April 20, 2020 •
Iowa Filing Deadlines Remain Unchanged
![Iowa Filing Deadlines Remain Unchanged](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Iowa-Capitol-2-1000x563.jpg)
Iowa Capitol Building - Ashton B Crew
The Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board issued a reminder for campaign disclosure report due dates. Reports for the period of January 1 through May 14 are due no later than 4:30 pm on May 19. Although the board is […]
The Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board issued a reminder for campaign disclosure report due dates.
Reports for the period of January 1 through May 14 are due no later than 4:30 pm on May 19.
Although the board is working remotely during the disaster proclamation, because reports are filed electronically, filing deadlines have not changed.
April 17, 2020 •
Rhode Island General Assembly Extends Postponement
![Rhode Island General Assembly Extends Postponement](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Rhode-Island-State-House-800x563.jpg)
Rhode Island State House
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the General Assembly is extending the postponement of the legislative session. All House and Senate sessions and committee hearings for the week of April 20 to April 24 have been canceled. The General Assembly […]
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the General Assembly is extending the postponement of the legislative session.
All House and Senate sessions and committee hearings for the week of April 20 to April 24 have been canceled.
The General Assembly is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, April 28.
These changes do not affect lobbyist reporting.
April 17, 2020 •
Kentucky Legislature Adjourns Sine Die
![Kentucky Legislature Adjourns Sine Die](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Andy-Beshear-1000x563.jpg)
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear
The 154th regular session of the General Assembly adjourned sine die on April 16. The Republican supermajority in both the House and Senate voted to override Gov. Andy Beshear’s veto of Senate Bill 2. Senate bill 2 requires voters to […]
The 154th regular session of the General Assembly adjourned sine die on April 16.
The Republican supermajority in both the House and Senate voted to override Gov. Andy Beshear’s veto of Senate Bill 2.
Senate bill 2 requires voters to present government-issued photo identification in order to cast a ballot beginning with the November general election.
Additionally, a passed bill proposing a constitutional amendment will appear on the November ballot.
The amendment will increase the term of office for district judges from four years to eight years beginning in 2022.
April 16, 2020 •
Georgia Special Election June 9 to Fill Hill’s Senate Seat
![Georgia Special Election June 9 to Fill Hill’s Senate Seat](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Jack-Hill-1-1000x563.jpg)
Sen. Jack Hill
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced the date for a special election for Senate District 4. The passing of Senator Jack Hill on April 6 created the vacancy. The election will be held on June 9 with a runoff election […]
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced the date for a special election for Senate District 4.
The passing of Senator Jack Hill on April 6 created the vacancy.
The election will be held on June 9 with a runoff election on August 11, if needed.
April 16, 2020 •
Utah Convenes Online for Emergency Special Session
![Utah Convenes Online for Emergency Special Session](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Utah-Capitol-Building-1-1000x563.jpg)
Utah Capitol Building - Jkinsocal
Due to COVID-19, Utah lawmakers are meeting online for the first time on April 16 for an emergency special session. Only Senate President Stuart Adams and House Speaker Brad Wilson are expected to be in the legislative chambers in the […]
Due to COVID-19, Utah lawmakers are meeting online for the first time on April 16 for an emergency special session.
Only Senate President Stuart Adams and House Speaker Brad Wilson are expected to be in the legislative chambers in the closed state Capitol.
Work on more than 20 items on the agenda will be tackled in one chamber at a time, beginning in the House.
Bills will not receive committee hearings, which are optional in a special session.
The session will continue for a period of up to 10 days.
This does not affect lobbyist reporting.
April 16, 2020 •
Louisiana Further Postpones Primary Election until July 11
![Louisiana Further Postpones Primary Election until July 11](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/John-Bel-Edwards-crops-980x563.jpg)
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards
Gov. John Bel Edwards delayed Louisiana’s presidential primary a second time due to COVID-19. The primary was originally scheduled for April 4. Edwards initially postponed the election until June 20 at the request of Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin. Now […]
Gov. John Bel Edwards delayed Louisiana’s presidential primary a second time due to COVID-19.
The primary was originally scheduled for April 4. Edwards initially postponed the election until June 20 at the request of Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin.
Now the primary election has been pushed back an extra three weeks to July 11, making it one of the last states on the current primary calendar.
Ardoin also asked lawmakers to approve emergency procedures for the election. He sought to expand early voting from seven to 13 days.
Additionally, he wants to widen the availability of mail-in absentee ballots to people impacted by the virus.
With a 5-1 vote, the Senate and Governmental Affairs rejected an emergency certification that Ardoin needed to move ahead with the changes to polling places, early voting timelines, and absentee-by-mail voting eligibility.
The vote’s impact on the election is uncertain.
April 15, 2020 •
Campaign Finance Commission Upholds Ban of Contributions During Suspended Session
![Campaign Finance Commission Upholds Ban of Contributions During Suspended Session](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Georgia-Capitol-Hi-Res-1000x563.jpg)
Georgia State Capitol Building
The Georgia Campaign Finance Commission issued formal opinions to reiterate the General Assembly is still legally in session. Lawmakers have not officially adjourned sine die, nor has the governor issued an executive order adjourning both houses. Members of the General […]
The Georgia Campaign Finance Commission issued formal opinions to reiterate the General Assembly is still legally in session.
Lawmakers have not officially adjourned sine die, nor has the governor issued an executive order adjourning both houses.
Members of the General Assembly and other statewide elected public officers remain subject to the session ban on campaign contributions.
However, they are permitted to issue reimbursements to themselves and campaign staff for expenses incurred during the suspended session.
April 15, 2020 •
Maine Governor Postpones Primary Until July
![Maine Governor Postpones Primary Until July](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Maine-Capitol-2-1000x563.jpg)
Maine Capitol Building
To mitigate the spread of COVID-19 due to in-person voting, Gov. Janet Mills issued Executive Order 39. Executive Order 39 postpones the primary from June 9 to Tuesday, July 14. The order also allows applications for absentee ballots to be […]
To mitigate the spread of COVID-19 due to in-person voting, Gov. Janet Mills issued Executive Order 39.
Executive Order 39 postpones the primary from June 9 to Tuesday, July 14.
The order also allows applications for absentee ballots to be made in writing or in person up to and including the day of the election without specifying a reason.
The new application process permits voters to obtain and return the absentee ballot before the polls close on July 14.
April 14, 2020 •
Emergency Order Extends Austin Lobbyist Quarterly Reporting Deadline
![Emergency Order Extends Austin Lobbyist Quarterly Reporting Deadline](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/The_modernist_Austin_City_Hall_and_Public_Plaza_in_Austin_Texas_LCCN2014632502.tif.jpg)
Austin City Hall - by Carol M. Highsmith
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayor Steve Adler signed an additional emergency order on April 13. The new order suspends all deadlines imposed by city code, ordinance, rule, or other regulation until May 30. Under Section 7 of the […]
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayor Steve Adler signed an additional emergency order on April 13.
The new order suspends all deadlines imposed by city code, ordinance, rule, or other regulation until May 30.
Under Section 7 of the order, the deadline for all lobbyist quarterly activity reports has been extended from May 1 to May 30.
No late fees will be accrued for failure to file prior to May 30.
April 14, 2020 •
St. Louis Mayor Requests Postponement of Special Election
![St. Louis Mayor Requests Postponement of Special Election](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Gateway-Arch-1-1000x563.jpg)
The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson has requested the Board of Elections postpone the special elections currently scheduled for May 19. The elections are to fill two vacancies on the Board of Aldermen. The death of Ward 4 Alderman Sam Moore […]
St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson has requested the Board of Elections postpone the special elections currently scheduled for May 19.
The elections are to fill two vacancies on the Board of Aldermen.
The death of Ward 4 Alderman Sam Moore on February 25, and the resignation of Ward 12 Alderman Larry Arnowitz on March 3 caused, the two vacancies.
April 14, 2020 •
Mississippi Sets House District 87 Special Election for November
![Mississippi Sets House District 87 Special Election for November](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Mississippi_State_Capitol_Jackson_Mississippi_3931963863-1000x563.jpg)
Mississippi State Capitol - by Ken Lund
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves has announced the special election to fill House District 87 will be held on November 3. A runoff election is set for November 24 if needed. The seat was vacated when Billy Andrews resigned in March. […]
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves has announced the special election to fill House District 87 will be held on November 3.
A runoff election is set for November 24 if needed.
The seat was vacated when Billy Andrews resigned in March.
The resignation, like Ramona Blackledge’s resignation in January, was due to House leadership ruling members could not collect state government pension while receiving legislative pay.
April 14, 2020 •
Three In-Person Voting Centers for April 28 Special Election
![Three In-Person Voting Centers for April 28 Special Election](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Maryland-Capitol-Building-800x563.jpg)
Maryland Capitol Building - Jimmy Emerson
The Maryland Board of Elections has announced there will be three in-person voting centers for the 7th Congressional District special general election on April 28. The centers are for voters who are unable to cast their ballots by mail. One […]
The Maryland Board of Elections has announced there will be three in-person voting centers for the 7th Congressional District special general election on April 28.
The centers are for voters who are unable to cast their ballots by mail.
One voting center will be located in each local jurisdiction: Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Howard County.
The board is recommending all 7th district voters who can vote by mail do so.
Voting by mail is the safest way to vote.
However, concerns over safeguarding the voting rights of those unable to vote by mail led to the decision to open the three in-person voting centers.
The local elections boards will select the location of the in-person voting centers.
Locations will be announced no later than April 20.
April 13, 2020 •
Missouri Ethics Commission Appointment Confirmed
![Missouri Ethics Commission Appointment Confirmed](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Missouri-Capitol-Building-976x563.jpg)
Missouri Capitol Building
The Senate confirmed the appointment of Robert C. Cook of Ashland to the Missouri Ethics Commission. Confirmation happened on April 8, ending three weeks of limbo. The commission had been unable to meet or take any action after the terms […]
The Senate confirmed the appointment of Robert C. Cook of Ashland to the Missouri Ethics Commission.
Confirmation happened on April 8, ending three weeks of limbo.
The commission had been unable to meet or take any action after the terms of three of its six members expired on March 15 because commissioners cannot serve once their terms expire.
April 13, 2020 •
Kentucky General Assembly to Reconvene on April 14
![Kentucky General Assembly to Reconvene on April 14](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/The_south_facade_of_the_Kentucky_State_Capitol_building_located_in_Frankfort_Kentucky._Photographed_by_Tedd_Liggett_on_September_15_2018-1000x563.jpg)
The Kentucky State Capitol building
The Kentucky General Assembly’s 2020 session will reconvene on April 14, one day earlier than previously announced. Lawmakers will consider overriding vetoes cast by Gov. Andy Beshear. The governor’s time to veto recently passed bills expires on April 13. Lawmakers […]
The Kentucky General Assembly’s 2020 session will reconvene on April 14, one day earlier than previously announced.
Lawmakers will consider overriding vetoes cast by Gov. Andy Beshear.
The governor’s time to veto recently passed bills expires on April 13.
Lawmakers also have the option to convene on April 15, the latest possible day they can meet in regular session this year under state constitution guidelines.
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