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 17, 2026 •
News You Can Use Digest – July 17, 2026
Trump Fires Members of Bipartisan Elections Commission MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 7/10/2026 President Trump dismantled a long-standing bipartisan elections board, four months before a midterm contest that will determine which party controls Congress. Trump dismissed members […]
Trump Fires Members of Bipartisan Elections Commission
MSN – Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 7/10/2026
President Trump dismantled a long-standing bipartisan elections board, four months before a midterm contest that will determine which party controls Congress. Trump dismissed members of the Elections Assistance Commission less than two weeks after the Supreme Court gave the president broad leeway to reshape boards that were designed to be independent. Congress created the panel to strengthen and secure elections in response to the challenges of the 2000 contest.
Trump’s Attorneys, Justice Dept. Leaders Misused Courts in IRS Case, Judge Says
MSN – Jeremy Roebuck and Mark Berman (Washington Post) | Published: 7/13/2026
A federal judge denounced President Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS as an improper attempt to “manipulate” the court process and legitimize a controversial deal that afforded him significant tax protections and sought to establish a nearly $1.8 billion fund for alleged victims of politicized prosecutions. U.S. District Court Judge Kathleen Williams suggested that Trump’s attorneys and top Justice Department officials who signed off on that agreement could face professional sanctions. She barred them from citing any provision of their private resolution in future official proceedings.
MSN – Corey Johnson (ProPublica) | Published: 7/15/2026
Despite regulating broadcast media, Federal Communications Commission members have accepted expensive tickets to the Kennedy Center honors gala from CBS or its parent company, now Paramount. Ethics experts say that by accepting the gifts, the commissioners are compromising the agency’s impartiality and should avoid acting on Paramount’s pending merger.
From the States and Municipalities
Alaska – Dunleavy Vetoes Campaign Contribution Limits, Allowing Alaska Ballot Initiative to Proceed
Yahoo News – Iris Samuels (Anchorage Daily News) | Published: 7/10/2026
Gov. Mike Dunleavy vetoed a bill that would have enacted new campaign contribution limits in Alaska ahead of the November election. Lawmakers had narrowly passed the bill in the final hours of the legislative session that ended in May, looking to preempt a ballot measure that seeks to reinstate limits on contributions to candidates, after previous limits were invalidated by a federal court in 2021. The veto now assures that voters will be asked in August whether they would like to reinstate limits on campaign contributions.
Arizona – Corp Comm Incumbents Accept ‘Prohibited Donations’ Despite Claims to the Contrary
Arizona Capitol Times – Reagan Priest | Published: 7/15/2026
Two Arizona Corporation Commissioners seeking reelection have said they are not influenced by the utility companies they regulate. But campaign finance reports show they have each accepted small-dollar donations from individuals with vested interests in their decisions, potentially violating the commission’s own code of ethics. Commissioners Nick Myers and Kevin Thompson have outpaced their opponents in taking contributions from utility executives, lobbyists, energy industry executives, real estate developers, and attorneys who appear before the commission, the reports show.
Hawaii – New State Laws Enacted to Deter Corruption in Hawaii Government
Yahoo News – Andrew Gomes (Honolulu Star-Advertiser) | Published: 7/11/2026
Hawaii Gov. Josh Green signed three bills related to improving trust in and honest behavior from local government officials. In a signing ceremony, the governor highlighted one measure that extends the statute of limitations under state law for bribery prosecutions against public officials. Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole, who authored the bill, said it was needed due to a cloud hanging over state government after Attorney General Anne Lopez announced an investigation into allegations involving an unnamed “influential” state legislator who allegedly accepted $35,000 in a paper bag.
Maine – How the Supreme Court Campaign Finance Ruling Is Altering Maine’s Ongoing Legal Battle
Yahoo News – Emma Davis (Maine Morning Star) | Published: 7/10/2026
The PAC that sued Maine over its 2024 law limiting contributions to super PACs are arguing the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent campaign finance ruling affirms their case. But the other side argues the ruling, which effectively eliminated limits on coordinated party expenditures, is not relevant to the Maine case.
Montana – Lawyers Give Opening Statements in Ellsworth Trial
Yahoo News – Jordan Hansen (Daily Montanan) | Published: 7/15/2026
Attorneys presented opening arguments in the trial of former Montana Sen. Jason Ellsworth, who is accused of abusing his power while in office to give an approximately $170,000 no-bid contract to a friend. Ellsworth was stripped of nearly all privileges as a political official last year, though the Senate stopped short of expelling him. He is charged with official misconduct and could face up to a $500 fine and six months in prison.
North Carolina – Free Charlotte Speedway Passes for NC Leaders Went Undisclosed. That’s Going to Change
Yahoo News – Dan Kane (Raleigh News & Observer) | Published: 7/15/2026
The Charlotte Motor Speedway has had little difficulty winning favorable legislation from North Carolina lawmakers over the years without the need of a lobbyist. The speedway has not had a registered lobbyist since 2016. But it has continued to give state lawmakers and other officials special access passes worth several hundred dollars to each of its two marquee races without reporting those expenses to the secretary of state, which regulates lobbying. The passes continued after 2019, but the reporting stopped – until now.
Oregon – Director of Oregon Ethics Commission to Face External Inquiry into Alleged Ethics Violations
Yahoo News – Shaanth Nanguneri (Oregon Capital Chronicle) | Published: 7/10/2020
The Oregon Government Ethics Commission agreed to ask another state agency to probe allegations of ethics violations against its executive director, as commissioners debate the best way to combat what they describe as a rise in politically motivated complaints. The commission has declined to release details surrounding its allegations, and it faces a 60-day timeline to complete the review and present findings to commissioners to determine if there is cause for a deeper investigation.
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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July 16, 2026 •
Alberta Seeks Public Input on Province’s Lobbying Law
The public has until August 17 to submit comments regarding the province’s lobbying laws. The Lobbyists Act, which is required to be evaluated by the Legislative Assembly of Alberta every five years, is undergoing a comprehensive review by the Standing […]
The public has until August 17 to submit comments regarding the province’s lobbying laws. The Lobbyists Act, which is required to be evaluated by the Legislative Assembly of Alberta every five years, is undergoing a comprehensive review by the Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future. The committee has invited written submissions from identified stakeholders, and the public, relating specifically to the Lobbyists Act. Submissions may be emailed to AEFCommittee.Admin@assembly.ab.ca or through the committee’s webform available at https://www.assembly.ab.ca/assembly-business/committees/EF. Written submissions, along with the names of those who submit them, may be made public as part of the review process. While the Lobbyist Act is mandated to be reviewed, the government is under no obligation to amend or change the Act.
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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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On July 14, the city of Calgary’s Executive Committee unanimously passed a proposal for the consideration of a lobbyist registry. The committee’s “notice of motion” request to the city council, if accepted, would direct the chief administrative officer and the […]
On July 14, the city of Calgary’s Executive Committee unanimously passed a proposal for the consideration of a lobbyist registry. The committee’s “notice of motion” request to the city council, if accepted, would direct the chief administrative officer and the council’s ethics advisor to conduct a jurisdictional review and report back its results to the Executive Committee by the end of 2026. The report must explore several options for city council’s consideration, including best practices from comparable Canadian municipalities; public disclosure and accessibility requirements; and whether the registry should apply to the city’s senior administration. The notice is scheduled to be submitted on July 28 at a regular meeting of the council.
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July 15, 2026 •
Pay-to-Play Rule (G-37) on Agenda for Next MSRB Meeting
On July 22, The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) will be considering changes to its pay-to-play rule. As part of a regulatory modernization initiative, the MSRB will review Rule G-37, which imposes pay-to-play rules upon brokers, dealers, municipal securities dealers, […]
On July 22, The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) will be considering changes to its pay-to-play rule. As part of a regulatory modernization initiative, the MSRB will review Rule G-37, which imposes pay-to-play rules upon brokers, dealers, municipal securities dealers, or municipal advisors making contributions to officials of state and local government entities. Rule G-37 does this by prohibiting dealers from engaging in municipal securities business and municipal advisors from engaging in municipal advisory business with municipal entities if certain contributions have been made to officials of such municipal entities within the preceding two-year period. It also requires dealers and municipal advisors to disclose certain political contributions and other information. At the meeting, the board will be electing its chair and vice-chair, approving its proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, and discussing other rules in addition to the pay-to-play rules, including rules dealing with dealers’ supervisions of personnel and stakeholder engagements on open contractual commitments.
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.
July 15, 2026 •
SEC’s Agenda Includes Adding Amendments to Pay-to-Play Rules
The Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) release of its semi-annual regulatory agenda for 2026 includes potential reform of its pay-to-play regulations. The Division of Investment Management is considering recommending the SEC propose amendments to rule 17 C.F.R. §275.206(4)-5 under the […]
The Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) release of its semi-annual regulatory agenda for 2026 includes potential reform of its pay-to-play regulations. The Division of Investment Management is considering recommending the SEC propose amendments to rule 17 C.F.R. §275.206(4)-5 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, which prohibits certain investment adviser pay-to-play practices, to address identified compliance burdens. The targeted regulation imposes pay-to-play rules upon investment advisers and their covered associates who make contributions to officials of state and local government entities. The rules mandate investment advisers cannot provide investment advisory services for compensation to a government entity within two years after a contribution to an official of the government entity is made by the investment adviser or any covered associate of the investment adviser. Specific recommendations for amendments to the regulation are not included in the SEC’s agenda.
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.
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 •
U.S. Virgin Islands Legislature to Hold Special Session
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. called for a special session on July 21. Senators will consider a revised horse racing agreement between the U.S. Virgin Islands and Southland Gaming Virgin Islands LLC. Stakeholders in government and the horse racing industry produced […]
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. called for a special session on July 21. Senators will consider a revised horse racing agreement between the U.S. Virgin Islands and Southland Gaming Virgin Islands LLC. Stakeholders in government and the horse racing industry produced the revised agreement during several meetings held to shape the future of the sport in the territory.
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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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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.
