National/Federal

Ex-Fla. Congressman and Rubio Ally Convicted of Secretly Lobbying for Venezuela

MSN – Jeremy Roebuck and Teo Armus (Washington Post) | Published: 5/1/2026

Former U.S. Rep. David Rivera was convicted for his role in a secret $50 million campaign to lobby officials in Washington on behalf of the Venezuelan government. A federal jury found Rivera guilty on counts including failing to register as a foreign agent and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The jury also convicted an associate of Rivera’s, Esther Nuhfer, on related charges.

From the States and Municipalities

Canada – Advocate Warns BC Lobbying Law Changes Would Increase Corruption Risk

The Tyee – Andrew MacLeod | Published: 5/5/2026

The special legislative committee that reviewed British Columbia’s lobbying rules recommended 24 changes they say are “intended to reduce administrative workload while maintaining transparency and simplifying reporting requirements to encourage democratic participation.” But Democracy Watch co-founder Duff Conacher says the committee missed an opportunity to strengthen the law and its recommendations would increase the risk of corruption.

Arizona – AZ Lawmakers Owe 6-Digit Campaign Late Fees. Could They Be Erased?

USA Today – Ray Stern (Arizona Republic) | Published: 4/29/2026

A proposed law would let elected officials in Arizona escape late fees that can run up to hundreds of thousands of dollars for failing to file timely campaign finance reports. At least three sitting lawmakers running for reelection owe six-digit late fees. More than 20 other candidates owe thousands of dollars.

Colorado – Colorado Lawmakers Reject Bill That Would Have Required Legislative Caucuses to Report Their Donors

Colorado Sun – Taylor Dolven | Published: 5/6/2026

State lawmakers rejected a bill aimed at requiring Colorado legislative caucuses to disclose their funders. Senate Bill 168 would have required all legislative caucuses to regularly file public reports detailing their fundraising and spending. The impetus for the bill grew out of a controversial retreat at a Vail hotel in October hosted by the Colorado Opportunity Caucus, which has declined to reveal who paid for the lawmakers’ getaway with lobbyists.

Connecticut – UConn Sports Ticket Perk for Lawmakers Added to CT Ethics Proposal

MSN – Paul Hughes (CT Insider) | Published: 5/2/2026

State legislators would be allowed to accept two tickets annually from the University of Connecticut to one home game for either basketball team under a proposed change to the ethics code. The House voted unanimously to redefine allowable gifts to permit public officials or state employees to accept an offer of admission from a public college or university hosting an intercollegiate sporting event for themselves and another person once per calendar year. Tickets to sporting events are considered a gift under the ethics code.

Louisiana – Louisiana Congressional Primaries Are Suspended as a Result of the Supreme Court’s Ruling

MSN – Sara Cline, Jack Brook, and David Lieb (Associated Press) | Published: 4/30/2026

Louisiana suspended its congressional primaries as early voting was about to get underway, while pressure mounted on Republican officials in other states to redraw their U.S. House maps in light of a Supreme Court ruling that significantly weakened the Voting Rights Act. All other races on the ballot will proceed as scheduled. The Supreme Court decision and Gov. Jeff Landry’s executive order triggered a flurry of follow-up legal action.

Missouri – Springfield City Council Approves Bill Limiting the Amount of Money Candidates Can Receive from Singular Donors

MSN – Conner Trett (KY3) | Published: 5/5/2026

Individuals running for mayor and city council seats in Springfield are now limited to a total of $2,825 in both monetary and in-kind contributions per election cycle. “What I think that does is it opens the doors for your everyday Springfieldian to get into local politics,” said Roman Moody, a leader with Missouri Jobs for Justice, a group that supported the bill’s passage.

New Mexico – Over Campaign Contribution Limits? Miyagishima Just Crossed Them Out

New Mexico In Depth – Azure Mitchell | Published: 4/28/2026

After it was reported in February that New Mexico gubernatorial candidate Ken Miyagishima had exceeded limits by more than $125,000 on the amount of donated goods and services his campaign could receive, Miyagishima found a creative resolution: crossing some of them out.  Those changes appear in an amended report he filed in February. But his next campaign finance report, filed April 5, does not show payments back to the companies whose contributions he crossed out. That raises the question of whether the campaign received services it later erased from its reports without paying for them.

North Carolina – NC Lawmakers Gave Autism Nonprofit $2 Million. Much Went to a Former Colleague.

MSN – Dan Kane and Kyle Ingram (Raleigh News & Observer) | Published: 5/4/2026

Former Nort Carolina Rep. Cecil Brockman won $2 million in state funding for a nonprofit that provides services for people with autism and other disabilities in 2023. Since then, nearly a fifth of that money went to his predecessor and former boss, Marcus Brandon. Now the state is investigating whether taxpayer money was used to pay for lobbying of lawmakers.

Pennsylvania – These Pennsylvanians Walked 63 Miles to Get Lawmakers to Stop Taking Gifts – and Unlimited Campaign Contributions

MSN – Gillian McGoldrick (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 5/6/2026

For the last 10 years, a good-government advocacy group has been protesting at the state Capitol to press the Pennsylvania General Assembly for regulations on the way money influences state politics and policy. During that time its members have walked a lot of miles. March on Harrisburg completed its sixth long-distance march recently, with a group of 20 Pennsylvanians walking a 63-mile route from Reading to Harrisburg, with other residents joining for parts of the trip along the way.

Gov. Kehoe announced the appointment of Clem Smith to the Missouri Ethics Commission. Smith has experience with civic and government roles in the St. Louis area, including as a state representative. The appointment fills one of three vacant seats on the six-member commission, resulting in a quorum. Prior to the appointment, the commission was prevented from investigating many complaints for the last two years.

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The Arkansas Legislature adjourned its special session on May 6. Lawmakers passed legislation cutting the individual income tax rate beginning in 2026 and the corporate tax rate beginning in 2027. This does affect lobbying reporting. A legislative lobbyist activity report will be due June 10 for the period from May 1 to May 31.

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City Council passed an ordinance limiting contributions by individuals to City Council candidates, candidate committees, PACs, or any set of related committees to $2,825 during any election cycle. Contributions were previously unlimited. Under Ordinance 2026-093, the Citizens’ Tax Oversight Committee will investigate violations of the campaign finance ordinance. The ordinance is effective June 3, and contribution limits will be adjusted per the Consumer Price Index every four years in the same manner as state contribution limits.

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I love Paris in the Springtime…that line instantly brings to mind the classic song “I Love Paris” by Cole Porter—and for good reason. There is something about spring in Paris which feels almost cinematic.

John Chames and I returned from Paris last weekend. We are part of the Renaissance Society at Kent State University. We joined the group in 2024 and had an exquisite time in Florence and the same experience this year.

In Paris, as winter fades, the city softens. Trees along the Seine start to bloom, cafés spill out onto sidewalks, and there is lightness in the air—like the whole place is waking up again.

• Gardens in bloom: Spots like the Monet Gardens burst with color.
• Perfect strolling weather: Mild temperatures make wandering along the Seine or through Montmartre feel effortless…unless you have already clocked in 9,000 steps during the day.
• Café culture at its best: Outdoor terraces fill up, and people linger a little longer over coffee or wine. I should not admit I consumed a cappuccino and a chocolate croissant every day.
• Golden light: Spring sunlight in Paris has soft, romantic glow painters have chased for centuries.

And honestly, it is not just about how it looks, it is how it feels. There is a sense of possibility in the air, like something beautiful could happen at any moment.
I admit we did not turn on the television or read much news, unless you count the times John was catching up with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Our hotel was next to the Iranian Embassy and it was quiet on our little street.

PTO #1 is done and we are refreshed to return to work and the weekly travel for various conferences.

I remind the team not to leave PTO on the table. For years I was the person not taking it but this year we are set with two more trips, and they include time with our family.

And international travel brings about beautiful songs from the area. My favorite is “La Vie en Rose,” by Edith Piaf in 1947.

Au Revoir for now.

EB

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The overtime session of the General Assembly adjourned sine die on May 3 after lawmakers worked 34 hours to wrap up and head home 12 days after their scheduled end date. The delay was due to disputes over property taxes and the state budget. Lawmakers passed House File 2601, which prohibits foreign nationals from contributing to ballot issue campaigns and requires committees to obtain certain affirmations from donors regarding foreign national status and source of contributions. Gov. Reynolds has 30 days to sign or veto the bill.

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Gov. Brian Kemp called a special election in U.S. House District 13 following the death of Rep. David Scott. The election will only fill the position for the remainder of Scott’s term, with this May’s primary and November’s general elections filling the seat for the next term. Scott was the only person to ever fill the District 13 seat, winning each election since it was created in 2002. The special election will be held on July 28.

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Gov. Kay Ivey called the Alabama Legislature back to Montgomery for a special session regarding redistricting after the Supreme Court struck down a portion of the Voting Rights Act. The special session begins today, May 4, and is expected to wrap up in five days. Alabama is in a unique situation with redistricting because the state was enjoined from any redistricting efforts by the courts until 2030. Republican legislators are hoping the courts will reconsider after they’ve created the new map. Additionally, the timing of the special session may cause trouble with Alabama’s primary elections, currently scheduled for May 19.

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Gov. Bill Lee has called for a special session starting May 5 after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a portion of the Voting Rights Act. The special session is to attempt a redraw of the state’s congressional map to ensure it is fair and balanced. The special session has no specific end date, but legislators will need to accomplish the redraw quickly as the state’s primary election will be held in August.

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Corporate Campaign Contribution Rules: What You Need to Know by State

Corporations looking to make campaign contributions from corporate funds must navigate a layered compliance process. The rules vary significantly by state, covering whether contributions are permitted at all, whether registration is required, and what reporting obligations apply. Here is a step-by-step breakdown.

Step 1: Determine Whether Corporate Contributions Are Permitted

Not all states allow corporations to give campaign contributions. Before committing funds, confirm whether the relevant jurisdiction permits corporate giving.

• Prohibited states: Arkansas, Missouri, Ohio, and Pennsylvania prohibit corporations from making contributions to candidates.
• Limited giving: In Kentucky, corporations may only contribute to political issue committees and independent expenditure-only committees.
• Broad permissibility: States like Delaware and Virginia allow corporations to contribute to most candidates and committees.
• Capped giving: In New York, corporations may give up to $5,000 per calendar year to candidates and committees.

Step 2: Determine Whether Registration Is Required

Many states do not require corporations to register simply to make contributions. However, some states do trigger registration requirements based on spending thresholds.

South Carolina: A corporation that receives contributions, makes expenditures, or makes independent expenditures exceeding $500 in the aggregate during an election cycle to influence the outcome of an elective office is considered a committee and must register with the state.

Virginia: Any corporation that anticipates receiving contributions or spending more than $200 to influence the outcome of any nonfederal election must register as a political committee with the state Board of Elections. Corporations that contribute directly from operating funds are generally not required to register unless they make an independent expenditure benefiting a nonfederal Virginia candidate or political committee.

For corporations operating across multiple jurisdictions, tracking these thresholds is essential. State and Federal Communications’ corporate contribution compliance resources can help organizations stay current on registration obligations.

Step 3: Determine Whether Reporting Is Required

Even where contributions are permitted, and registration is not required, reporting obligations may still apply.

Washington: Contributions made from general corporate funds to candidates and political committees are not required to be reported annually. However, reporting is triggered when a corporation meets all three of the following conditions during the preceding calendar year:

• Contributes more than $24,000 in the aggregate to legislative or state office candidates and statewide ballot committees
• Makes independent expenditures totaling more than $1,200 for political advertising supporting or opposing one or more legislative or state office candidates and statewide ballot measures
• Employs a registered lobbyist

California: Corporations that qualify as a recipient committee, major donor committee, or independent expenditure committee must file disclosure reports with the state.

Check the Rules Before You Give

Campaign contribution laws differ substantially from state to state, and noncompliance can carry serious consequences. It is always best practice to review the applicable laws in each jurisdiction before making any contribution.

State and Federal Communications maintains resources on contribution law and compliance consulting services to help corporations navigate these requirements with confidence. Jurisdiction-specific guidance is also available through the firm’s online compliance guidebooks.

FAQ Section

Nebraska LB 1075: Lobbying and Campaign Finance Law Updates

Nebraska Legislative Bill 1075, signed by Gov. Jim Pillen on April 15, 2026, amends several provisions of the state’s lobbying and campaign finance laws. The bill applies late fees to lobbyist principals, tightens restrictions on foreign national contributions, updates political committee reporting requirements, and increases several fee amounts. The bill took effect upon signature.

What Does Nebraska LB 1075 Change?

LB 1075 addresses Nebraska lobbying and campaign finance compliance. Here is a breakdown of each change.

Lobbying Late Filing Fees Now Apply to Principals

Prior Nebraska law required both lobbyists and principals to submit periodic and special lobbying disclosure reports, but late filing fees applied only to lobbyists. LB 1075 closes that gap by extending late filing fees to principals as well.

The updated fee schedule is as follows:

Report Type	Previous Fee	New Fee
Quarterly statements	$25	$50
Disclosure reports (during session)	$100	$200

Stricter Foreign National Restrictions on Ballot Question Committees

LB 1075 imposes new certification and affirmation requirements on ballot question committees regarding foreign national influence.

Registration statements must now certify that no preliminary activity was funded by foreign nationals. Covered preliminary activities include:

• Conducting focus groups
• Drafting proposed language
• Making phone calls

Campaign statements filed by ballot question committees must include an affirmation that:

• No donor is a foreign national, and
• No donor has intentionally received, solicited, or accepted contributions or expenditures from foreign nationals exceeding $100,000 in aggregate in the four-year period before the contribution

Penalties: A ballot question committee that solicits, accepts, or receives a prohibited foreign national contribution, directly or indirectly, will be subject to a fine equal to the amount of the contribution or $100,000, whichever is greater.

Political Committee Contribution Reporting Updates

LB 1075 makes two practical changes to how political committees submit campaign statements and late contribution reports.

Address requirements: Committees may now list either a street address or a post office box number for named contributors. If the contributor is a committee itself, a street address is still required.

Filing methods: Late contribution reports may no longer be submitted by telegraph.

H2- Committee Fee Increases

LB 1075 adjusts several committee-related fees:

Fee Type	Previous Amount	New Amount
Committee registration	$100	$150
Delinquent registration filing fee (standard)	$25	$50
Delinquent registration filing fee (committees formed within 30 days before an election)	$100	$200
updates and delinquent report filing	$25	$50
Delinquent late  contribution reports	$100	$200

Staying Compliant with Nebraska LB 1075

The changes introduced by LB 1075 affect lobbyists, principals, and political committees operating in Nebraska. Organizations should review current filing practices, fee schedules, and any ballot question committee activity to ensure compliance.

For jurisdiction-specific guidance, State and Federal Communications maintains regularly updated online compliance guidebooks covering Nebraska and other states. Hands-on support is also available through the firm’s lobbying compliance consulting services.

FAQ’s

The second regular session of the 132nd Legislature adjourned sine die after a veto session on April 29. Lawmakers passed two campaign finance bills, Legislative Documents 517 and 2000. Legislative Document 517 requires public communications that use synthetic media to include a disclaimer, and Legislative Document 2000 increased the monetary minimums for filing 24-hour PAC and independent expenditure reports. The general effective date for laws passed without an emergency designation is July 29. This does affect lobbying reporting; a registered lobbyist who anticipates no further lobbying for a client may file a request for a non-session waiver with their final monthly report for the session.

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The Florida Legislature has scheduled an additional special session for the month of May to finish working on the state’s budget. The session will take place May 12 to May 29. Legislative leaders expect the state’s budget to be smaller and focused on funding essential priorities. Both houses have proposed similar budgets and will be using the 18-day session to negotiate a compromise.

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National/Federal

Supreme Court Limits Key Provision of the Landmark Voting Rights Act

MSN – Justin Jouvenal and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 4/29/2026

The Supreme Court weakened a key provision of the landmark Voting Rights Act, a ruling that limits the consideration of race in drawing voting maps and could usher in Republican gains in the House. The decision could touch off a scramble by Republicans to redraw minority-majority districts, especially in the South. New districts could shift the balance of power in Congress by imperiling the reelection prospects of some Black Democrats, possibly as soon as November’s midterms in some instances.

From the States and Municipalities

Colorado – Lawmakers Advance Bill to Regulate State Agencies, Like Lobbyists Who Try to Sway Legislation

Colorado Public Radio – Rae Solomon | Published: 4/29/2026

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis is pushing back against a proposal that would treat legislative staff in his administration like any other lobbyist. The primary job of those workers, called legislative liaisons, is to try to sway lawmakers and change legislation. They are essentially lobbyists for the state government and the Polis administration, but they are not required to follow the same disclosure rules that govern most lobbyists.

Hawaii – Sylvia Luke on Indefinite Leave as Keith Regan Becomes Acting Lieutenant Governor

Yahoo News – Dan Nakaso (Honolulu Star-Advertiser) | Published: 4/24/2026

Hawaii Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke is now on unpaid “indefinite leave” after the state attorney general sent her a target letter in a bribery investigation with ties to Hawaii’s infamous 2022 political scandal that sent two state legislators to federal prison. Gov. Josh Green announced that state Comptroller Keith Regan had accepted the job as acting lieutenant governor. If Luke does not return from her leave, Regan would serve as lieutenant governor until Inauguration Day on December 7, after voters pick a new, permanent lieutenant governor in the November 3 general election.

Illinois – 7th Circuit Upholds Ex-Speaker Madigan’s Conviction of Bribery, Other Corruption

Yahoo News – Hannah Meisel (Capitol News Illinois) | Published: 4/27/2026

A federal appeals court panel upheld the 10 guilty verdicts that sent former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan to prison, finding no errors in the way the jury was instructed or the “mountain of evidence” the government used to prosecute the influential Democrat during his lengthy bribery trial. While another Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals recently ordered the release from prison and a new trial for two people convicted of bribing Madigan in a related trial, the judges who heard the former speaker’s appeal were unconvinced of the similar arguments.

Maine – Maine Gov. Janet Mills Drops US Senate Bid Ahead of June 9 Democratic Primary Against Graham Platner

MSN – Kimberlee Kruesi and Patrick Whittle (Associated Press) | Published: 4/30/2026

Maine Gov. Janet Mills dropped her bid for the U.S. Senate just weeks before the Democratic primary in a race that reflected an internal party debate over how to win one of this year’s most competitive Senate seats. Mills struggled to outshine first-time candidate Graham Platner, her opponent in the June 9 Democratic primary. Platner has maintained strong popularity despite facing controversy over past comments he made online and a tattoo he had that is widely recognized as a Nazi symbol.

New Mexico – NM State Ethics Commission Sues Secretive Group Behind Pro-Project Jupiter Ad Campaign

Yahoo News – Joshua Bowling (Source New Mexico) | Published: 4/23/2026

The New Mexico State Ethics Commission filed a lawsuit against Elevate New Mexico, the anonymous, out-of-state company behind the ad campaign that urged people to support the controversial OpenAI and Oracle data center complex Project Jupiter. The lawsuit alleges that since Elevate New Mexico spent at least $2,500 to lobby the state Environment Department to approve air quality permit applications during a public comment period for natural gas power plants associated with Project Jupiter, it should have registered as a lobbyist organization.

North Dakota – Ethics Commission Adopts New Travel Disclosure Rules for Some North Dakota Officials

Yahoo News – Mary Steurer (North Dakota Monitor) | Published: 4/28/2026

The North Dakota Ethics Commission adopted new rules requiring some state officials to file forms when they take trips paid for by third parties. The rules apply to all elected and appointed officials of the executive and legislative branch. Reports would have to be filed with the commission within 15 days of a trip. The Ethics Commission will post all travel disclosure statements on its website and retain each one for three years.

Ohio – US Supreme Court Won’t Take Up Appeal of Ex-Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder

MSN – Adam Ferrise (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 4/27/2026

Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder’s corruption conviction and 20-year prison sentence in the House Bill 6 scandal will stand after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear his appeal. The justices also denied taking up the appeal of co-defendant Matt Borges, a lobbyist and former Ohio Republican Party chair. Householder masterminded the corruption scheme in which FirstEnergy funneled some $60 million through dark-money channels to Householder, who used it to push for the bill’s passage in 2019.

Oklahoma – No Free Lunches: At least 11 Republican candidates have pledged to reject lobbyist meals and gifts

Oklahoma Watch – Keaton Ross | Published: 4/24/2026

Lobbyists have spent more than $414,000 on meals, beverages, and gifts for Oklahoma lawmakers since January 2025. That number is likely to increase as the legislative session marches toward sine die and the latest lobbyist spending reports come due in May. Many lawmakers, who work part-time and are term-limited, said the meals help them learn about complex issues and fine-tune legislation. But the rate of spending has drawn the ire of a slew of Republican primary challengers, who are hitting the campaign trail with a message that their opponents are more beholden to lobbyists than their constituents.

Washington – Recall Effort Against Washington Governor Ends

Yahoo News – Jerry Cornfield (Washington State Standard) | Published: 4/28/2026

Campaign finance activist Conner Edwards’ quixotic quest to recall Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson was intended to prod the governor into filling two vacant seats on the state Public Disclosure Commission. It worked. Ferguson appointed Teebah Alsaleh, a lawyer for Microsoft, to the commission. Her selection came a week after the governor installed Matt Segal, a former King County Superior Court judge, to the other opening. With that, Edwards said he would end his pursuit of a recall.