July 17, 2026 •
Louisiana Food and Drink Limit Increased
The gift limit for food, drink, and refreshments in Louisiana increased from $81 to $84. Lobbyists and non-lobbyists may now give a public servant or public employee any food, drink, or refreshment the total value of which does not exceed […]
The gift limit for food, drink, and refreshments in Louisiana increased from $81 to $84. Lobbyists and non-lobbyists may now give a public servant or public employee any food, drink, or refreshment the total value of which does not exceed $84 for a single event. The $84 limit does not apply to gatherings held in conjunction with a meeting related to a national or regional organization, or to meetings of a statewide organization of governmental officials or employees. The limit is adjusted each year relative to the percentage increase in the consumer price index for the prior year.
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July 17, 2026 •
Alaska Governor Calls For Another Special Session
The Legislature’s debate on tax breaks for the Alaska LNG project will continue following Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s call for another special session. The previous special session ended July 16 without making any meaningful progress on the issue. The next special […]
The Legislature’s debate on tax breaks for the Alaska LNG project will continue following Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s call for another special session. The previous special session ended July 16 without making any meaningful progress on the issue. The next special session is set to begin July 27. This does affect lobbying reporting. If the special session extends into August, a lobbyist report will be due September 30 covering activity for the month of August.
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July 16, 2026 •
New York COELIG Accepting Comments on Lobbying Fee Rulemaking
The New York Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (COELIG) is accepting comments on a proposed rulemaking related to the recent statutory increase in lobbyist registration fees. The lobbyist registration fee is increasing from $200 per biennium to $250 […]
The New York Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (COELIG) is accepting comments on a proposed rulemaking related to the recent statutory increase in lobbyist registration fees. The lobbyist registration fee is increasing from $200 per biennium to $250 per calendar year in COELIG’s regulations. Additionally, lobbyists who fail to complete a registration or pay the annual fee may be subject to civil penalties. COELIG is accepting public comments until September 13.
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July 16, 2026 •
Mississippi Special Session Called
Gov. Tate Reeves called an immediate special session on July 15 to discuss the expiration of statues relating to the disclosure of youth records. Senate Bill 2001 passed the Senate late last night and the House is debating the bill […]
Gov. Tate Reeves called an immediate special session on July 15 to discuss the expiration of statues relating to the disclosure of youth records. Senate Bill 2001 passed the Senate late last night and the House is debating the bill today.
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During the 2026 session, Minnesota lawmakers passed an omnibus bill that significantly modifies the state requirements for lobbying reporting and disclaimers. Gov. Walz signed House File 4239 into law on May 18, and all the compliance changes detailed below became […]
During the 2026 session, Minnesota lawmakers passed an omnibus bill that significantly modifies the state requirements for lobbying reporting and disclaimers. Gov. Walz signed House File 4239 into law on May 18, and all the compliance changes detailed below became effective immediately. This guide breaks down the critical updates to principal reporting, lobbyist gift disclosures, and grassroots lobbying material disclaimers to help organizations remain compliant.
Key Updates to Reporting Requirements
House File 4239 introduces targeted changes to how lobbyists and their principals must track and report expenses and gifts to the state.
Principal Expenditure Reporting
The new legislation alters the list of expenditures that a lobbyist principal must account for. The most notable updates include:
- Added Requirements: Expenses for financial professionals have been added to the list of required expenditures.
- Removed Requirements: The requirement to include disbursements over $2,000 for paid advertising related to grassroots lobbying was removed.
Principals are still required to report expenditures in support of lobbying efforts for a wide variety of ongoing activities. These covered activities include advertising, mailing, research, consulting, surveys, expert testimony, finance professionals, studies, reports, analysis, the compilation and dissemination of information, communications, social media, public relations campaigns, and legal counsel.
Lobbyist Gift Disclosures
Lobbyist gift reporting has been streamlined under the new Minnesota law. The requirement to report the home or office address of the official receiving the gift, item, or benefit has been completely removed. Moving forward, gift disclosures must exclusively include the official’s name, professional title, and government jurisdiction.
New Disclaimer Rules for Lobbying Materials
To increase transparency, Minnesota now mandates a specific disclaimer on grassroots lobbying materials. This requirement applies whenever materials request the public to contact public or local officials to influence legislative action, administrative action, or the official action of a political subdivision.
The disclaimer must clearly identify the individual or association responsible for the content. Furthermore, it must provide direct contact information, such as a phone number, an email address, or a website.
Exemptions to the Rule
This indirect lobbying disclaimer is not universally required. Election-related advertising and membership communications are exempt from this specific mandate.
Disclaimer Formatting and Display Criteria
The law outlines strict visibility and duration standards for disclaimers based on the specific medium used:
- Written Advertisements: For materials such as printed mailers, the disclaimer must be printed in 8-point or larger font. The text must be in black or a high contrast color.
- Websites and Social Media: Disclaimers placed online must be clearly legible without requiring the user to adjust or magnify the screen.
- Audiovisual Advertisements: The video advertisement must end with the disclaimer displayed on the screen for a minimum of four seconds.
- Audio-only Advertisements: Disclaimers spoken on the radio or podcasts must be easily understandable to the listener.
- Signs: Disclaimers must be printed in black or high contrast text. The font size must range from 12-point to 6 inches or taller, depending entirely on the overall size of the physical sign.
Penalties for Noncompliance
Failing to adhere to these new disclaimer requirements carries significant financial consequences for individuals and organizations. The Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board is officially authorized to impose a civil penalty of up to $3,000 for failing to include a required disclaimer on covered materials.
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota Lobbying Changes
When did the new Minnesota lobbying reporting rules take effect?
The changes to lobbying reporting and disclaimers detailed in House File 4239 became effective immediately after Gov. Walz signed the omnibus bill on May 18, 2026. Organizations must comply with these rules for all current and future covered activities.
What specific contact information is required on grassroots lobbying disclaimers?
The law mandates that the disclaimer must clearly identify the individual or association responsible for the content. Alongside this identification, you must provide at least one valid method of contact. This can be a phone number, an email address, or website contact information.
What needs to be included when reporting a gift to an official?
Under the updated guidelines, you only need to report the official’s name, their title, and their government jurisdiction. You no longer need to track or report the address of the official to whom the gift, item, or benefit was given.
Compliance and Real-Time Alerts For Minnesota
Navigating sudden statutory adjustments requires continuous vigilance to keep organizational advocacy aligned with state laws. If you want to ensure your compliance programs remain accurate under these new regulations, explore how tailored monitoring and advice can safeguard your operations by reviewing our Compliance Consulting and Alerts Services.
July 15, 2026 •
Kentucky Extends Executive Branch Lobbying Reporting Deadline
On July 15, the Executive Branch Ethics Commission voted to extend the deadline for filing Updated Registration Statements and paying registration fees due to issues with the new online reporting system. This applies to executive branch lobbyists, employers, and real […]
On July 15, the Executive Branch Ethics Commission voted to extend the deadline for filing Updated Registration Statements and paying registration fees due to issues with the new online reporting system. This applies to executive branch lobbyists, employers, and real parties in interest. The original deadline of July 31 was extended with no fines being assessed for delayed filing prior to September 30.
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July 13, 2026 •
Maryland Special Session Scheduled
Legislative leaders have announced a special session will be held on August 3 through August 5 to discuss a constitutional amendment regarding congressional redistricting. If the amendment is approved during the special session, it will be added as a ballot […]
Legislative leaders have announced a special session will be held on August 3 through August 5 to discuss a constitutional amendment regarding congressional redistricting. If the amendment is approved during the special session, it will be added as a ballot measure during the November 3 general election.
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July 13, 2026 •
South Carolina Special Primary Election Scheduled
Following the death of U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, South Carolina will be required to hold a special primary election to fill the nomination previously won by Graham in June. Under state law, the primary election will take place August 11, […]
Following the death of U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, South Carolina will be required to hold a special primary election to fill the nomination previously won by Graham in June. Under state law, the primary election will take place August 11, with a runoff primary election August 25, if necessary. In the interim, Gov. Henry McMaster can appoint a replacement to fill the seat until the end of the term on January 3, 2027.
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July 10, 2026 •
Alaska Governor Vetoes House Bill 16
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy vetoed House Bill 16 yesterday, which would have reimposed campaign contribution limits on state elections. HB 16 would have limited individual contributions to each candidate at $2,000 per election cycle. Political parties and other groups could […]
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy vetoed House Bill 16 yesterday, which would have reimposed campaign contribution limits on state elections. HB 16 would have limited individual contributions to each candidate at $2,000 per election cycle. Political parties and other groups could contribute up to $4,000 to a candidate each election cycle. Contributions to gubernatorial elections would be limited to $4,000 for individuals and $8,000 for groups. The bill’s purpose was to reduce the influence of wealthy donors. Dunleavy explained he did not feel the bill went far enough in limiting wealthier candidates from funding themselves. With HB 16 being vetoed, a similar ballot measure will be presented to voters at the primary election on August 18. If the bill had passed, the ballot measure would have been cancelled.
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July 7, 2026 •
Tempe, Arizona Increases Contribution Limits
The city of Tempe, Arizona increased campaign contribution limits for the 2028 election cycle from individuals to candidates for mayor and City Council from $650 to $690 per contributor. From PACs, the limit increased from $1,300 to $1,370, and from […]
The city of Tempe, Arizona increased campaign contribution limits for the 2028 election cycle from individuals to candidates for mayor and City Council from $650 to $690 per contributor. From PACs, the limit increased from $1,300 to $1,370, and from mega PACs, the limit increased from $6,480 to $6,840. The limit on aggregate PAC and mega PAC contributions to a candidate increased from $12,970 to $13,700.
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July 7, 2026 •
New York State Budget Bill Increases Lobbying Dues
The General Government Budget for 2026-2027 was passed and signed by Gov. Hochul. Included in the budget was an increase to the lobbyist registration fee from $200 to $250. The prorated fee for lobbyist registrations submitted after January 1 of […]
The General Government Budget for 2026-2027 was passed and signed by Gov. Hochul. Included in the budget was an increase to the lobbyist registration fee from $200 to $250. The prorated fee for lobbyist registrations submitted after January 1 of the second calendar year of the biennial period was abolished, making the full $250 fee due with every registration. Additionally, lobbyist training must be completed once every two years and at least once in each biennium, beginning with the next biennium on January 1, 2027.
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July 6, 2026 •
Delaware General Assembly Adjourns
The Delaware General Assembly adjourned on July 1. Lawmakers passed House Bill 344, which clarifies and streamlines the disclosure and enforcement provisions of campaign finance laws. Changes include extending the requirement for political committees to retain records from three years […]
The Delaware General Assembly adjourned on July 1. Lawmakers passed House Bill 344, which clarifies and streamlines the disclosure and enforcement provisions of campaign finance laws. Changes include extending the requirement for political committees to retain records from three years to five years and requiring biennial training for committee treasurers. The bill will be effective July 1, 2027, if approved by Gov. Matt Meyer.
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KENTUCKY: The Registry of Election Finance issued a legislative update for changes effective July 15. House Bill 139 increases the individual per election contribution limit to candidates and per year contribution limit to permanent committees and contributing organizations from the […]
KENTUCKY: The Registry of Election Finance issued a legislative update for changes effective July 15. House Bill 139 increases the individual per election contribution limit to candidates and per year contribution limit to permanent committees and contributing organizations from the current $2,200 to $3,500. The increase matches limits for federal candidates and ties future contribution limit increases to adjustments made by the FEC. The bill also increases the maximum amount of cash contributions and anonymous contributions from $100 to $200. Contribution limits to executive committees and caucus campaign committees increase from $5,000 per year to $10,000 per year. The bill also changes the time to file reports from two days to seven days after the end of the reporting period.
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June 24, 2026 •
New Jersey ELEC Requests Comments on Fees
The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) will hold a public hearing on July 21 regarding the commission’s implementation of Executive Order 19. The order directed state agencies to identify hidden or unnecessary “junk” fees that can be reduced […]
The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) will hold a public hearing on July 21 regarding the commission’s implementation of Executive Order 19. The order directed state agencies to identify hidden or unnecessary “junk” fees that can be reduced or eliminated. ELEC is accepting written comments on fees connected with campaign finance and lobbying compliance until the day of the hearing.
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