December 8, 2021 •
San Francisco to Limit Behested Payments
![San Francisco to Limit Behested Payments](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Flag_of_San_Francisco_svg-1000x563.png)
Flag of San Francisco
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors has introduced a bill to restrict how public officials can solicit behested payments. The legislation prohibits elected officials and city department heads from requesting donations to charities from lobbyists, persons seeking contracts with the […]
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors has introduced a bill to restrict how public officials can solicit behested payments.
The legislation prohibits elected officials and city department heads from requesting donations to charities from lobbyists, persons seeking contracts with the city, and other interested parties.
Additionally, the San Francisco Ethics Commission is slated to discuss a ballot measure to lay out stricter guidelines on bribery, gifts, prohibited behaviors, and ethics training.
These changes come on the heels of the 2020 arrest of Public Works Director Nuru, after three Recology subsidiaries admitted to conspiring to bride Nuru in exchange for raising garbage rates.
December 7, 2021 •
Davis Appointed to Blaine County, Idaho Commissioner
![Davis Appointed to Blaine County, Idaho Commissioner](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/2x3-idaho-flag-image__95184.1582663282-1000x563.jpg)
Idaho State Flag
Idaho Gov. Brad Little announced he is appointing Muffy Davis to Blaine County Commissioner, replacing Jacob Greenberg who is retiring at the end of December. Davis is the current Democratic representative from Idaho’s 26th District. Before being elected to the […]
Idaho Gov. Brad Little announced he is appointing Muffy Davis to Blaine County Commissioner, replacing Jacob Greenberg who is retiring at the end of December.
Davis is the current Democratic representative from Idaho’s 26th District.
Before being elected to the House in 2019 she was a seven-time Paralympic medalist in skiing and cycling.
Little will appoint a replacement from a submitted list provided by House Democrats sometime before the 2022 legislative session.
December 3, 2021 •
Louisiana Lawmakers to Hold Special Session on Redistricting
![Louisiana Lawmakers to Hold Special Session on Redistricting](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Louisiana-flag-1000x563.jpg)
Louisiana state flag
Louisiana lawmakers plan to hold a three-week special session in February 2022 to address redistricting. Several lawmakers are concerned that if the state’s population doesn’t grow enough, Louisiana could lose a Congressional district after the 2030 census. The state’s population […]
Louisiana lawmakers plan to hold a three-week special session in February 2022 to address redistricting.
Several lawmakers are concerned that if the state’s population doesn’t grow enough, Louisiana could lose a Congressional district after the 2030 census.
The state’s population has only grown 3% over the last decade.
It is not yet clear when the special session is slated to begin.
This does not affect lobbyist reporting.
December 3, 2021 •
New Mexico Governor Calls Special Session on Legislative District Maps
![New Mexico Governor Calls Special Session on Legislative District Maps](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/New-Mexico-Capitol-800x563.jpg)
New Mexico Capitol Building - Ken Lund
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham will call the Legislature into a special session December 6 to finalize and approve new legislative district maps. The special session will also address how to spend the outstanding American Rescue Plan Acts funds. It is […]
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham will call the Legislature into a special session December 6 to finalize and approve new legislative district maps.
The special session will also address how to spend the outstanding American Rescue Plan Acts funds.
It is not yet clear when the session is slated to end.
For each separate expenditure of $500 or more made or incurred by a lobbyist or employer during a special legislative session, a report will be due within 48 hours.
December 3, 2021 •
FPPC Adopts New Regulations
![FPPC Adopts New Regulations](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/California-Capitol-Building-1000x563.jpg)
California State Capitol Building - Jeff Turner
The California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) passed regulations regarding reporting payments for online communications and accounting of lobbying entities. Regulation 18421.10 seeks to shed light on social media manipulation by “purchasers” and “bots.” Under the new rules, committees who […]
The California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) passed regulations regarding reporting payments for online communications and accounting of lobbying entities.
Regulation 18421.10 seeks to shed light on social media manipulation by “purchasers” and “bots.”
Under the new rules, committees who pay more for exposure on social media will have to disclose the amount spent and the type of manipulation bought, whether it is for more likes, followers, or shares.
Regulation 18612 replaced the old regulation, increasing the reporting requirements and clarifying the style (i.e., journal, ledger, or record) of record keeping.
Similarly, the FPPC amended Regulation 18610 and Regulation 18615 involving lobbyist accounting and lobbyist employer accounting.
Both amended regulations and 18612 clean up the language of the regulation and heighten the record-keeping requirements mandated by the state.
December 3, 2021 •
California Assemblymember Frazier to Step Down
![California Assemblymember Frazier to Step Down](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Flag_of_California.svg-1000x563.png)
Flag of California
Assemblymember Jim Frazier announced he is resigning as representative of California’s 11th District at the end of the year. Frazier’s stated reason for leaving was to seek new opportunities in the field of transportation. No date has been set for […]
Assemblymember Jim Frazier announced he is resigning as representative of California’s 11th District at the end of the year.
Frazier’s stated reason for leaving was to seek new opportunities in the field of transportation.
No date has been set for the special election at this time.
December 3, 2021 •
Fenn Appointed to Wyoming Supreme Court
![Fenn Appointed to Wyoming Supreme Court](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/1152px-Wyoming_State_Capitol-1000x563.jpg)
Wyoming Capitol - By Bradlyons
Judge John G. Fenn has been appointed by Gov. Mark Gordon to the Wyoming Supreme Court. Fenn has sat on the Fourth Judicial District Court bench for the previous 14 years and was a private practice attorney in Sheridan for […]
Judge John G. Fenn has been appointed by Gov. Mark Gordon to the Wyoming Supreme Court.
Fenn has sat on the Fourth Judicial District Court bench for the previous 14 years and was a private practice attorney in Sheridan for 13 years prior to his appointment.
He will be replacing Justice Michael Davis, who is retiring after serving nine years on the high court.
December 2, 2021 •
Georgia Special Session Adjourns
![Georgia Special Session Adjourns](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Georgia-Capitol-Hi-Res-1000x563.jpg)
Georgia State Capitol Building
The Georgia General Assembly adjourned the special session on November 22. The special session was dedicated to the redrawing of state and federal districts, which passed mainly on party lines. The newly approved maps were sent to Gov. Brian Kemp […]
The Georgia General Assembly adjourned the special session on November 22.
The special session was dedicated to the redrawing of state and federal districts, which passed mainly on party lines.
The newly approved maps were sent to Gov. Brian Kemp for his signature.
December 2, 2021 •
Arkansas Governor Calls Special Legislative Session on Tax Cut Plan
![Arkansas Governor Calls Special Legislative Session on Tax Cut Plan](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/1280px-Arkansas_State_Capitol_2-1000x546.jpg)
Arkansas State Capitol
Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson will call the Legislature back into a special session beginning December 7 to take up a tax cut plan. The primary focus of the special session will be on the tax cut package that calls for […]
Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson will call the Legislature back into a special session beginning December 7 to take up a tax cut plan.
The primary focus of the special session will be on the tax cut package that calls for reducing the state’s top income tax rate from 5.9% to 4.9%.
The package, which also includes corporate tax cuts and a low-income tax credit, would cost the state $135 million in the current fiscal year and grow to nearly $498 million when fully implemented in 2026.
While the session’s agenda will include several other items, Hutchinson said he does not plan to include a proposal to enact neighboring Texas’ unique law banning abortions six weeks into pregnancy.
Lawmakers, however, could vote to extend the session to take up abortion or any other items with a two-thirds vote of both chambers after the items on the agenda are considered.
December 1, 2021 •
Oregon to Convene Special Session
![Oregon to Convene Special Session](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Oregon-Capitol-Building-1000x563.jpg)
Oregon State Capitol Building
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown announced she will be calling the Legislature into a special session on December 13 to address eviction protections for renters. The state’s federal funds for rental assistance will be nearly spent by December 1, right before […]
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown announced she will be calling the Legislature into a special session on December 13 to address eviction protections for renters.
The state’s federal funds for rental assistance will be nearly spent by December 1, right before the country enters the winter season.
Brown wishes to extend eviction protections for renters, ensure landlords are paid for rent owed, raise $90 million additional funds for immediate rental assistance, and raise $100 million to create a long-term emergency rental assistance service controlled by the state.
November 29, 2021 •
Indiana Cancels Special Legislative Session
![Indiana Cancels Special Legislative Session](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Indiana_State_Capitol_Market_St-1000x563.jpg)
Indiana State Capitol - By Daniel Schwen / CC BY-SA
Indiana lawmakers canceled the one-day special session scheduled for November 29, and Gov. Eric Holcomb has extended the COVID-19 emergency. The session’s agenda, ending the public health emergency, has been delayed to the January legislative session. The Indiana Supreme Court […]
Indiana lawmakers canceled the one-day special session scheduled for November 29, and Gov. Eric Holcomb has extended the COVID-19 emergency.
The session’s agenda, ending the public health emergency, has been delayed to the January legislative session.
The Indiana Supreme Court decided to hear Gov. Holcomb’s challenge to House Enrolled Act 1123, permitting the Legislature to call itself into special session.
Oral arguments are scheduled in April after the Legislature ends its session on March 14, 2022.
If the General Assembly called itself into a special session, any laws passed could be subject to a constitutional challenge.
November 23, 2021 •
Vermont Legislature Adjourns Special Session
![Vermont Legislature Adjourns Special Session](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Vermont-Capitol-Dusk-1000x563.jpg)
Vermont Capitol Building
The Legislature met in a one-day special session on November 22 to approve a bill allowing municipalities to impose their own mask mandates. Legislative leadership agreed to the special session after Gov. Scott made it clear he would not impose […]
The Legislature met in a one-day special session on November 22 to approve a bill allowing municipalities to impose their own mask mandates.
Legislative leadership agreed to the special session after Gov. Scott made it clear he would not impose statewide masking requirements.
This session marked the Legislature’s first return to the Statehouse since the pandemic began.
November 23, 2021 •
Indiana Special Session Announced
![Indiana Special Session Announced](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Indiana_State_Capitol_Market_St-1000x563.jpg)
Indiana State Capitol - By Daniel Schwen / CC BY-SA
Indiana lawmakers have called for a one-day special session on November 29 to consider legislation to end the current COVID-19 public health emergency order in place since March 2020. Gov. Holcomb has stated he will allow the public health emergency […]
Indiana lawmakers have called for a one-day special session on November 29 to consider legislation to end the current COVID-19 public health emergency order in place since March 2020.
Gov. Holcomb has stated he will allow the public health emergency to expire if lawmakers approved steps that would allow the continuation of enhanced federal funding for Medicaid expenses and food assistance programs, and also maintain the childhood vaccination authorization.
November 19, 2021 •
Illinois Passes Law Prohibiting Dark Money Contributions to Judicial Candidates
![Illinois Passes Law Prohibiting Dark Money Contributions to Judicial Candidates](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/illinois-springfield-capitol-and-sky-1000x563.jpg)
Illinois State Capitol Building
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed legislation prohibiting dark money contributions to judicial candidates. Effective immediately, Senate Bill 536 prohibits a political committee established to support a state judicial candidate from accepting contributions from any out-of-state person and from any entity […]
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed legislation prohibiting dark money contributions to judicial candidates.
Effective immediately, Senate Bill 536 prohibits a political committee established to support a state judicial candidate from accepting contributions from any out-of-state person and from any entity that does not disclose the identity of all donors to the entity.
The bill also prohibits any entity that does not disclose the identity of all donors from financing a distribution or broadcast of campaign materials prepared by the candidate, his or her campaign committee, or designated agents.
The bill also increases the threshold for which contributions to a conduit must be itemized from $500 to $1,000.
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