/2023

A $19 million luxury yacht deal brokered by U.S. Rep. George Santos between two of his wealthy donors has captured the attention of federal and state authorities investigating his campaign finances and personal business dealings. Even if Santos broke no laws, the deal serves as further evidence of an emerging narrative given by people in his political orbit, that Santos seemed to use his campaign not only to win elected office but also as a networking exercise to ingratiate himself with rich donors and enrich himself from those contacts.

House Republicans Quietly Halt Inquiry into Trump’s Finances

Yahoo News – Luke Broadwater and Jonathan Swain (New York Times) | Published: 3/13/2023

House Republicans halted a congressional investigation into whether Donald Trump profited improperly from the presidency, declining to enforce a court-supervised settlement agreement that demanded that Mazars USA, his former accounting firm, produce his financial records to Congress. Oversight and Accountability Committee Chairperson James Comer professed ignorance about the inquiry Democrats opened when they controlled the House, and was instead focusing on whether President Biden and members of his family were involved in an influence-peddling scheme.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – Commissioner Will Change Response to Ethics Complaint Following 12News Reports

MSN – Joe Dana (KPNX) | Published: 3/10/2023

A prominent association representing utility commissioners across the country said its name was falsely used to promote a two-day event hosted by the American Gas Association in New York in January. The revelation contradicts a statement filed by Arizona Corporation Commission member Kevin Thompson in response to an ethics complaint. Thompson, a former manager and lobbyist at Southwest Gas, said the meetings were beneficial to the public because it’s the job of commissioners “to reassure there’s regulatory stability in Arizona.”

California – Ethics Commission Wants More Time to Decide If Nonprofits, Other Groups Will Have to Register as Lobbyists

Long Beach Post – Jason Ruiz | Published: 3/9/2023

The Long Beach Ethics Commission said it will continue to work on its recommendations for changes to the city’s lobbying law after dozens of nonprofit leaders turned out to its meeting to demand their current exemption from the law remain intact. There are over 600 nonprofits with a location in Long Beach, according to Michelle Byerly, executive director of The Nonprofit Partnership, who told the commission its proposal to add “advocacy” to the law and treat advocates the same as lobbyists would put a great burden on nonprofits.

California – Inside the Financial Ties Between a Controversial Housing Nonprofit and Kevin de León

MSN – Liam Dillon, Benjamin Oreskes, and Doug Smith (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 3/13/2023

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation in 2020 was pursuing a lawsuit alleging Los Angeles illegally denied funding for an affordable housing project the nonprofit was proposing. Kevin de León, the area’s incoming city council member who had been elected but not yet taken office, contacted an aide to then-Mayor Eric Garcetti. The aide arranged a video call for De León with city department heads and high-ranking mayoral staffers. But those in the meeting did not know De León was a consultant working for the foundation, a job that would pay him more than $100,000 in the six months prior to his taking office.

California – Lawyers Make Opening Statements in Mark Ridley-Thomas Corruption Trial

MSN – Matt Hamilton (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 3/8/2023

At the start of the corruption trial of suspended Los Angeles City Councilperson Mark Ridley-Thomas, jurors heard conflicting portraits of the onetime power broker. Defense attorneys cast him as a lifelong public servant who represented the poorest communities of Los Angeles. Prosecutors said Ridley-Thomas was a conniving operator eager to “monetize” his position and conceal a sexual harassment investigation into his son, then a state Assembly member. To preserve the family’s political brand, the elder Ridley-Thomas helped engineer his son’s abrupt resignation from the Legislature, supposedly for medical reasons, and leaned on the University of Southern California for favors to benefit his son.

Colorado – Former Trump Lawyer Jenna Ellis Censured by Colorado Judge for False Statements

MSN – Matthew Brown (Washington Post) | Published: 3/9/2023

A Colorado judge censured Jenna Ellis, a former senior legal adviser to Donald Trump’s presidential campaign who admitted in state disciplinary proceedings that she made at least 10 false statements about the 2020 election as part of an effort to mislead the public. Ellis is the latest of Trump’s legal aides to face scrutiny for their conduct in the aftermath of the 2020 election. She is the first of the cohort to acknowledge in public that comments she made surrounding the election were false.

Florida – Florida Scoured Math Textbooks for ‘Prohibited Topics.’ Next Up: Social Studies.

DNyuz – Sarah Mervosh (New York Times) | Published: 3/16/2023

In Florida, textbooks have become hot politics, part of Gov. Ron DeSantis’s campaign against what he describes as “woke indoctrination” in public schools, particularly when it comes to race and gender. Last year, his administration made a splash when it rejected dozens of math textbooks, citing “prohibited topics.” Now, the state is reviewing curriculum in what is perhaps the most contentious subject in education: social studies. A prominent conservative education group, whose members volunteered to review textbooks, objected to a slew of them, accusing publishers of “promoting their bias.” At least two publishers declined to participate altogether.

Florida – Inside Ron DeSantis’s Politicized Removal of an Elected Prosecutor

Yahoo News – Alexandra Berzon and Ken Bensinger (New York Times) | Published: 3/11/2023

As he travels the country promoting a new book and his expected presidential campaign, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis repeatedly points to his ouster of Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren as an example of the decisive way he has transformed Florida and could remake the nation. He casts Warren as a rogue ideologue whose refusal to enforce the law demanded action. But an examination of the episode reveals a different picture: a governor’s office that seemed driven by a preconceived political narrative, bent on a predetermined outcome, and focused on maximizing media attention for DeSantis.

Georgia – Little-Known Lawyer, a Trump Ally, Draws Scrutiny in Georgia

Yahoo News – Danny Hakim and Richard Fausset (New York Times) | Published: 3/11/2023

At a Georgia Senate hearing after Donald Trump lost his bid for reelection, attorney Robert Cheeley presented video clips of election workers handling ballots at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta. Cheeley spent 15 minutes laying out specious assertions the workers were double- and triple-counting votes. The fact that Cheeley was called to appear before the special grand jury investigating election interference by Trump adds to the evidence that the false claims made by his allies at legislative hearings have been of significant interest.

Hawaii – Hawaii’s New Deputy Economy Chief Has a Powerful Business Partner in The Senate

Honolulu Civil Beat – Blaze Lovell | Published: 3/15/2023

The business partner of a powerful state senator is on his way to being confirmed as deputy director for Hawaii’s economic development agency. Dane Wicker, a former chief of staff to Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz and co-owner of Kilani Brew with Dela Cruz, cruised through a Senate committee hearing on his nomination. Senate rules on conflicts-of-interest apply to legislation in which a senator has a “direct financial interest.” The rules do not have any provisions on nominees before the Senate.

Illinois – ‘ComEd Four’ Bribery Trial to Put Focus on Ex-Speaker Madigan’s Power, State’s Blurry Line Between Politics and Crime

MSN – Jason Meisner and Ray Long (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 3/12/2023

Four former Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) officials – ex-Chief Executive Officer Anne Pramaggiore, onetime utility lobbyist Mike McClain, retired ComEd executive John Hooker, and ex-City Club of Chicago president and former ComEd consultant Jay Doherty – are on trial in federal court, accused of scheming to influence indicted ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Prosecutors alleged the four defendants tried to bribe Madigan, who controlled what proposals the House would consider and approve, from 2011 until 2019 to advance legislation favorable to ComEd and defeat bills the company opposed.

Illinois – As ComEd Bribery Trial Gets Underway, Judge Reverses Course and Will Allow Secret Recordings to Be Released to the Media

WBEZ – Jon Seidel and Tina Sfondeles (Chicago Sun-Times) | Published: 3/14/2023

The federal judge presiding over the Commonwealth Edison bribery trial reversed course and ruled secret recordings made of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and his allies may be released to the media after they are played for jurors. That means people across the state will finally have an opportunity to hear the evidence at the core of the corruption investigation that ended Madigan’s record-breaking tenure as the leader of the state House and landed him under indictment.

Kansas – Kansas Republicans Push Forward with Changes to Ethics Rules Amid Ongoing Investigations

Kansas Reflector – Sherman Smith | Published: 3/15/2023

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s chief of staff urged Republican lawmakers to spend more time studying proposed changes to campaign finance law before moving forward with legislation inspired by ongoing investigations. The House Elections Committee amended and advanced a version of House Bill 2391, which was written by attorneys who represent a GOP political operative. The executive director of the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission warned lawmakers the revised bill still contains numerous changes that would limit his agency’s authority.

Kansas – Wichita Council Member Frye’s Vote Buys time for Wife’s Company on City Contract

Yahoo News – Chance Swaim and Matthew Kelly (Wichita Eagle) | Published: 3/15/2023

Wichita City Council member Bryan Frye cast a decisive vote related to a city contract with his wife’s employer, Copp Media Services. Frye’s action raises questions about whether his vote ran afoul of the city’s ethics rules that aim to prevent council members from voting on friend-and-family deals. Frye did not disclose the potential conflict-of-interest or recuse himself from the vote. Mayor Brandon Whipple and council members who knew about it did not raise any public objections during the meeting, citing confusion over who actually voted.

Louisiana – New Orleans Mayor Fights Lowered Recall Signature Threshold

Yahoo News – Kevin McGill (Associated Press) | Published: 3/14/2023

A court settlement that significantly lowered the number of petition signatures New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s opponents need to force a recall election was challenged in two state courts by Cantrell and one of her supporters. The settlement came after recall organizers sued election officials saying New Orleans voter rolls still list hundreds of dead people and thousands of voters who should be placed on an “inactive” list because they have likely moved. Questions have been raised about Cantrell’s travel expenses and her personal use of a city-owned apartment, among other issues.

Maine – Portland City Council Begins Developing State’s First Municipal Clean Elections Program

Yahoo News – Rachel Ohm (Portland Press Herald) | Published: 3/13/2023

The Portland City Council began developing a new clean elections program the city plans to have in place for the November election. The state in 1996 established the Maine Clean Elections Act, a voluntary program for public campaign funding for state level offices including governor and legislators, but Portland is the state’s first community to establish such a program at the municipal level.

Maryland – Judge Issues Warrant for Roy McGrath, Hogan’s Former Chief of Staff

MSN – Ovetta Wiggins (Washington Post) | Published: 3/13/2023

A federal judge issued a bench warrant for Roy McGrath, once a top aide to former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, after he did not appear in court for the first day of trial on wire fraud and embezzlement charges. McGrath was charged in federal and state court in 2021 with dozens of charges stemming from his time working for a quasi-governmental agency he led before serving as Hogan’s chief of staff. He became the subject of an investigation shortly after it was publicly revealed he was given a severance package of nearly $250,000 when he left the Maryland Environmental Service.

Minnesota – Revolving Door at Minnesota Capitol Creates Windstorm

Minnesota Reformer – Michelle Griffith | Published: 3/15/2023

State lawmakers becoming lobbyists in Minnesota is not a new phenomenon, but heavy turnover at the Capitol has clients turning to legislators-turned-lobbyists. Sen. Matt Klein said lobbyists who recently left office have an advantage in information and relationships, and questioned the propriety of the arrangement. David Schultz, a political science professor at Hamline University said that special access for clients who can afford to hire a former lawmaker could mean less access for average Minnesotans.

Minnesota – Former House Majority Leader, Key Player in THC Law, to Start THC Beverage Company

Minnesota Reformer – Michelle Griffin | Published: 3/15/2023

Former Minnesota House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler is starting a THC beverage company after playing a key role in the passage of the law that legalized the THC edible industry. Winkler said he had no intentions of starting a company last year when he led the effort to legalize low-dose THC products. He only decided to go into the business after he lost the primary election for Hennepin County attorney last August.

Missouri – ‘It Forces You to Be More Creative’: How lobbyists kept their grip on Missouri politics

MSN – Jonathan Shorman and Kacen Bayless (Kansas City Star) | Published: 3/12/2023

Missouri voters in 2018 approved an amendment to the state constitution that effectively eliminated lobbyist gifts to state legislators, tightened campaign contribution limits, and further restricted the “revolving door” of lawmakers becoming lobbyists. It was a striking achievement for good government advocates, who had voiced outrage for years over the state’s cozy Capitol scene. But as the fifth anniversary of the Clean Missouri vote approaches, a strong lobbying culture remains as Jefferson City has learned to adapt.

New Jersey – Why Is New Jersey the Only State That’s Never Had a State Song?

Philadelphia Inquirer – Alfred Lubano | Published: 3/14/2023

New Jersey is the only state that has never had a state song. It has a state mollusk shell (the knobbed whelk); a state dance (the square dance); and a state microbe (Streptomyces griseus), and a state animal, flower, fruit, bug, reptile, and dinosaur. “It’s a political hot potato,” said Tom Cunningham, host of the “Springsteen on Sunday” radio program. “You’ve got North, Central, and South Jersey – unique areas with their own ideas about music. Hopefully, one day the twain shall meet. But not now.”

New Mexico – Money in Politics Transparency Nears Finish as Legislative Session Winds Down

New Mexico In Depth – Marjorie Childress | Published: 3/14/2023

An effort to close a loophole in New Mexico’s campaign disclosure laws and bar campaign contributions from lobbyists and political committees to lawmakers during legislative sessions has a tailwind heading into the final week of the legislative session. New additions to Senate Bill 42 would require more timely reporting of political contributions so the public has more complete information just before elections and just before the legislative session each year.

New Mexico – Lobbyists Had Safety Plans and Trainings for NM’s 2023 Session, Fearing Misconduct by Lawmakers

Source New Mexico – Megan Gleason | Published: 3/9/2023

This year, the Center for Civic Policy created a safety plan for New Mexico’s 2023 legislative session and shared it with other lobbying organizations around the state. It lays out measures such as staying with colleagues, understanding who to confide in, knowing the surroundings, and taking notes of any incidents that happen. The group also held safety training sessions before and midway through the legislative session with other advocacy organizations. Lan Sena policy director for the Center for Civic Policy, said the Capitol is an unsafe work environment for many people working with advocacy and nonprofit organizations.

New York – NY Troopers PBA Removes Political Director Amid FBI Investigation

Albany Times Union – Brendan Lyons | Published: 3/13/2023

The board of directors for the New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association (PBA) voted to part ways with the union’s longtime political director, Gordon Warnock, amid an ongoing investigation of the organization’s finances and business dealings. The departure comes after it was reported that the investigation includes examining hundreds of thousands of dollars paid through the years to individuals or companies with connections to the union. A lobbying firm operated by Warnock has done extensive work for the union and subcontracted some of its national work to a limited liability company formed by the PBA’s former president.

New York – Former State Sen. Jeff Klein Loses Appeal Seeking to End Ethics Probe

Albany Times Union – Staff | Published: 5/10/2023

A New York appellate court rejected former state Sen. Jeffrey Klein’s efforts to shut down an ethics panel’s investigation into allegations he violated the law when he allegedly forcibly kissed a female staff member outside an Albany bar in 2015. Documents show that the Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) found there was a substantial basis to proceed with a case despite a hearing officer’s recommendation it should be dismissed. Klein’s 2020 petition alleged JCOPE exceeded its authority when it rejected the recommendations of hearing officer Richard Rifkin.

New York – NYC Mayor Eric Adams Faces Thousands in Fines for Potential Campaign Finance Violations

Gothamist – Gwynne Hogan | Published: 3/15/2023

New York City Mayor Eric Adams is facing tens of thousands of dollars in fines for three alleged violations of campaign finance law based on issues stemming from his 2021 Transition and Inauguration Entity, a fund that recently elected candidates use to cover expenses after they win an election and before they officially take office. The Campaign Finance Board accused Adams of accepting prohibited donations, failing to respond to requests for information and documentation, and failing to close the fund once Adams became mayor in 2022.

New York – Prosecutors Signal Criminal Charges for Trump Are Likely

Seattle Times – William Rashbaum, Ben Protess, and Jonah Bromwich (New York Times) | Published: 3/9/2023

The Manhattan district attorney’s office recently signaled to Donald Trump’s lawyers that he could face criminal charges for his role in the payment of hush money to a porn star, the strongest indication yet prosecutors are nearing an indictment of the former president. The prosecutors offered Trump the chance to testify before the grand jury that has been hearing evidence in the potential case. Such offers almost always indicate an indictment is close; it would be unusual for the district attorney, Alvin Bragg, to notify a potential defendant without ultimately seeking charges against him.

North Carolina – N.C. High Court Mulls Throwing Out Rulings on Redistricting, Voter ID

MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 3/14/2023

The North Carolina Supreme Court, now controlled by Republicans following the November midterms, weighed reversing a three-month-old decision aimed at ensuring election maps are drawn fairly. Ahead of oral arguments, critics excoriated the justices for reexamining the redistricting case and a voter ID decision so soon after ruling on them, contending the justices were doing so for partisan reasons instead of legal ones. In December, when Democrats controlled the court, a four-to-three majority issued decisions that went against Republicans on redistricting and threw out the voter ID law.

Ohio – What’s Next in Ohio Corruption Probe After Guilty Verdicts?

ABC News – Julie Carr Smyth (Associated Press) | Published: 3/14/2023

The largest corruption case in Ohio history culminated with guilty verdicts for ex-House Speaker Larry Householder and lobbyist Matt Borges, the former head of the Republican Party. But state Attorney General Dave Yost said it is “only the beginning of accountability” for the now-tainted $1 billion bailout of two aging nuclear power plants. There have been no charges against the FirstEnergy executives who were fired in the wake of the scandal. They include former Chief Executive Officer Chuck Jones and former Vice President for External Affairs Michael Dowling, whose texts, emails, and travel itineraries factored heavily into the case against Householder.

Ohio – Guilty: Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder, ex-Ohio GOP chairman Matt Borges convicted in $60M bribery scheme

MSN – Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 3/9/2023

A jury found former House Speaker Larry Householder and ex-Ohio Republican Party Chairperson Matt Borges guilty in the largest public corruption case in the state’s history. Prosecutors accused Householder and Borges of being part of a scheme to funnel nearly $61 million in “dark money” from First Energy Corp. and its subsidiary to elect Householder as speaker, solidify his power base, secure enough votes to pass a ratepayer-funded bailout of two nuclear plants that benefitted a FirstEnergy subsidiary, and ensure the law survived a ballot campaign to overturn it.

Oklahoma – Okla. Lawmaker Says Bible Endorses Corporal Punishment of Disabled Children

MSN – María Luisa Paúl (Washington Post) | Published: 3/15/2023

Oklahoma Rep. John Talley thought his bill to bar schools from spanking children with disabilities would find little to no opposition in the Legislature. What seemed like a rare bipartisan moment quickly came crashing down as other Republican lawmakers invoked the Bible to argue against Talley’s House Bill 1028, claiming in some instances that “God’s word is higher than all the so-called experts,” as Rep. Jim Olsen said during debate. The bill wound up six votes short of the 51 it needed to pass.

Pennsylvania – ‘Ya Fav Trashman’ Mishandled Campaign Funds and Bilked Staffers. He Says He Wants to Make Things Right.

MSN – Mike Martin (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 3/10/2023

Terrill Haigler, a former city sanitation worker who gained Instagram fame under his alter ego “Ya Fav Trashman,” ended his campaign for Philadelphia City Council, telling his thousands of social media followers he did not get enough signatures to appear on the ballot. But behind the scenes, financial problems plagued his campaign. Haigler has not paid his staffers, used campaign funding for personal expenses in a possible violation of Pennsylvania law, and could face penalties from the city’s Board of Ethics for failing to account for the money.

Tennessee – Tennessee Governor OKs Bill to Cut Nashville Council in Half

Yahoo News – Jonathan Mattise and Kimberlee Kruesi (Associated Press) | Published: 3/9/2023

Republican lawmakers and Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed off on cutting Democratic-leaning Nashville’s metro council in half, a move that follows the council’s rejection of efforts to host the 2024 Republican National Convention. The move drew an immediate outcry and is expected to spark legal challenges. Nashville Mayor John Cooper’s administration and others say the change will throw this year’s council elections into chaos, spurring the need to redraw districts after more than 40 candidates already launched campaigns.

Tennessee – Lt. Gov. Randy McNally Faces Criticism for Comments on Young Man’s Mature Instagram Photo

Yahoo News – Melissa Brown (Tennessean) | Published: 3/9/2023

Tennessee Lt. Gov. Randy McNally is facing controversy after reports revealed his Instagram account liked half-nude photos of a gay man whose account he follows despite McNally’s support for anti-LGBTQ legislation. Screenshots show McNally’s official account posting emojis of red hearts, fire, hands clapping, and a smiling face with hearts for eyes. The state Senate, with McNally as its leader, advanced and passed bans this year on gender-affirming care for transgender youth and restrictions on where certain drag shows can take place.

Texas – Legislature Has Little Appetite to Fund Ken Paxton’s Settlement with Whistleblowers

Texas Tribune – James Barragán | Published: 3/13/2023

Texas lawmakers are facing a choice: approve $3.3 million in state funds to end a lawsuit accusing Attorney General Ken Paxton of improperly firing four whistleblowers or reject an out-of-court settlement – potentially adding millions of dollars in costs while leaving the outcome of the lawsuit to fate in a long-shot attempt to make Paxton pay. The settlement would resolve a lawsuit that alleges Paxton fired former high-ranking deputies in retaliation for accusing him of using his office to benefit a friend and political donor. But lawmakers have shown little appetite to use state funds to help Paxton settle the case.

Texas – Ken Paxton’s Campaign Against Election Crimes Ensnared a Texas Justice of the Peace Three Times Before Judges Thwarted the Efforts

Texas Tribune – Alejandro Serrano | Published: 3/15/2023

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office in 2021 pursued criminal election fraud charges Tomas Ramirez III, a justice of the peace in Medina County. An indictment accused Ramirez of illegally possessing absentee ballots of 17 voters during the 2018 GOP primary in which he toppled a Republican incumbent by nearly 100 votes. Ramirez said he never had any voter’s absentee ballots. The indictment did not explain how the alleged scheme worked or the role Ramirez was accused of playing.

Campaign Finance New Mexico: “Money in Politics Transparency Nears Finish as Legislative Session Winds Down” by Marjorie Childress for New Mexico In Depth New York: “NYC Mayor Eric Adams Faces Thousands in Fines for Potential Campaign Finance Violations” by Gwynne Hogan for Gothamist Elections North Carolina: “N.C. High Court Mulls Throwing Out Rulings on Redistricting, Voter ID” by Patrick Marley (Washington Post) for MSN Ethics National: “Sold: Yacht with a waterfall. Price: $19 million. Broker: George Santos.” by Rebecca Davis O’Brien and William Rashbaum (New York Times) for Yahoo News Hawaii: “Hawaii’s New Deputy Economy Chief Has a Powerful Business Partner in The Senate” by Blaze Lovell for Honolulu Civil Beat Kansas: “Kansas Republicans Push Forward with Changes to Ethics Rules Amid Ongoing Investigations” by Sherman Smith for Kansas Reflector Oklahoma: “Okla. Lawmaker Says Bible Endorses Corporal Punishment of Disabled Children” by María Luisa Paúl (Washington Post) for MSN Lobbying Minnesota: “Revolving Door at Minnesota Capitol Creates Windstorm” by Michelle Griffith for Minnesota Reformer

The 2023 session for the West Virginia Legislature adjourned sine die on March 12. Before adjourning, lawmakers passed bills modifying grassroots lobbying and independent expenditure reporting.

Senate Bill 508, which addresses grassroots lobbying groups, would raise limits triggering certain reporting requirements.

Currently, a person who contributes more than $500 in the aggregate within any three-month period or $200 in the aggregate within any one-month period to a grassroots lobbying campaign would have to register with the State Ethics Commission and comply with certain reporting obligations.

Under the new bill these thresholds would increase to $5,000 and $1,000.

Senate Bill 516 increases the limit to report contributions that are given toward advocating for or against a candidate when not in coordination with a candidate, their political committee, or a political party committee, from $250 to $1,000.

Both bills now head to the governor for signature.

Campaign Finance

Pennsylvania: “‘Ya Fav Trashman’ Mishandled Campaign Funds and Bilked Staffers. He Says He Wants to Make Things Right.” by Mike Martin (Philadelphia Inquirer) for MSN

Elections

Georgia: “Little-Known Lawyer, a Trump Ally, Draws Scrutiny in Georgia” by Danny Hakim and Richard Fausset (New York Times) for Yahoo News

Ethics

Arizona: “Commissioner Will Change Response to Ethics Complaint Following 12News Reports” by Joe Dana (KPNX) for MSN

California: “Inside the Financial Ties Between a Controversial Housing Nonprofit and Kevin de León” by Liam Dillon, Benjamin Oreskes, and Doug Smith (Los Angeles Times) for MSN

Florida: “Inside Ron DeSantis’s Politicized Removal of an Elected Prosecutor” by Alexandra Berzon and Ken Bensinger (New York Times) for Yahoo News

Illinois: “‘ComEd Four’ Bribery Trial to Put Focus on Ex-Speaker Madigan’s Power, State’s Blurry Line Between Politics and Crime” by Jason Meisner and Ray Long (Chicago Tribune) for MSN

Tennessee: “Lt. Gov. Randy McNally Faces Criticism for Comments on Young Man’s Mature Instagram Photo” by Melissa Brown (Tennessean) for Yahoo News

Lobbying

New York: “NY Troopers PBA Removes Political Director Amid FBI Investigation” by Brendan Lyons for Albany Times Union

Elections Colorado: “Former Trump Lawyer Jenna Ellis Censured by Colorado Judge for False Statements” by Matthew Brown (Washington Post) for MSN Ethics New Mexico: “Lobbyists Had Safety Plans and Trainings for NM’s 2023 Session, Fearing Misconduct by Lawmakers” by Megan Gleason for Source New Mexico New York: “Prosecutors Signal Criminal Charges for Trump Are Likely” by William Rashbaum, Ben Protess, and Jonah Bromwich (New York Times) for Seattle Times Ohio: “Guilty: Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder, ex-Ohio GOP chairman Matt Borges convicted in $60M bribery scheme” by Jake Zuckerman (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN Legislative Issues Tennessee: “Tennessee Governor OKs Bill to Cut Nashville Council in Half” by Jonathan Mattise and Kimberlee Kruesi (Associated Press) for Yahoo News Lobbying California: “Ethics Commission Wants More Time to Decide If Nonprofits, Other Groups Will Have to Register as Lobbyists” by Jason Ruiz for Long Beach Post Missouri: “‘It Forces You to Be More Creative’: How lobbyists kept their grip on Missouri politics” by Jonathan Shorman and Kacen Bayless (Kansas City Star) for MSN Redistricting National: “No Rest Between Censuses for Congressional Mapmakers” by Reid Epstein (New York Times) for DNyuz