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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June 22, 2026 •
Governor Calls Third Special Session
The second special session ended last week on June 19. However, lawmakers were unable to come to an agreement on a bill offering tax relief to the Alaska LNG gas line project. Gov. Mike Dunleavy then called for a third […]
The second special session ended last week on June 19. However, lawmakers were unable to come to an agreement on a bill offering tax relief to the Alaska LNG gas line project. Gov. Mike Dunleavy then called for a third special session beginning on June 20. Dunleavy’s executive proclamation does not give a general timeline for the session, but House Speaker Bryce Edgmon stated the Legislature’s intent is to meet over the next 10 days with a vote on the new version of the bill set for July 1. This will affect lobbying reporting. If the special session extends into July, a lobbyist report will be due August 31 covering activity for the month of July.
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June 18, 2026 •
Denver, Colorado City Council Approves Lobbying Reform Bill
City Council passed Bill 26-0686, reforming the city’s lobbying code. The ordinance creates compensation thresholds for registration of lobbyists and lobbying entities; creates a grassroots expenditure registration threshold; and updates the registration window from five days to 10. The ordinance […]
City Council passed Bill 26-0686, reforming the city’s lobbying code. The ordinance creates compensation thresholds for registration of lobbyists and lobbying entities; creates a grassroots expenditure registration threshold; and updates the registration window from five days to 10. The ordinance also requires disclosure of lobbyist clients; more clearly regulates administrative lobbying; and requires disclosure of legislative and administrative matters lobbied. Former elected and covered officials are prohibited from engaging in lobbying for compensation for 12 months following service. Lobbyists will now be required to fulfill a training requirement. Mayor Mike Johnston signed the ordinance on June 17, and it will take effect January 1, 2027.
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June 16, 2026 •
Palm Beach County, Florida Increases Lobbyist Registration Fee
During the last County Commission meeting, an ordinance was passed to raise the fee for lobbyist registration from a one-time $25 fee to an annual $200 fee per principal. The county believes the prior fee no longer covers the administrative […]
During the last County Commission meeting, an ordinance was passed to raise the fee for lobbyist registration from a one-time $25 fee to an annual $200 fee per principal. The county believes the prior fee no longer covers the administrative costs associated with maintaining and administering the Central Lobbyist Registry. The fee can be adjusted at any time but at least every five years to align with the consumer price index. The annual $200 registration fee is scheduled to begin October 1.
Comply with state and local lobbying rules. Our online guidebooks make it easy to view regulations all in one place. Learn more here.
The Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Elections Practices proposed routine technical changes to update the commission’s rules after the passage of two campaign finance bills this session. Proposed updates include guidance on the disclosure required for paid communications containing […]
The Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Elections Practices proposed routine technical changes to update the commission’s rules after the passage of two campaign finance bills this session. Proposed updates include guidance on the disclosure required for paid communications containing misleading manipulated media of a candidate and a threshold increase for filing independent expenditure disclosure reports. The commission will hold a hearing on June 24 and will accept comments through July 8.
Make sure you understand pay-to-play regulations in your state. See all 50 states and nearly 300 jurisdictions in our online guidebooks. Check them out here.
June 15, 2026 •
Arizona Legislature Adjourns Sine Die
The 57th Arizona Legislature adjourned its second regular session sine die on June 13 after passing campaign finance and procurement bills. House Bill 2874 updates termination statement requirements; caps the daily accruing penalty for late committee reports at $5,000; and […]
The 57th Arizona Legislature adjourned its second regular session sine die on June 13 after passing campaign finance and procurement bills. House Bill 2874 updates termination statement requirements; caps the daily accruing penalty for late committee reports at $5,000; and introduces retroactive leniency with respect to certain late committee report penalties. If approved by Gov. Katie Hobbs, the bill will take effect immediately. Senate Bill 1259 allows committee statements of organization to list alternate mailing addresses for persons whose residential address is required to be listed on the statement but is court-ordered protected voter registration information. If approved by Hobbs, the bill will take effect September 12. Senate Bill 1186 requires companies responding to a request for proposal, applying for a grant, or under contract with a state agency to disclose having provided anything of value to the governor and any entity that advocates for the election of the governor or defeat of an electoral opponent within the prior five years. Hobbs vetoed a similar bill in 2025. House Concurrent Resolution 2001, proposing, among other things, to amend the state constitution to prohibit political contributions from foreign nationals, will be on the ballot for voter consideration on November 3.
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June 11, 2026 •
Oklahoma Ethics Commission Releases Updated Rules
The Oklahoma Ethics Commission announced the updated 2026 Ethics Rules are available. Campaign finance updates include increasing the limit for cash contributions from $50 to $200. In lobbying regulations, the rule permitting infrequent gifts from legislative lobbyists on occasions of […]
The Oklahoma Ethics Commission announced the updated 2026 Ethics Rules are available. Campaign finance updates include increasing the limit for cash contributions from $50 to $200. In lobbying regulations, the rule permitting infrequent gifts from legislative lobbyists on occasions of personal significance has been repealed. The governor, legislators, or any employee of the governor or the Legislature may now accept gifts of traditional business expenses from legislative lobbyists and lobbyist principals. Meals and other traditional business expenses, as well as non-meal food and beverage, are reported when the cumulative yearly total exceeds $20. Lobbyist principals of legislative lobbyists may now provide food and beverage for legislative sessions.
Invite them out for coffee or a steak? Make sure you know the gift restrictions of your state or municipality. Request a demo of our online guidebooks today.
Hawaii Redefines Corporate Powers to Exclude Election Spending Hawaii has enacted one of the most significant state-level laws concerning corporate election activity since the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. Senate Bill 2471, signed […]
Hawaii Redefines Corporate Powers to Exclude Election Spending
Hawaii has enacted one of the most significant state-level laws concerning corporate election activity since the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. Senate Bill 2471, signed into law by Governor Josh Green, redefines the scope of corporate powers for entities organized or transacting business in Hawaii by explicitly excluding election-related spending. The law is set to take effect on July 1, 2027, though legal challenges are anticipated before that date.
Understanding what the law allows, which entities it covers, and what penalties apply is essential for any organization with a presence in the state.
What Hawaii’s SB 2471 Changes for Corporate Election Activity
At its core, SB 2471 removes election and ballot-issue activity from the scope of powers available to corporations and other artificial legal entities in Hawaii. This means that covered entities will be effectively prevented from paying, contributing, or expending money or anything of value, whether directly or indirectly, to support or oppose a candidate, political committee, or political party.
The law applies beyond candidate elections. Covered entities are also prevented from spending to support or oppose constitutional amendments, county charter amendments, or other ballot questions once those measures have been formally certified or submitted to voters. Additionally, the law removes the authority for covered entities to make donations of any kind, except charitable donations.
There is an exception for bona fide news stories, commentaries, and editorials. However, even that exception does not apply if the broadcasting, print, online, or digital distribution facility is owned or controlled by a candidate, political committee, or political party.
Which Entities Are Covered Under the New Hawaii Election Spending Law
SB 2471 applies broadly across entity types. The law covers domestic and foreign corporations, professional corporations, credit unions, agricultural cooperative associations, consumer cooperative associations, limited-equity housing cooperatives, limited liability partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability companies, nonprofit associations, and nonprofit corporations other than committees.
A critical provision of the bill conditions its applicability on ongoing enforcement against foreign entities transacting business in Hawaii.
Candidate committees, noncandidate committees, and similar committees created under federal law are explicitly granted the power to engage in election and ballot-issue activity. These carve-outs preserve the ability of political committees to operate within established campaign finance frameworks
Penalties for Violations of Hawaii’s Corporate Powers Limits
Any election or ballot-issue activity by a covered entity will be deemed void. Beyond that, the consequences for violations can include suspension of the entity’s authority to operate or transact business in Hawaii, ineligibility for state contracts, designation as a non-compliant entity, revocation of the entity’s operating instrument, involuntary dissolution, and revocation of tax-exempt status where applicable.
Enforcement authority is limited to two state officials: the attorney general and the director of commerce and consumer affairs. This centralized enforcement structure means that private parties and local officials cannot independently pursue violations, Hawaii’s Law in the Context of the Post-Citizens United Landscape
Hawaii is not acting in isolation. The state is one of several jurisdictions that have introduced measures this year addressing the role of corporate powers in elections. These efforts represent an ongoing legislative response to the 2010 Citizens United decision, which held that the federal government’s restriction on independent political expenditures by corporations, associations, and labor unions violated the First Amendment.
While the Citizens United ruling remains the law of the land at the federal level and as applied throughout the states, Hawaii is approaching the issue in a novel way. SB 2471 received overwhelming bipartisan support in both chambers of the Hawaii legislature, signaling broad political backing for the measure. However, the law is expected to face legal challenges before its effective date of July 1, 2027.
Organizations operating in Hawaii or monitoring state-level campaign finance developments should track the progress of any litigation closely, as court rulings could shape the future of similar measures in other states.
Steps for Businesses and Organizations to Prepare
Even though the law does not take effect until July 2027, companies and organizations with operations in Hawaii should begin evaluating their existing election and ballot-issue spending activity. Assess whether your entity type is covered under the law. Identify any planned contributions, expenditures, or ballot-measure spending that would need to be curtailed before the effective date.
For organizations operating across multiple states, Hawaii’s new law adds another layer to an already complex patchwork of state-level campaign finance and corporate governance requirements. State and Federal Communications provides compliance consulting services to help government affairs professionals and corporate counsel navigate these evolving obligations.
SB 2471 removes election and ballot-issue activity from the scope of corporate powers in Hawaii. Covered entities are prevented from paying, contributing, or spending money to support or oppose candidates, political committees, political parties, or ballot measures. The law also prevents non-charitable donations.
The law applies to a wide range of entity types, including domestic and foreign corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, professional corporations, credit unions, cooperative associations, nonprofit associations, and nonprofit corporations. Candidate committees, noncandidate committees, and similar committees created under federal law are treated uniquely in that they are granted the power to engage in election and ballot-issue activity.
The law is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2027. However, legal challenges are expected before that date, and organizations should monitor developments closely.
Penalties include suspension of the entity’s authority to transact business in Hawaii, ineligibility for state contracts, designation as non-compliant, revocation of operating instruments, involuntary dissolution, and revocation of tax-exempt status. Any prohibited election activity will also be deemed void.
Yes. The law applies to both domestic and foreign entities transacting business in Hawaii. For guidance on compliance, State and Federal Communications offers online compliance guidebooks and consulting services to assist organizations operating across multiple jurisdictions.
June 9, 2026 •
California Local Lobbying Rules: What You Need to Know
Does California State Lobbyist Registration Cover Local Lobbying? No. California’s state lobbyist registration does not cover lobbying directed at local jurisdictions. Before engaging with any county or local official, you must determine whether that jurisdiction has its own lobbying ordinance. […]
Does California State Lobbyist Registration Cover Local Lobbying?
No. California’s state lobbyist registration does not cover lobbying directed at local jurisdictions. Before engaging with any county or local official, you must determine whether that jurisdiction has its own lobbying ordinance.
State Registration and Local Lobbying in California
California’s state lobbying law governs activity directed at state officials and state government entities. It does not extend to lobbying at the local level. That means a registered state lobbyist may still need to register separately with individual cities, counties, or local governmental bodies before making contact with their officials.
The scope of local lobbying requirements varies widely. In some cases, a locality, its county, and governmental entities within that county each maintain their own independent lobbying ordinances.
The Los Angeles area is a clear example of this complexity. Each of the following has its own lobbying requirements:
- City of Los Angeles
- County of Los Angeles
- Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LAMTA)
- Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)
There is no unified registration that covers all of these entities. Each must be evaluated and addressed separately.
How to Approach Local Lobbying Compliance in California
Because no single registration covers local jurisdictions in California, the starting point for any local lobbying effort is identifying two things before outreach begins:
- The officials you intend to contact, and
- The governmental entities those officials represent.
From there, you can determine which local ordinances apply and what registration, reporting, or disclosure obligations must be met.
For organizations operating across multiple California jurisdictions, this process can be complex. State and Federal Communications provides lobbying compliance consulting to help government affairs professionals navigate these requirements efficiently.
California Gift Laws and Local Jurisdictions
Gift law compliance adds another layer of consideration for California lobbyists operating at the local level.
California’s state gift laws differ in scope from its lobbying laws. While state lobbying laws do not apply to local jurisdictions, state gift laws do apply at the local level. This means lobbyists engaging with local officials in California must still comply with state gift rules even if they are not required to register with the state .
However, local governments in California are free to adopt their own gift rules, and those local rules may be more stringent than state law. The City of Los Angeles is one example where local gift rules are more stringent than state requirements.
Best practice: always review applicable local gift ordinances before providing any gifts or hospitality to public officials, even if you believe the gift would be permitted by the state gift law.
Where to Find California Local Lobbying Guidance
Navigating local California lobbying requirements requires jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction analysis. State and Federal Communications maintains detailed guidance through its online compliance guidebooks, which cover local lobbying ordinances and gift rules across California jurisdictions.
For hands-on support, the firm’s lobbying compliance consulting services can help ensure your organization meets all applicable local requirements before engaging public officials.
No. California’s state lobbying law applies only to state-level government activity. Lobbying directed at local jurisdictions, including cities, counties, and local governmental entities, is not covered by state registration. Each local jurisdiction must be evaluated separately for its own registration and compliance requirements.
Potentially, yes. The City of Los Angeles, the County of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LAMTA), and the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) each have their own lobbying requirements. Engaging with officials across these entities may require separate registrations with each.
Yes. Unlike the state’s lobbying laws, California’s state gift laws do apply to local jurisdictions. However, local governments may adopt gift rules that are more restrictive than state law. You should always review applicable local gift ordinances before providing gifts or hospitality to local public officials.
Before beginning any outreach, identify the officials you intend to contact and the governmental entities they represent. That information will determine which local lobbying ordinances and gift rules apply and what compliance steps are required.
State and Federal Communications publishes jurisdiction-specific guidance in its online compliance guidebooks and offers direct consulting support for organizations navigating California’s local lobbying landscape.
June 5, 2026 •
Vermont Legislature Adjourns Sine Die
The Vermont General Assembly adjourned sine die on May 29. Lawmakers passed House Bill 686, which requires lobbying advertising to contain certain disclosures when the General Assembly is not in session. If approved by Gov. Scott, the bill would be […]
The Vermont General Assembly adjourned sine die on May 29. Lawmakers passed House Bill 686, which requires lobbying advertising to contain certain disclosures when the General Assembly is not in session. If approved by Gov. Scott, the bill would be effective immediately.
Make sure you understand pay-to-play regulations in your state. See all 50 states and nearly 300 jurisdictions in our online guidebooks. Check them out here.
State and Federal Communications, Inc. provides research and consulting services for government relations professionals on lobbying laws, procurement lobbying laws, political contribution laws in the United States and Canada. Learn more by visiting stateandfed.com.
