Lobbying

“The Scent Industry Expands Lobbying Efforts” by JM Rieger in Roll Call.

Campaign Finance

“3 easy steps to avoid the threat of FEC penalties” by Emily Tadlock in Campaigns & Elections.

Ethics

Arkansas: “Special prosecutor sought in senator’s ethics case” by the Arkansas News Bureau.

Connecticut: “Mayor to toughen ethics code” by Brian Lockhart in the Connecticut Post.

Ohio: “Ohio Dem leader: Kasich ethics question unresolved” by Julie Carr Smyth (Associated Press) on Cincinnati.com.

Virginia: “Prosecuting Bob McDonnell no slam dunk” by James Hohmann and Elizabeth Titus in Politico.

From the State Legislatures

Pennsylvania: “Another Push Begins to Shrink Pennsylvania Legislature” by Karen Langley in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Redistricting

Kentucky: “Kentucky House panel to take up redistricting bill” by The Associated Press in WPSD News.

Lobbying

Canada: “Loopholes in Canada’s lobbying rules leave plenty off the books” by Glen McGregor in Canada.com.

Florida: “Florida lobbying firms showing big profits” by News Service of Florida in the Tampa Tribune.

Massachusetts: “In Mass., political lobbying a thriving industry” by Steve LeBlanc (Associated Press) in the Boston Globe.

New York: “Casino lobbying soars in Albany” by Tom Precious in The Buffalo News.

Campaign Finance

“FEC Fines McCain Presidential Campaign $80,000” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

Arizona: “U.S. court to hear challenge to state campaign-finance law” by Edward Gately in The Arizona Republic.

Arizona: “Phoenix critics say non-profit again skirting campaign-finance laws” by Dustin Gardiner in The Arizona Republic.

Arkansas: “Ark. ethics panel fines senator $8K for violations” by Andrew DeMillo (Associated Press) in the San Francisco Chronicle.

California: “State tops campaign donors in 2012” by Raju Chebium in The Salinas Californian.

Ethics

District of Columbia: “Fourth Person Pleads Guilty in DC Mayor Finance Scandal” by Ron Dory in Epoch Times.

Kentucky: “Embezzler Returns $275K to Democratic Governors Assn.” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

New Hampshire: “NH legislators say conflicts are unavoidable” by Tim Buckland in the Union Leader.

South Carolina: “Attorneys haggled over Haley’s ethics charges” by Adam Beam in the Rock Hill Herald.

Redistricting

Kentucky: “Kentucky legislators hope to tackle redistricting in short special session” by Tom Loftus in The Courier-Journal.

Government Tech and Social Media

“7 Must-Follow Lawmakers on Twitter” by Meredith Shiner in Roll Call.

National:

Many Ex-Governors Work as Lobbyists, Consultants

USA Today – Fredreka Schouten | Published: 8/11/2013

A USA Today review found ten of the 32 governors who have left office since 2011 now work for trade associations or consulting and lobbying firms that allow them to help clients navigate government agencies. Several former governors said they have unique expertise about the way government operates, but that does not mean they are wielding undue influence on behalf of their clients.

Federal:

A Former Engine of the G.O.P., the Town Hall Meeting, Cools Down

New York Times – Jeremy Peters | Published: 8/12/2013

Though Republicans in recent years have harnessed the political power of town hall meetings, people from both parties say they are noticing a decline in the number of such events. With memories of angry protests still vivid, it seems one of the unintended consequences of a tea party movement that thrived on such open, often confrontational interactions with lawmakers is there are fewer members of Congress now willing to face their constituents.

Jesse L. Jackson Jr. Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison

Washington Post – Ann Marimow | Published: 8/14/2013

Former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-Ill.) was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison after pleading guilty to scheming to spend $750,000 in campaign funds on costly personal items, including a $43,350 gold-plated Rolex watch. His wife, former Chicago Ald. Sandra Jackson, was sentenced to a year in prison for filing joint federal income tax returns that understated the couple’s income.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – Spokesman for California Assembly Speaker John Perez Wears Many Hats

Sacramento Bee – Laural Rosenhall | Published: 8/8/2013

Steven Maviglio is on a short-term contract as a media consultant to California Assembly Speaker John Pérez that ends when the legislative session concludes in September. Through his Forza Communications firm, Maviglio also works for private-sector clients; some are advocacy groups who have paid him to promote their bills moving through the Legislature.

Florida – Palmetto Bay Lobbyist Tipped Off FBI to Miami-Dade Mayors, Lobbyists Arrested in Corruption Probe

Miami Herald – Patricia Mazzei, Jay Weaver, and Charles Rabin | Published: 8/10/2013

A two-year investigation culminated recently with the arrests of Miami Lakes Mayor Michael Pizzi and lobbyist Richard Candia, along with Sweetwater Mayor Manny Maroño and his friend and business partner, lobbyist Jorge Forte. Sources said lobbyist Michael Kesti acted as an informant in the probe because he wanted to bring the FBI’s attention to influence-peddling among a network of Miami-Dade County lobbyists and mayors.

Indiana – Charges Dismissed against Former Indiana Utility Regulator David Lott Hardy

Indianapolis Star – John Russell | Published: 8/12/2013

A judge threw out four felony counts of official misconduct against Indiana’s former top utility regulator. David Lott Hardy’s behavior as Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission chairperson in connection with the Duke Energy ethics scandal was not criminal, said Marion Superior Court Judge William Nelson. But Nelson scolded Hardy for “betraying the trust” of Indiana citizens.

Mississippi – All Expenses Paid? Some Lawmakers Request Reimbursement for Lobbyist-Funded Treks

Jackson Clarion-Ledger – Geoff Pender | Published: 8/10/2013

Last summer, 19 state lawmakers attended a conference sponsored by the Mississippi Consumer Finance Association. Although some lawmakers described the event as all expenses paid, four House members also filed for reimbursement totaling more than $2,300 on their state expense accounts. Yet disclosure reports show lobbyists paid a total of $5,600 for the four legislators.

Missouri – Campaign Finance Lawsuit Pits Mega-Donor Rex Sinquefield against Missouri Pro-Life Groups

Kansas City Star – Jason Hancock | Published: 8/12/2013

A retired investment executive who has given millions of dollars to campaigns has filed a lawsuit challenging a proposed ballot measure seeking to establish campaign contribution limits in Missouri. Rex Sinquefield argues the limits would infringe on constitutional rights to free speech and free association. The suit contends the proposed caps are so low they inhibit effective advocacy, particularly as political campaigns become more costly.

Nevada – Nevada’s Secretary of State Moves to Clarify State Ethics Law

Las Vegas Sun – Andrew Doughman | Published: 8/8/2013

Nevada Secretary of State Ross Miller is seeking clarification from state agencies about how they have defined “gift.” Elected officials must disclose gifts worth more than $200, but Miller said they often fail to follow the law because it does not define a gift. Absent a statutory definition, a body of legal opinions could at least provide some guidance for what elected officials must disclose if they want to obey to the law, said Miller.

New Jersey – Birdsall Trustee Files Two Lawsuits to Recoup Millions in Losses

Asbury Park Press – Kathleen Hopkins | Published: 8/12/2013

The court-appointed trustee of Birdsall Services Group, the politically connected engineering firm that pleaded guilty earlier this year to making illegal campaign contributions in New Jersey, filed a federal lawsuit to recoup money the company spent on the legal expenses of former employees, alleging the payments were illegally authorized. Edwin Stier also sued 21 former top company officials, claiming their actions contributed to the firm’s collapse and caused its value to plummet.

New York – Ethics Panel Survey Launched

Albany Times Union – Rick Karlin | Published: 8/14/2013

A survey asking recipients to comment on the effectiveness of New York’s ethics law was sent to members of the state Legislature, leaders of watchdog groups, general counsels to state agencies, lobbyists, and academics. It asks about the Joint Commission on Public Ethics’ successes and shortcomings. A report on the survey will be issued later this year.

North Carolina – Voting Bill Signed; Legal Challenges Start

Charlotte Observer – Jim Morrill | Published: 8/12/2013

North Carolina Gov. Patrick McCrory signed a sweeping voting reform bill recently. Civil rights groups immediately filed lawsuits in federal court challenging the statute. The law also raises campaign contribution limits from $4,000 to $5,000 and indexes them to inflation. Starting October 1, lobbyists will not be able to pass along any donation to a candidate; the old law only prohibited the delivering of bundled contributions.

Pennsylvania – Lobbyists Fight State Fee Increase

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – Kate Giammarise | Published: 8/12/2013

A proposal by the Pennsylvania Department of State would increase the biennial fee paid by registered lobbyists from $200 to $700. State officials say the increase is needed to maintain an online database and defray other costs of administering the lobbyist disclosure law. But many nonprofit groups say the increase will hurt their ability to discuss policy with lawmakers and watchdogs are concerned it could lead to less transparency.

Texas – White Male Democrats in Texas Legislature Are Nearly Extinct

Dallas Morning News – Gromer Jeffers, Jr. | Published: 8/11/2013

Next year’s elections could leave five or fewer white male Democrats in the Texas House. As Democrats put their emphasis on turning out more women and Hispanic voters and Republicans try to maintain advantages in the state’s small towns and rural areas, the trend, decades in the making, is expected to continue.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.

Lobbying

“Lobby shop hires former Obama campaign staffer” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.

Massachusetts: “Fmr Sen. Brian Lees to join lobbying firm of former rival” by Andy Metzger on WWLP News.

Campaign Finance

“EMILY’S List Raises Almost $10 Million For Women Candidates” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

Missouri: “Significant campaign donor challenges proposed Mo. ballot measure seeking to cap contributions” by The Associated Press in the Daily Journal.

Virginia: “Pro-Cuccinelli PAC gets $500,000 donation from New York hedge fund executive” by Ben Pershing in The Washington Post.

Ethics

Illinois: “Jesse Jackson Jr. to be sentenced in D.C.” by The Associated Press on ABC7 News.

New York: “Ethics panel survey launched” by Rick Karlin in the Albany Times Union.

New York: “Cuomo real estate donors among Moreland subpoena targets” by Jimmy Vielkind in the Albany Times Union.

Texas: “Biggest Ethics Reforms Died on Governor’s Desk” by Ross Ramsey and Todd Wiseman in the Texas Tribune.

Utah: “House looks to hire investigators for Swallow probe” by Robert Gehrke in The Salt Lake Tribune.

Virginia: “Governor has returned ‘tangible’ gifts, legal team says” by Olympia Meola in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Elections

“E-Voting: It May Be a While” by Ed Smith in NCSL’s The Thicket.

Procurement

“Small Businesses Scrambling More for Federal Contracts” by Charles S. Clark in Government Executive.

Redistricting

Alabama: “Testimony concludes in lawsuit challenging legislative districts” by The Associated Press in The Birmingham News.

Alaska: “State Dem party sues over redistricting map” by The Associated Press in the Anchorage Daily News.

From the State Legislatures

Minnesota: “Dayton: No limits, no special session” by Baird Helgeson in the Star Tribune.

Gov. Pat McCrory signed a controversial bill into law and it will change how lobbyists are able to bundle contributions. McCrory signed House Bill 589 into law Monday. McCrory eschewed a typical signing ceremony and instead announced his approval with a 95-second YouTube clip. The bill, which has been heavily criticized by voter’s rights groups, will require, among other things, voters to show identification at the polls starting with the 2016 elections.

McCrory, in his YouTube clip said, “North Carolinians overwhelmingly support a common sense law that requires voters to present photo identification in order to cast a ballot. I am proud to sign this legislation into law. Common practices like boarding an airplane and purchasing Sudafed require photo ID and we should expect nothing less for the protection of our right to vote.”

The bill also makes it illegal for lobbyists to collect checks from one or multiple donors and deliver them to state candidates. Previously, only collecting checks from multiple donors and delivering them to a state candidate was illegal. However, under the new law, collecting a single check from one donor and delivering it to a state candidate is not allowed either. This provision of the law will go into effect on October 1.

Lobbying

“Many ex-governors work as lobbyists, consultants” by Fredreka Schouten in USA Today.

“Twitter joins Washington’s influence economy, forms PAC” by Cecilia Kang in The Washington Post.

“Twitter seeks clout with Washington lobbyist” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

Florida: “Lobbyists settle case with Miami-Dade ethics commission” by Brittny C. Valdes in the Miami Herald.

Indiana: “Revolving door: Indiana official considered as lobbyist” by Tom LoBianco (Associated Press) in the Journal and Courier.

Indiana: “More making jump to lobbying without cooling-off period” by The Associated Press in the Indianapolis Business Journal.

Pennsylvania: “Lobbyists fight state fee increase” by Kate Giammarise  in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Wisconsin: “Money & Politics: Unions sapped, other lobbying strong” by Bill Leuders in the Herald Times Reporter.

Campaign Finance

“Citizens United ‘Dark Money’ Could Be Revealed By States, NYC Public Advocate Report Finds” by Michael McAuliff in the Huffington Post.

“Alabama GOP donor challenges limits” by Mary Orndorff Troyan in USA Today.

Delaware: “Delaware developer faces campaign finance charges” by The Associated Press in the San Francisco Chronicle.

Michigan: “Campaign funds don’t all add up for state Treasurer Andy Dillon” by Paul Egan in the Detroit Free Press.

Ohio: “Cleveland Heights vs. Citizens United in November” by M.L. Schultze on WKSU News.

Virginia: “GOP’s Jackson omits in-kind flight donation from title lender from campaign finance reports” by The Associated Press in The Washington Post.

Ethics

Texas: “Texas Ethics Commission lowers record $100K fine against top criminal court judge to $25K” by The Associated Press in The Daily Journal.

Virginia: “Conflicts emerge as hurdles for Cuccinelli’s run” by Jim Nolan Richmond Times-Dispatch.

From the State Legislatures

California: “California Legislature faces raft of bills on volatile issues” by Melanie Mason and Patrick McGreevy in the Los Angeles Times.

Ohio: “Lawmakers weigh voting-related bills” by Jim Provance in the Toledo Blade.

Pennsylvania: “Another bill to cut Pennsylvania’s General Assembly being offered” by Brad Bumsted in the Tribune-Review.

Redistricting

“Attorneys deny claims in Alaska redistricting challenge” by The Associated Press in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.

Government Tech and Social Media

“White House Unveils CIO Council 2.0” by Joseph Marks in NextGov.

“How Lawmakers Spent Their Summer Vacation” by Roll Call on Pinterest.

New York: “New York City Looks to Technology to Grow Voter Turnout” by Miranda Neubauer in TechPresident.

Federal:

All the D.C. Donors, Now Put Your Checks Up

Politico – Byron Tau | Published: 8/3/2013

Campaign fundraising in Washington, D.C. has moved from staid receptions to high-profile concerts and sporting events. Most often, these events take place in a rented skybox at the Verizon Center paid for by a corporate PAC or a congressional campaign. Fundraising professionals say pairing a campaign fundraiser with a big event like a Beyoncé concert helps attract more attention from potential donors and ultimately brings in bigger contributions.

Republican Says E-mails Could Mean FEC-IRS Collusion

CNN – Dana Bash and Alan Silverleib | Published: 8/6/2013

FEC Vice Chairperson Donald McGahn said an investigator from his agency contacted Lois Lerner, the IRS employee at the center of the controversy over the alleged targeting of conservative groups. He said the contact was made to discuss the status of one such political advocacy group. Shortly after Lerner was contacted, the IRS sent a questionnaire to the American Future Fund, said McGahn. He said such contact was “probably out of the ordinary” and FEC members had not given staff permission to reach out to the IRS.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – L.A. County Won’t Sell Bonds to School Bond Campaign Donors

Los Angeles Times – Dan Weikel | Published: 8/6/2013

Los Angeles County Treasurer Mark Saladino said his office will no longer do business with securities brokers that make political contributions to school bond campaigns. The restriction applies to monetary donations, non-monetary contributions, and pre-election services, such as polling, voter outreach, and consulting.

Connecticut – Bills May Die, but Concepts Don’t

CTNewsJunkie.com – Hugh McQuaid | Published: 8/7/2013

Connecticut’s Legislative Research Office found at least 89 provisions that began this year in one bill, only to be signed into law under another. The number comes from an annual bill tracking report the office puts together after each legislative session. It documents instances when a concept became law in a manner other than the traditional legislative process.

Florida – Miami Lakes and Sweetwater Mayors ‘Stung’ by FBI for Taking Alleged Kickbacks

Miami Herald – Jay Weaver, Christina Veiga, and Joey Flecha | Published: 8/6/2013

The FBI arrested Miami Lakes Mayor Michael Pizzi and Sweetwater Mayor Manuel Maroño on bribery-related charges. Prosecutors said Pizzi and lobbyist Richard Candia were involved in a kickback and bribery scheme over federal grants in Miami Lakes and Medley, where Pizzi is town attorney. An indictment claims Maroño and lobbyist Jorge Forte were involved in a kickback and bribery scheme over grants for Sweetwater, where Maroño has been mayor since 2003.

Massachusetts – Galvin Faulted on Rules for Lobbyists

Boston Globe – Michael Levenson | Published: 8/7/2013

Massachusetts Secretary of State William Galvin was ordered to cover more than $100,000 in legal fees for a group of lobbyists who challenged his interpretation of the state’s revamped ethics laws. A judge found Galvin overstepped his authority by trying to force lobbyists to report every time they spoke to a legislator or state official, even casual, chance meetings.

New Hampshire – Ethics Committee: Special E-ZPasses don’t violate gift limits for N.H. lawmakers

Concord Monitor – Ben Leubsdorf | Published: 8/5/2013

E-ZPasses given to New Hampshire lawmakers do not violate ethics rules. Rep. Frank Sapareto had asked the Legislative Ethics Committee if they counted as a perk with a value in excess of the $25 limit on gifts to legislators.

New York – Citing Irregularities, City Board Rejects Public Money for Liu’s Campaign

New York Times – David Chen | Published: 8/5/2013

New York City Comptroller John Liu was denied about $3 million in public matching funds in his bid for the Democratic mayoral nomination after the Campaign Finance Board said it found evidence of possible “serious and pervasive” violations. In May, Liu’s former campaign treasurer and a fundraiser were convicted of trying to subvert the city’s campaign finance system with straw donors to obtain matching funds.

North Carolina – Video Shows Lawmakers Dancing on NC House Floor

WCNC – Ben Thompson | Published: 7/31/2013

A video shows a Republican lawmaker and an aide dancing on the North Carolina House floor near the end of the legislative session. One headline reads “NC House Dances with Joy over its Accomplishments,” and is accompanied by an editorial criticizing lawmakers.” The video shows a man and woman dancing, while another woman plays a fiddle. But some say the headlines and descriptions of the clip are misleading.

Oklahoma – Outdated Software Plagues Oklahoma Ethics Commission

The Oklahoman – Michael McNutt | Published: 8/3/2013

Financial information about campaigns and lobbyist spending posted on the Oklahoma Ethics Commission’s Web site is not accurate because of software glitches. Commission Executive Director Lee Slater said he will be ask lawmakers for funds next year to buy a new software system but until then, visitors to the site will have to put up with a system in which data posted by some candidates and lobbyists randomly does not show up.

South Carolina – Lobbyists Wined, Dined Lawmakers 95 Times

The State – Amanda Coyne | Published: 8/4/2013

During the 2013 legislative session, special interests hosted 95 breakfasts, luncheons, dinners, or receptions for South Carolina legislators and others. The meals and receptions regularly cost nearly $6,000 apiece. At least two held during the last legislative session cost far more, one almost $17,000 and another $20,000.

Tennessee – Nashville Lobbyist Murphy and Associates Faces Ethics Audit

The Tennessean – Chas Sisk | Published: 8/6/2013

An audit said a lobbyist receiving 10 percent of the state funding provided to the Tennessee Disability Coalition – more than $64,000 in one year – may violate a law banning lobbyist contingency fees. An attorney for lobbyist Jennifer Murphy disputes the contention and said even if the contractual arrangement was a contingency fee, it dates from 2002, four years before the prohibition was enacted as part of an ethics reform package.

Virginia – Donor Jonnie Williams, Star Scientific Are Cooperating in Probe of Gov. Robert McDonnell

Washington Post – Carol Leonnig and Rosalind Helderman | Published: 8/5/2013

Sources said Star Scientific Chief Executive Officer Jonnie Williams, Sr. has turned over personal financial records and sat for interviews in which he provided firsthand accounts of gifts and more than $120,000 given to Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell and his family members since 2011. The cooperation is an ominous sign for McDonnell, suggesting federal prosecutors are focused on trying to build a potential criminal case against him.

West Virginia – Judge Ends Cap on Contributions to Indie PACs

Charleston Gazette – Kate White | Published: 8/7/2013

U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Johnston signed an order that strikes down struck down state laws limiting contributions to independent PACs. The $1,000 limit still applies to donations made directly to candidates and their campaign committees, PACs that contribute directly to candidates, and political parties.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.

Lobbying

“K Street shop on lookout for new senior Democratic lobbyist” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.

Illinois: “More Illinois public bodies hiring lobbyists” by The Associated Press in the Quincy Journal.

Massachusetts: “Galvin faulted on rules for lobbyists” by Michael Levinson in The Boston Globe.

Campaign Finance

Massachusetts: “Election Commission seminar set for Aug. 12” in South Coast Today.

Ohio: “Cleveland Heights campaign finance measure part of trend, group says” by Ray Jablonski in The Plain Dealer.

Virginia: “Candidates Make Honor Roll for Campaign-Filing Transparency” in the Sun Gazette.

Ethics

Florida: “Miami Lakes and Sweetwater mayors ‘stung’ by FBI for taking alleged kickbacks” by Jay Weaver, Christina Veiga and Joey Flechas in the Miami Herald.

Massachusetts: “Dan Wolf still running for governor despite ethics ruling” by Frank Phillips in The Boston Globe.

New York: “State Ethics Panel Opens an Inquiry Into a Sexual Harassment Cover-Up” by Danny Hakim in The New York Times.

New York: “Subpoenas Sent to City’s Big Landlords” by Eliot Brown and Erica Orden in The Wall Street Journal.

From Capitol Hill

“House Chamber Closed for Renovations” by Hannah Hess in Roll Call.

From the State Legislatures

Connecticut: “How a bill becomes a law in Connecticut can be a circuitous journey” by Hugh McQuaid in the New Haven Register.

Kansas: “Committee to make ‘Hard 50’ recommendations for special session” by John Hanna in the Topeka Capital-Journal.

Redistricting

“Redistricting trial set to begin” by Brian Lyman in the Montgomery Advertiser.

Treasurer Mark J. Saladino announced his office will no longer do business with securities brokers making political contributions to school bond campaigns. The pay-to-play policy is an attempt to prevent campaign donations from influencing the hiring of underwriters by school districts. The policy is also expected to increase competition between dealers and save taxpayer dollars.

Under the new policy, underwriters must not donate to school bond measures if they want to qualify for the treasurer’s list of investment banks and securities dealers eligible to sell county bonds. The restriction applies to monetary donations, non-monetary contributions, and pre-election services.

In statewide surveys, virtually every securities broker hired by a school district contributed to the district’s bond campaign and was retained without competitive bidding. A recent study focusing on California school bond issues found post-election fees paid to underwriters making contributions were on average $27,576 more than those paid to brokers not contributing.

Lobbying

“100 People to Watch This Fall” in The Hill.

“Legislators head to Chicago for ALEC retreat” by Elizabeth Crisp in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Campaign Finance

New York: “Moreland panel issues its first subpoenas” by Jimmy Vielkind in the Albany Times Union.

Ethics

Public Corruption Convictions: State Totals, 2001-2010 in Governing.

New York: “Bruno trial is a go” by Brendan J. Lyons in the Albany Times Union.

New York: “Court Rules Bruno May Face Fraud Charges” by The Associated Press in The New York Times.

Virginia: “Support lacking for Cuccinelli’s quick ethics reform” by Julian Walker in The Virginian-Pilot.

Virginia: “Virginia Lt. Gov. Bolling calls for gift and ethics reform” by Rosalind S. Helderman in The Washington Post.

From the State Legislatures

Kansas: “Brownback signs resolution for special session” by Tim Carpenter in the Topeka Capital-Journal.

NCSL 2013 Legislative Summit Online Resources

Government Tech and Social Media

“Analysis: How Twitter Is Revolutionizing Washington Relationships” by Matthew Cooper in NextGov.

Massachusetts: “MA Democratic Primary Candidates To Participate In Crowdsourced Online Debate” by Sarah Lai Stirland in TechPresident.

New York: “Elections to Be Easier for Voters With an App” by Nick Corasaniti in The New York Times.

Redistricting

Congressional District Compactness, Gerrymandering By State in Governing.

Lobbying

“K Street powerhouse lobbies for green energy tax bill” by Ben Geman in The Hill.

Campaign Finance

New York: “Reform advocate spends big money” by Jimmy Vielkind in the Times Union.

New York: “Citing Irregularities, City Board Rejects Public Money for Liu’s Campaign” by David W. Chen in The New York Times.

Ethics

“FEC commissioner: New emails could tie agency to IRS targeting” by Blake Neff in The Hill.

Missouri: “Creator of Missouri Ethics Commission nominated for federal bench” by Jo Mannies in the St. Louis Beacon.

New Hampshire: “Ethics committee: Special E-ZPasses don’t violate gift limits for N.H. lawmakers” by Ben Leubsdorf in the Concord Monitor.

New Jersey: “Appeals court affirms dismissal of ethics complaint against assemblyman” by Matt Friedman in the Star-Ledger.

Utah: “Panel investigating Attorney General John Swallow to hold first meeting” by John Swallow in the Deseret News.

Virginia: “Cuccinelli pushes for special session on ethics rules” by Julian Walker in The Virginian-Pilot.

Redistricting

California: “SoCal Rep. Lowenthal takes a big swing at redistricting with new bill” by Kitty Felde on KPCC News.

Lobbying

“August recess now high season for interests lobbying lawmakers” by Matea Gold in The Washington Post.

Massachusetts: “Mass. casino lobbying tapering off on Beacon Hill as firms train money on host communities” by Steve LeBlanc (Associated Press) in The Republic.

Oklahoma: “Freshman Oklahoma lawmaker top recipient of lobbyist attention” by Michael McNutt in The Oklahoman.

Wisconsin: “Lobbying spending by public unions drops sharply” by The Associated Press in the Miami Herald.

Campaign Finance

“Report: Dead donors gave $586K” by Tal Kopan in Politico.

Texas: “New Open-Source Tool Gives Texans Faster Access to Campaign Finance Data” by Miranda Neubauer in TechPresident.

Ethics

“Congressional Pressure on FEC Criticized” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

Maryland: “Ethics complaint questions Vallario’s dual roles as legislator and lawyer” by John Wagner in The Washington Post.

Oklahoma: “Outdated software plagues Oklahoma Ethics Commission” by Michael McNutt in The Oklahoman.

Pay-to-Play

New Jersey: “Bill would close loophole in N.J. pay-to-play law” by Claudia Vargas in the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Government Tech and Social Media

“Georgia Saving Millions with Open Source Technology” by Brian Heaton in Government Technology.

From the State Legislatures

“The rise of one-party rule in the states” by Craig Gilbert in the Journal Sentinel.

California: “Lawmakers make final push” by Melody Gutierrez in The Sacramento Bee.

California: “Crunch time: Deals loom as clock ticks” by Greg Lucas in Capitol Weekly.

California: “Assembly returns without supermajority” by Christopher Arns in the Sacramento Business Journal.

The first charge and conviction for violating the Lobbying Act resulted in a $7,500 fine for a former federal staffer. Andrew Skaling worked for Tory office holders during the 2004 federal election campaign, while also being retained by the Canadian Network of Respiratory Care to arrange meetings with public officers. Skaling failed to register as a lobbyist, but assured the director of the charity he had.

While there was no evidence Skaling actually met with federal officials to lobby for the charity, the Lobbying Act requires a lobbyist to register within 10 days of being retained. The maximum penalty for failing to register under the Lobbying Act is $50,000 or six months in jail.

Q. I will be attending the NCSL conference this summer.  Do regular gift limits on expenditures for public officials apply during this event?

A. The answer will vary depending upon whether you are paying for a private event or sponsoring a conference-affiliated event.  Taking a legislator to dinner, paying for cab fare or other transportation, or giving him or her a ticket to a ballgame are not considered part of the official conference agenda and normal gift limits will apply.  Also, for private events, the answer will depend upon whether you or your company are registered as a lobbyist or lobbyist employer.  In most instances, states have more stringent gift laws applicable to lobbyists and lobbyist principals.

Many states have gift limit exceptions specifically carved out for expenditures at national conferences to which all members of the legislature are invited. Further, State Night events at NCSL are considered part of the conference agenda; therefore, when national conference gift exceptions exist, they will apply.

Although a State Night sponsorship may be permissible, it is important to determine if and when the expenditure must be disclosed.  Know the reporting requirements before the event, because an attendee list may be required. The reporting implications range from simple aggregate disclosure to detailed reporting where the name of every legislator attending must be listed.

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

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