March 19, 2020 •
Maryland General Assembly Adjourns
![Maryland General Assembly Adjourns](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Maryland-Capitol-Building-800x563.jpg)
Maryland Capitol Building - Jimmy Emerson
After shortening the session, the General Assembly managed to pass over 650 bills in three days before adjourning sine die on Wednesday March 18. Among the passed legislation is House Bill 315, which increases penalties for bribery and extends revolving […]
After shortening the session, the General Assembly managed to pass over 650 bills in three days before adjourning sine die on Wednesday March 18.
Among the passed legislation is House Bill 315, which increases penalties for bribery and extends revolving door restrictions.
House Bill 315 and other passed bills will now go to Gov. Larry Hogan who can sign, veto, or let them become law without his signature.
This does not affect lobbyist reporting.
March 19, 2020 •
Iowa Legislature Adjourned Until April 15
![Iowa Legislature Adjourned Until April 15](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Iowa-Capitol-2-1000x563.jpg)
Iowa Capitol Building - Ashton B Crew
The Legislature passed a concurrent resolution to provide for an extended adjournment of the 2020 regular session of the 88th General Assembly. The extended adjournment is due to public health concerns over COVID-19. Senate Concurrent Resolution 102 provides upon the […]
The Legislature passed a concurrent resolution to provide for an extended adjournment of the 2020 regular session of the 88th General Assembly.
The extended adjournment is due to public health concerns over COVID-19.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 102 provides upon the adjournment of the House of Representatives and the Senate on March 16, both houses will remain adjourned until 10:00 a.m. on April 15.
The Legislative Council may shorten or further extend the adjournment if deemed necessary.
This does not affect lobbyist reporting dates .
March 18, 2020 •
Chicago Board of Ethics Responds to COVID-19
![Chicago Board of Ethics Responds to COVID-19](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Chicago-City-Hall-1000x563.jpg)
Chicago City Hall - Ken Lund
The Board of Ethics is delaying implementation of Ethics Ordinance 2019-5305, previously set for April 20 to July 1. The ordinance imposes new registration and reporting requirements on certain nonprofit interactions with the city. Steven Berlin, Executive Director for the […]
The Board of Ethics is delaying implementation of Ethics Ordinance 2019-5305, previously set for April 20 to July 1.
The ordinance imposes new registration and reporting requirements on certain nonprofit interactions with the city.
Steven Berlin, Executive Director for the Chicago Board of Ethics, explained as the city and groups around Chicago work to respond to COVID-19, delaying enforcement until the third quarter is appropriate.
Advisory Opinion Case No. 202012.Q was issued to provide guidance regarding gifts and services to aid the city in its official response to COVID-19.
The Board of Ethics also canceled the two remaining prescheduled March in-person ethics training seminars for March 17 and March 26.
Berlin indicated the training will be posted online as soon as possible and the completion deadline will be extended accordingly.
The quarterly activity reporting deadlines of April 20 and July 20 remain in effect.
March 18, 2020 •
Alabama Postpones Runoff Elections
![Alabama Postpones Runoff Elections](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Alabama_State_Capitol-1000x563.jpg)
Alabama State Capitol Building
Alabama officials held a press conference announcing the March 31 runoff election will be postponed until July 14. The press conference was held by Gov. Kay Ivey, Secretary of State John H. Merrill, and Attorney General Steve Marshall. Merrill believes […]
Alabama officials held a press conference announcing the March 31 runoff election will be postponed until July 14.
The press conference was held by Gov. Kay Ivey, Secretary of State John H. Merrill, and Attorney General Steve Marshall.
Merrill believes this new date will allow for the electoral process to continue in a normal manner.
He also says the delay will allow all local election officials the time to assess and evaluate the changes needed to ensure the runoff election is administered according to plan.
March 18, 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, Austin Mayor Steve Adler signed an emergency order on March 17. The order suspends all deadlines imposed by city code, ordinance, rule, or other regulation until May 1. Under Section 7 of the order, […]
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Austin Mayor Steve Adler signed an emergency order on March 17.
The order suspends all deadlines imposed by city code, ordinance, rule, or other regulation until May 1.
Under Section 7 of the order, the deadline for all lobbyist quarterly activity reports has been extended to May 1.
No late fees will be accrued for failure to file prior to May 1.
March 18, 2020 •
Maine Legislature Adjourns Sine Die
![Maine Legislature Adjourns Sine Die](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Maine-Capitol-2-1000x563.jpg)
Maine Capitol Building
The Maine Legislature adjourned sine die on March 17 due to concerns with COVID-19. Before adjournment, lawmakers were able to pass a supplemental budget with provisions in response to the coronavirus. During the shortened legislative session, lawmakers also passed Legislative […]
The Maine Legislature adjourned sine die on March 17 due to concerns with COVID-19.
Before adjournment, lawmakers were able to pass a supplemental budget with provisions in response to the coronavirus.
During the shortened legislative session, lawmakers also passed Legislative Document 1867.
Legislative Document 1867 amends lobbyist reporting requirements and an expands sexual harassment training.
A registered lobbyist is required to file monthly reports beginning the month they register through the lobbying year.
However, after the legislative session is concluded, if the lobbyist anticipates no further lobbying for a client, the lobbyist may file a request for a non-session waiver with their final monthly report for the session.
March 18, 2020 •
Hawaii Ethics Commission Postpones March 19 Administrative Rule Hearing
![Hawaii Ethics Commission Postpones March 19 Administrative Rule Hearing](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Honolulu-Skyline-1000x563.jpg)
Honolulu Skyline - Chris Dickey
Due to COVID-19 concerns, the Hawaii State Ethics Commission has postponed its public hearing on proposed administrative rules concerning amendments to state lobbying and gift laws scheduled for March 19. While a new date has not been established, the ethics […]
Due to COVID-19 concerns, the Hawaii State Ethics Commission has postponed its public hearing on proposed administrative rules concerning amendments to state lobbying and gift laws scheduled for March 19.
While a new date has not been established, the ethics commission indicated the public hearing will likely take place in early May.
The proposals include:
-
- Clarifications as to what activities constitute lobbying
- Exclusions from lobbyist registration requirements
- Requirements that expenditures be reported on an accrual rather than cash basis
Additionally, the proposals amend prohibitions on certain kinds of gifts, valuation of gifts, and gift disclosure statements.
March 18, 2020 •
Alaska Governor Declares Public Health State of Emergency
![Alaska Governor Declares Public Health State of Emergency](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Mike-Dunleavy-crop-815x563.jpg)
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy
Gov. Mike Dunleavy declared a public health disaster emergency in the state. People are encouraged to practice social distancing and avoid large crowds if possible, especially if they are elderly or have underlying health conditions. Access to the Capitol is […]
Gov. Mike Dunleavy declared a public health disaster emergency in the state.
People are encouraged to practice social distancing and avoid large crowds if possible, especially if they are elderly or have underlying health conditions.
Access to the Capitol is limited to lawmakers, employees of the Legislature, members of the governor’s administration, and credentialed journalists.
Lawmakers voted to approve $4.1 million of funding to respond to the coronavirus.
The regular session will adjourn if five or more legislators contract the virus.
March 18, 2020 •
Alaska Public Offices Commission Limited Office Closure
![Alaska Public Offices Commission Limited Office Closure](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Alaska_State_Capitol_Building-1000x563.jpg)
Alaska State Capitol Buildling - Jay Galvin
The offices of the Alaska Public Offices Commission (APOC) will be closed to walk-in traffic until further notice. This comes in recognition of state and federal calls for social distancing and to protect the public and its employees. APOC offices […]
The offices of the Alaska Public Offices Commission (APOC) will be closed to walk-in traffic until further notice.
This comes in recognition of state and federal calls for social distancing and to protect the public and its employees.
APOC offices will remain staffed and continue to serve the public and respond through alternative forms of contact including mail, email, fax, and telephone, during its normal business hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.
This does not affect lobbyist reporting.
March 18, 2020 •
FPPC Offers Guidance on Form 700 Deadline in Wake of COVID-19
![FPPC Offers Guidance on Form 700 Deadline in Wake of COVID-19](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Sacramento-Skyline-1000x563.jpg)
Sacramento, CA Skyline - Basil D Soufi
The California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) encourages filers who have access to an electronic Form 700 filing system to take advantage of its use. This comes in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic and the upcoming Form 700 Statement […]
The California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) encourages filers who have access to an electronic Form 700 filing system to take advantage of its use.
This comes in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic and the upcoming Form 700 Statement of Economic Interests filing deadline on April 1, 2020.
If electronic filing is not available, filers are strongly encouraged to submit forms by mail rather than in person.
Statements postmarked on or before the filing deadline are considered timely filed.
The FPPC’s advice telephone line is closed until further notice.
However, they continue to timely respond to requests for advice via email.
March 18, 2020 •
California Legislature Suspends Session in Response to COVID-19
![California Legislature Suspends Session in Response to COVID-19](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/California-Capitol-Building-1000x563.jpg)
California State Capitol Building - Jeff Turner
The California Legislature voted to suspend its 2020 session for nearly a month in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Lawmakers Monday night voted unanimously to recess from March 20 until April 13, though the date is subject to change. The […]
The California Legislature voted to suspend its 2020 session for nearly a month in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Lawmakers Monday night voted unanimously to recess from March 20 until April 13, though the date is subject to change.
The Legislature passed a relief package that sends $1.1 billion in support to hospitals, facilities, local governments and schools to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.
This does not affect lobbyist reporting.
March 18, 2020 •
New Jersey Legislature Cancels All Meetings after March 19
![New Jersey Legislature Cancels All Meetings after March 19](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/New-Jersey-Capitol-Building-1000x563.jpg)
New Jersey Capitol Building
On March 19, the Senate will convene a voting session regarding emergency bills to address COVID-19. All other Senate and Assembly committee meetings and sessions that scheduled for the month of March have been cancelled. These actions do not affect […]
On March 19, the Senate will convene a voting session regarding emergency bills to address COVID-19.
All other Senate and Assembly committee meetings and sessions that scheduled for the month of March have been cancelled.
These actions do not affect lobbyist reporting.
March 18, 2020 •
Wyoming Legislature Wraps Up Legislative Session
![Wyoming Legislature Wraps Up Legislative Session](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/1152px-Wyoming_State_Capitol-1000x563.jpg)
Wyoming Capitol - By Bradlyons
The 2020 budget session of the Wyoming Legislature adjourned sine die on March 13 after 24 days in session. The session lasted an extra four days this year because of a decision made by lawmakers last year. During the session, […]
The 2020 budget session of the Wyoming Legislature adjourned sine die on March 13 after 24 days in session.
The session lasted an extra four days this year because of a decision made by lawmakers last year.
During the session, legislators passed a bill expanding limitations on campaign contributions.
Senate File 20 expands limitations on campaign contributions from organizations to include a candidate’s campaign committee or any political party or political action committee that directly coordinates with a candidate or a candidate’s campaign committee.
The bill becomes effective July 1, 2020, and does not affect lobbyist reporting.
March 18, 2020 •
Mississippi Legislature Halts Session Over COVID-19 Concerns
![Mississippi Legislature Halts Session Over COVID-19 Concerns](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Mississippi_State_Capitol_Jackson_Mississippi_3931963863-1000x563.jpg)
Mississippi State Capitol - by Ken Lund
The Legislature has announced the legislative session will be suspended. The Senate met March 18 to pass House Bill 1647. House Bill 1647 provides administrative leave to local government and school district employees in response to the effects of COVID-19. […]
The Legislature has announced the legislative session will be suspended.
The Senate met March 18 to pass House Bill 1647.
House Bill 1647 provides administrative leave to local government and school district employees in response to the effects of COVID-19.
The Senate also agreed to House Concurrent Resolution 65, suspending the session until April 1.
The resolution also extended the legislative session until June 9 and provided for a potential further extension until July 9.
The additional extension is needed if the Legislature is unable to reconvene in time for the June 9 deadline.
This does affect lobbyist reporting.
The end of session report due 10 days after the Legislature adjourns sine die will now be due on June 19 unless an additional extension of the session occurs.
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.