February 14, 2025 •
News You Can Use Digest – February 14, 2025

National/Federal Trump’s New Line of Attack Against the Media Gains Momentum DNyuz – David Enrich (New York Times) | Published: 2/7/2025 Media lawyers scoffed last year when Donald Trump sued two news organizations for producing journalism that, he claimed, violated laws meant […]
National/Federal
Trump’s New Line of Attack Against the Media Gains Momentum
DNyuz – David Enrich (New York Times) | Published: 2/7/2025
Media lawyers scoffed last year when Donald Trump sued two news organizations for producing journalism that, he claimed, violated laws meant to protect consumers from things like deceptive advertising. First Amendment experts still believe that Trump’s cases, against CBS News and The Des Moines Register, lack legal merit. But they now realize the lawsuits are proving effective at harassing the press and more of them are probably on the way.
Trump Tries to Fire Chair of Federal Election Commission. Why She’s Refusing to Leave.
MSN – Joey Garrison (USA Today) | Published: 2/6/2025
Ellen Weintraub, who has served as a Democratic member of the FEC since 2002, posted a letter signed by Donald Trump on social media that said she was “hereby removed as a Member of the Federal Election Commission, effective immediately.” Weintraub, who is currently chairperson of the FEC, questioned the legal validity of the move and signaled her intent to fight the removal.
Bondi Ends FBI Effort to Combat Foreign Influence in U.S. Politics
MSN – Ken Dilanian (NBC News) | Published: 2/6/2025
Attorney General Pam Bondi ordered a halt to a years-old federal law enforcement effort to combat secret influence campaigns by China, Russia, and other adversaries that try to curry favor and sow chaos in American politics. The order disbands the FBI’s Foreign Influence Task Force and pares back penalties for violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act, despite years of warnings by U.S. intelligence agencies that foreign malign influence operations involving disinformation were a growing and dangerous threat.
GOP Laws Aimed at Very Rare Noncitizen Voting Could Hit Eligible Voters
MSN – Patrick Marley and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) | Published: 2/9/2025
Republicans in Congress and state Legislatures are charging forward with plans to require Americans to prove they are citizens as they say they seek to crack down on noncitizen voting, an almost nonexistent problem. Voting by noncitizens is already illegal in all state and federal elections and requiring voters to provide proof of citizenship could make it harder for millions of legitimate voters to cast ballots. Driver’s licenses and other state IDs can be used only for people who provided proof of citizenship to get those IDs, so some people will need to track down other documents.
In Trump’s Actions, Opponents See More Than Cuts – They See a Constitutional Crisis
MSN – Naftali Bendavid and Hannah Knowles (Washington Post) | Published: 2/8/2025
As President Trump and congressional Democrats clash about spending authority, citizenship rules, control of the government, and other fundamental powers, the president’s opponents are increasingly making an unnerving accusation: that the country is in the grip of a full-blown constitutional crisis. That term recalls some of the most perilous moments in American history, from the Civil War to Watergate. Some of Trump’s adversaries contend that in seizing powers the Constitution does not give him and forcing clashes with Congress and the courts, the president has thrust American democracy into a similarly dangerous moment.
Trump Halts Aid to South Africa, Claiming Discrimination Against Afrikaners
MSN – María Luisa Paúl (Washington Post) | Published: 2/8/2025
President Trump signed an executive order halting all U.S. aid to South Africa and directing his administration to develop a plan for resettling White Afrikaners as refugees, citing what he called “government-sponsored race-based discrimination” against them. The subject of Trump’s criticism appears to be a recent law that allows land expropriation without compensation in rare cases. South African officials have said the policy is part of an effort to address disparities left by apartheid, a system that for decades barred Black South Africans from owning land.
Trump Administration Cuts Teams That Fight Foreign Election Interference
MSN – Colby Itkowitz, Yvonne Wingett Sanchez, Sarah Ellison, and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 2/8/2025
The Trump administration eliminated much of the federal government’s front line of defense against foreign interference in U.S. elections. The move alarmed state election officials and election security experts, who warned that safeguarding Americans from foreign disinformation campaigns will be difficult if no one at the federal level is doing that work.
Trump Pauses DOJ Enforcement of Bribery Laws for US Firms Overseas
MSN – Josh Meyer (USA Today) | Published: 2/10/2025
President Trump signed an executive order pausing enforcement of a federal law that makes it a crime for U.S. businesses to bribe foreign officials, saying the law puts companies at a disadvantage on the global stage. Trump ordered Attorney General Pam Bondi to stop actions taken under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, including prosecutions of American individuals and companies who the Justice Department has charged with bribing foreign government officials in attempts to gain business in other countries.
Trump Removes Top Government Ethics Czar
MSN – Fredreka Schouten (CNN) | Published: 2/10/2025
President Trump removed the head of the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) from his post, the latest example of Trump acting against a government watchdog. The agency’s director, David Huitema, was confirmed to the post by the Senate in November and officially began the job in December. OGE directors typically serve five-year terms, allowing them to overlap administrations as part of an attempt to reduce partisanship.
Trump Dismisses Archivist to the United States
MSN – Maegan Vazquez (Washington Post) | Published: 2/8/2025
President Trump fired the head of the National Archives and Records Administration, targeting an independent agency that was involved in trying to recover documents he took to his Florida estate after his first presidential term. Colleen Shogan was named archivist of the United States by Joe Biden in 2022 and confirmed to her role in 2023, a year after the Archives referred its search for documents in Trump’s possession to the FBI.
Judge to Trump-Terminated Ethics Watchdog: You’re un-fired
MSN – Josh Gerstein (Politico) | Published: 2/10/2025
A federal judge reined in President Trump’s firing spree, ruling a federal ethics watchdog can return to his job for at least a few days while the judge receives more detailed legal arguments about the case. Judge Amy Berman Jackson issued the reprieve to Special Counsel Hampton Dellinger, after he sued to contest the email he received from the White House indicating he had been dismissed from his position. Dellinger leads an independent federal agency that handles whistleblower issues and complaints about violations of the Hatch Act, which limits political activity by government employees.
Trump White House Says It Can Talk to Justice Dept. on Criminal Cases
MSN – Perry Stein and Jeff Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 2/9/2025
The Trump administration’s rules for how White House staff can interact with the Justice Department are a departure from Biden-era guidance, explicitly saying the president and vice president and their top lawyers can discuss ongoing criminal and civil cases with the attorney general and her deputies. Legal experts say the guidance could erode guardrails that have traditionally given the Justice Department a degree of independence from the White House that does not exist for other executive branch agencies.
From the States and Municipalities
Alabama – State-Commissioned Report Finds ‘Significant’ Issues in Alabama Ethics Law, Recommends Major Reforms
Alabama Daily News – Alexander Willis | Published: 2/11/2025
A report commissioned by the Alabama Legislature found “significant overbreadth concerns” in the state’s ethics law, including “structural vulnerabilities” that could enable discriminatory enforcement, with state lawmakers recommended to enact sweeping reforms. The Bopp Law Firm found provisions that raised “serious First Amendment concerns” regarding secrecy agreements amid ethics complaints, vagueness and due process concerns, and breadth of issues in who the ethics law applies to.
California – California Regulators Allege This Silicon Valley Ex-Lawmaker Violated Campaign Finance Law Dozens of Times
MSN – Yue Stella Yu (CalMatters) | Published: 2/7/2025
California’s campaign finance investigators allege former state Assemblyperson Evan Low, who raised money for a foundation co-managed by his chief of staff, received non-monetary donations worth more than $113,000 from that foundation for his re-election campaign. If proven true, such donations, and a lack of timely disclosures from Low and the nonprofit foundation, would violate reporting requirements and contribution limits, according to a staff report from the California Fair Political Commission.
California – S.F. Union Files Another Ethics Complaint Against Waymo After First Try Gets Tossed
MSN – Chase DiFeliciantonio (San Francisco Chronicle) | Published: 2/6/2025
The San Francisco Ethics Commission will not pursue allegations brought against Waymo last year by the Teamsters union that the company improperly lobbied San Francisco airport officials. In a second complaint to the commission, the union’s attorneys argued other lobbyists and executives for the autonomous vehicle maker failed to properly register before meeting with airport officials last year, and other meetings since then also violated ethics rules.
California – LA’s Top Homelessness Official Signed $2.1 Million Contract with Husband’s Employer
MSN – Nick Gerda and David Wagner (LAist) | Published: 2/11/2025
Documents show Va Lecia Adams Kellum, chief executive of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, signed a $2,1 million contract and two other contract amendments with Upward Bound House, a nonprofit where her husband works in senior leadership. State law bans public officials from any involvement in contracts in which they have a financial interest, including agreements that financially benefit their spouse or groups that pay their spouse.
Hawaii – Hawai’i Executive Indicted for Illegal Campaign Donations
Honolulu Civil Beat – Blaze Lovell | Published: 2/11/2025
Developer Timothy Lee was indicted on nine felony counts of illegally funneling money to Honolulu mayoral candidates in 2020. The details of Lee’s case harken back to an earlier era of campaign spending cases when felony charges were more common. In the early 2000s, dozens of executives at design and engineering firms were accused of laundering money to the campaigns of Hawai’I’s most prominent politicians. Many avoided any jail time and paid hefty fines instead.
Hawaii – Hawai’i’s Crackdown on Lobbyists Has Come a Long Way. Is It Far Enough?
Honolulu Civil Beat – Patty Epler | Published: 2/8/2025
Fifty years ago, Hawaii was considered a national leader in what was then a growing movement to crack down on inappropriate political influence by special interests. But things soon stalled. Hawaii remained stuck, for the most part, with the barest of transparency requirements and minimal punishment. Then, two state lawmakers and some Maui County officials were arrested for taking millions of dollars in bribes. The Legislature could not ignore the public outrage and things improved.
Illinois – Ethics Board ‘Revokes’ Informal Agreement That Allowed Mayor to Accept Pricey Gifts
WTTW – Heather Cherone | Published: 2/11/2025
Mayor Brandon Johnson is subject to the city’s ethics ordinance and prohibited from accepting most gifts worth more than $50, the Chicago Board of Ethics announced. No longer will gifts accepted by Chicago’s mayor on behalf of the city be covered by an “unwritten arrangement” dating back to the 1980s, board President William Conlon said during a meeting.
Illinois – ‘People Really Stood Their Ground,’ Juror Says of Split Michael Madigan Verdict
Yahoo News – Jason Meisner, Megan Crepeau, and Ray Long (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 2/12/2025
A jury delivered a split verdict against former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, finding him guilty on 10 of 23 criminal counts in his case. The jury also found Madigan not guilty on seven counts and was unable to reach a verdict on six additional counts. The convictions related to Madigan’s efforts to secure a valuable state board position for former Chicago Ald. Danny Solis and to an alleged bribery scheme involving Commonwealth Edison.
Yahoo News – Rick Pearson (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 2/10/2025
Nearly five years after commuting former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s federal prison sentence, President Trump granted a full pardon to the disgraced former governor who was convicted more than 13 years ago on an array of corruption charges, including fundraising schemes and attempting to sell a U.S. Senate seat for his personal benefit. Unlike the commutation, which left intact Blagojevich’s conviction, pardon wipes clean the criminal slate of the only Illinois governor in history to be impeached and convicted by the General Assembly, and banned from seeking any state elected office ever again.
Indiana – Almost $30M Spent Lobbying Indiana General Assembly Last Year
Yahoo News – Leslie Bonilla Muñiz (Indiana Capital Chronicle) | Published: 2/10/2025
Experienced lawmakers from both parties said lobbyists bring valuable information. Sometimes they even use their expertise to write legislation or contribute fixes. But they had varying opinions on accepting lobbyist-funded dinners and gifts, and on how well Indiana regulates the influence of political contributions on legislation. Many groups also operate 501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations, which can engage in lobbying related to social welfare goals. Their donors and contributions are confidential.
Kentucky – What Is Executive Branch Lobbying? How People Get Paid to Influence KY’s Top Leaders
Yahoo Finance – Austin Horn (Lexington Herald-Leader) | Published: 2/10/2025
Lobbying efforts to sway executive branch decisions are an important, lucrative, and growing aspect of Frankfort. The subject matter of executive branch lobbying often revolves around state contracts. Lobbyist Bob Babbage said one key distinction between executive and legislative lobbying is that the people you are lobbying have different perspectives. Cabinet members always look at the statewide picture, but legislators’ first loyalties lie with their constituents.
Louisiana – Louisiana Ethics Board Agrees to Keep Governor’s Staff Information Private in Spite of Law
Yahoo News – Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) | Published: 2/12/2025
The home addresses of Gov. Jeff Landry’s executive staff will be kept out of public records, despite a state law that requires the information to be disclosed. The Louisiana Board of Ethics voted to keep their addresses secret. Its members agreed with Attorney General Liz Murrill’s view that the disclosure conflicts with the right to privacy contained in the state constitution.
Minnesota – Judge Blocks Minnesota Campaign Law to Limit Donations from Corporations with Foreign Ownership
MSN – Briana Bierschbach (Minneapolis Star Tribune) | Published: 2/7/2025
A federal judge permanently blocked the implementation of a Minnesota campaign finance law that aimed to limit political contributions from corporations with foreign ownership. In his ruling, U.S. District Court Judge Eric Tostrud said the law was too broad.
Mississippi – Evidence in Jackson’s Bribery Scandal Can’t Be Made Public Until Trial, Judge Says
MSN – Charlie Drape (Jackson Clarion Ledger) | Published: 2/6/2025
A federal judge granted a protective order blocking all evidence in Jackson’s bribery scandal from being released until the trial begins. Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens, and city Councilperson Aaron Banks were accused of soliciting and accepting bribes from undercover FBI agents who said they wanted to develop to a convention center hotel in Jackson. The order means the evidence may not become public before the spring elections.
Montana – Montana Senate Votes to Send Ellsworth Investigation to Department of Justice
Montana Free Press – Tom Lutey | Published: 2/6/2025
Allegations of criminal activity by former Montana Senate leader Jason Ellsworth are being handed over to the state Department of Justice following a heated floor debate in the Senate chambers in which minority Democrats prevailed. Republicans have openly stated Ellsworth is guilty since news broke that he awarded $170,100 in contracted work to a former business associate, Bryce Egglsteon. Ethics proceedings against Ellsworth were launched in the Senate after a brief investigation.
Nevada – Many Nevada Candidates Are Fined Over Transparency on Campaign Funds. Few Pay in Full.
Nevada Independent – Eric Neugeboren | Published: 2/11/2025
Across the first 11 months of 2024, the Nevada Secretary of State’s Office assessed more than $440,000 in fines related to campaign finance violations, with the PAC associated with Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford facing one of the largest at more than $20,000. But almost all of those fines have not yet been paid off, and many of them will likely end up being waived or reduced, which is part of the reason why the secretary of state’s office is looking to reform the penalty process in this year’s legislative session.
New York – Gov. Hochul’s Administration Seeks Investigation of $10M Ad Blitz Against Her
Gothamist – Jon Campbell | Published: 2/11/2025
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration wants an official investigation into the organizations behind a $10 million advertising campaign that criticized her for changes to a home health care program for the elderly and disabled. State Health Commissioner James McDonald requested a formal inquiry into the Alliance to Protect Home Care and two other nonprofits tied to the spending. McDonald accused the groups of “flouting the state’s ethics and charitable registration laws” in part by failing to disclose the true identity of the people or groups funding the television, radio, and online ads blanketing the state in recent months.
MSN – Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) | Published: 2/6/2025
Nate Bliss, a senior aide to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, did not recuse himself for years from city government business dealings with his ex-employer and is now blaming the slipup on a “miscommunication” with the Conflicts of Interest Board. The city council’s Oversight and Economic Development Committee launched a probe over his ties to his ex-employer after it emerged his jump from Taconic to City Hall happened less than three months before Adams’ administration picked Taconic to execute “Innovation East,” a major redevelopment of the city’s Manhattan public health lab.
New York – Top Justice Department Official Orders Prosecutors to Drop Charges Against New York Mayor Eric Adams
MSN – Jake Offenhartz, Alanna Durkin Richer, and Eric Tucker (Associated Press) | Published: 2/10/2025
The Justice Department ordered federal prosecutors to drop their case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, which would clear him of all corruption charges. Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove said the order was not based on the strength of evidence in the case, but rather because it had been brought too close to Adams’ reelection campaign and was distracting from the mayor’s efforts to assist in the Trump administration’s law-and-order priorities.
New York – Mohamed Bahi, Ex-Eric Adams Aide, to Plead Guilty to Federal Conspiracy Charges
The City – Greg Smith | Published: 2/7/2025
A onetime senior aide to New York City Mayor Eric Adams who was charged with organizing an illegal straw donor scheme for the mayor has agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy. Mohamed Bahi, formerly one of the mayor’s liaisons to the Muslim community, was initially charged with witness tampering and obstruction of justice in a criminal complaint that alleged he had direct conversations with Adams about the campaign donation scheme.
New York – Report: State campaign finance match program combats megadonor influence
WAMC – Jeongyoon Han (WXXI) | Published: 2/6/2025
More small donors are contributing to state elections in New York, according to a recent report, and the share of large donations for candidates’ fundraising decreased from 2024 to 2020. The report by the Brennan Center for Justice credits a state-run public campaign finance program for the change. Proponents say it encourages candidates to rely more on donations from constituents, and less on megadonors and special interest groups.
Ohio – Jim Tressel Nominated as Lieutenant Governor to Gov. Mike DeWine
MSN – Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 2/10/2025
Gov. Mike DeWine nominated former Ohio State University football coach Jim Tressel as his lieutenant governor. Tressel, who retired as president of Youngstown State University in 2023, will, if confirmed by the General Assembly, finish the final 22 months of Jon Husted’s term as lieutenant governor. DeWine appointed Husted to JD Vance’s U.S. Senate seat.
Ohio – Advocacy Groups Take Issue with Ohio House Rules on Chamber Lobby, Floor Votes
Ohio Capital Journal – Susan Tebben | Published: 2/11/2025
Nearly five dozen advocacy groups signed on to a letter opposing Ohio House rules for this General Assembly, including a ban on public gathering near the House chamber at certain times and decreasing public notice for floor votes. When the rules were first approved, Republicans said they would create more efficiency in legislative business, while Democrats questioned the effect on transparency going forward with the new rules.
Ohio – Ex-Councilman P.G. Sittenfeld Loses Appeal, Could Be Sent Back to Prison
WCPO – Paula Christian and Felicia Jordan | Published: 2/11/2025
Former Cincinnati City Councilperson P.G. Sittenfeld could be heading back to prison after a three-judge panel of the Sixth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against his appeal to have his public corruption conviction thrown out. The appeal focused on whether the government presented enough evidence for a jury to rule an explicit quid pro quo had occurred, and whether Sittenfeld’s indictment “was constructively amended,” meaning the jury was given evidence pointing to crimes outside of Sittenfeld’s actual indictment.
Oregon – Oregon Legislator Seeks Stricter Lobbying Limits for Former Lawmakers Representing State Agencies
Yahoo News – Julia Shumway (Oregon Capital Chronicle) | Published: 2/11/2025
Rep. Anna Scharf is pushing to tighten Oregon’s anti-revolving-door law, saying it unfairly discriminates between former lawmakers who lobby for private industries and those who obtain state jobs after leaving the Legislature. Oregon, like most states, makes former lawmakers wait before they can become lobbyists who ask their former colleagues to support bills. In Oregon, lawmakers cannot take a paid lobbying job until they have been out of office for at least a year.
Rhode Island – RI Ethics Panel to Review ‘Gift Rule’ Following ILO Group Investigation
Yahoo News – Eli Sherman (WPRI) | Published: 2/11/2025
The Rhode Island Ethics Commission voted to reexamine the state’s gift law, in a move that could limit the value of what lobbyists for nonprofit organizations can give to public officials. The panel voted to take another look at the rule, which currently prohibits any “interested party” from giving a gift exceeding $25 to a public official if the gift-giver might profit from their decisions.
South Dakota – South Dakota House Restores ‘Loan Loophole’ Bill Back to Original Form, Sends to Governor
Yahoo News – Joshua Haiar (South Dakota Searchlight) | Published: 2/6/2025
A bill that would close a campaign finance loophole in South Dakota allowing unlimited funds into a campaign is headed to the governor’s desk. It would prevent the ability to make unlimited campaign donations as long as the contribution is categorized as a loan. The debate took a tense turn when Rep. Brandei Schaefbauer accused the bill’s sponsors of using it as a tool to target businessperson Toby Doeden.
Wisconsin – Wisconsin Supreme Court Says Swing State’s Embattled Elections Chief Can Remain in Post
MSN – Scott Bauer (Associated Press) | Published: 2/7/2025
The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled the state’s nonpartisan top elections official, Meagan Wolfe, who has been targeted for removal by Republican lawmakers over the 2020 presidential election, can remain in her post despite not being reappointed and confirmed by the state Senate. The court said no vacancy exists and, because of that, the elections commission “does not have a duty to appoint a new administrator to replace Wolfe simply because her term has ended.”
February 13, 2025 •
Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Hawaii: “Hawai’i Executive Indicted for Illegal Campaign Donations” by Blaze Lovell for Honolulu Civil Beat New York: “Report: State campaign finance match program combats megadonor influence” by Jeongyoon Han (WXXI) for WAMC Elections Ohio: “Jim Tressel Nominated as Lieutenant Governor to Gov. Mike […]
Campaign Finance
Hawaii: “Hawai’i Executive Indicted for Illegal Campaign Donations” by Blaze Lovell for Honolulu Civil Beat
New York: “Report: State campaign finance match program combats megadonor influence” by Jeongyoon Han (WXXI) for WAMC
Elections
Ohio: “Jim Tressel Nominated as Lieutenant Governor to Gov. Mike DeWine” by Jeremy Pelzer (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN
Ethics
California: “LA’s Top Homelessness Official Signed $2.1 Million Contract with Husband’s Employer” by Nick Gerda and David Wagner (LAist) for MSN
Illinois: “Ethics Board ‘Revokes’ Informal Agreement That Allowed Mayor to Accept Pricey Gifts” by Heather Cherone for WTTW
Illinois: “‘People Really Stood Their Ground,’ Juror Says of Split Michael Madigan Verdict” by Jason Meisner, Megan Crepeau, and Ray Long (Chicago Tribune) for Yahoo News
Louisiana: “Louisiana Ethics Board Agrees to Keep Governor’s Staff Information Private in Spite of Law” by Julie O’Donoghue (Louisiana Illuminator) for Yahoo News
Lobbying
Oregon: “Oregon Legislator Seeks Stricter Lobbying Limits for Former Lawmakers Representing State Agencies” by Julia Shumway (Oregon Capital Chronicle) for Yahoo News
Rhode Island: “RI Ethics Panel to Review ‘Gift Rule’ Following ILO Group Investigation” by Eli Sherman (WPRI) for Yahoo News
February 12, 2025 •
District Court Permanently Blocks Implementation of Minnesota’s 2023 Foreign Influence

Flag of Minnesota
The U.S. District Court permanently enjoined a statute passed by the Minnesota Legislature in 2023 that prevented entities who had a single foreign investor with a 1% interest or an aggregate of foreign investors holding 5% interest from making any […]
The U.S. District Court permanently enjoined a statute passed by the Minnesota Legislature in 2023 that prevented entities who had a single foreign investor with a 1% interest or an aggregate of foreign investors holding 5% interest from making any independent expenditures or contributions. The court determined in its final ruling in Minnesota Chamber of Commerce v. Choi the statute violated the First Amendment right to free speech. Specifically, the court acknowledged the state has a compelling interest to prevent foreign influence in its elections but concluded the statute was not narrowly tailored to accomplish that interest.
February 12, 2025 •
District 9 Charlottetown-Hillsborough Park By-Election Coming to Prince Edward Island

Flag of Prince Edward Island
Sometime before August 11, a by-election will be held for the seat of District 9 Charlottetown-Hillsborough Park in the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island. This by-election will be called because of the resignation of MLA Natalie Jameson, who resigned […]
Sometime before August 11, a by-election will be held for the seat of District 9 Charlottetown-Hillsborough Park in the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island.
This by-election will be called because of the resignation of MLA Natalie Jameson, who resigned on February 11. Jameson will be the Conservative Party of Canada’s candidate for Charlottetown in the next federal election.
The Election Act states the by-election Writ of Election must be issued within six months from the date the members seat is vacated.
February 12, 2025 •
Massachusetts Special Election Scheduled

The Massachusetts House of Representatives called for a special election to be held on May 13 for District 6. Rep. Jerald Parisella declined to take the oath of office for a new term because he was appointed as an associate […]
The Massachusetts House of Representatives called for a special election to be held on May 13 for District 6. Rep. Jerald Parisella declined to take the oath of office for a new term because he was appointed as an associate justice of the District Court in November. A special primary will take place April 15.
February 12, 2025 •
Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance California: “California Regulators Allege This Silicon Valley Ex-Lawmaker Violated Campaign Finance Law Dozens of Times” by Yue Stella Yu (CalMatters) for MSN Nevada: “Many Nevada Candidates Are Fined Over Transparency on Campaign Funds. Few Pay in Full.” by Eric Neugeboren for Nevada […]
Campaign Finance
California: “California Regulators Allege This Silicon Valley Ex-Lawmaker Violated Campaign Finance Law Dozens of Times” by Yue Stella Yu (CalMatters) for MSN
Nevada: “Many Nevada Candidates Are Fined Over Transparency on Campaign Funds. Few Pay in Full.” by Eric Neugeboren for Nevada Independent
Elections
National: “Trump Administration Cuts Teams That Fight Foreign Election Interference” by Colby Itkowitz, Yvonne Wingett Sanchez, Sarah Ellison, and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) for MSN
Ethics
Alabama: “State-Commissioned Report Finds ‘Significant’ Issues in Alabama Ethics Law, Recommends Major Reforms” by Alexander Willis for Alabama Daily News
National: “Trump Pauses DOJ Enforcement of Bribery Laws for US Firms Overseas” by Josh Meyer (USA Today) for MSN
National: “Trump Removes Top Government Ethics Czar” by Fredreka Schouten (CNN) for MSN
Illinois: “President Donald Trump Pardons Ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich Nearly 5 Years After Commuting His Sentence, AP Says” by Rick Pearson (Chicago Tribune) for Yahoo News
Lobbying
New York: “Gov. Hochul’s Administration Seeks Investigation of $10M Ad Blitz Against Her” by Jon Campbell for Gothamist
February 11, 2025 •
Iowa Special Election Scheduled for March 11, 2025

Gov. Kim Reynolds called a special election for March 11, 2025, to fill the Iowa House District 100 vacancy caused by the death of Rep. Martin Graber. Before the special election, the state Democratic and Republican parties will convene for district nominating […]
Gov. Kim Reynolds called a special election for March 11, 2025, to fill the Iowa House District 100 vacancy caused by the death of Rep. Martin Graber. Before the special election, the state Democratic and Republican parties will convene for district nominating conventions, where delegates will select their party candidates for the seat. The winner of the special election will hold the seat until the end of Graber’s elected term and the seat will be on the general election ballot in 2026.
February 11, 2025 •
Florida to Hold Additional Special Session Regarding Immigration Reform

Gov. DeSantis has called for a special session on February 11 to try again to enact sweeping immigration reform. Following the abrupt ending to the last special session, DeSantis again called on lawmakers to pass an aggressive bill that will […]
Gov. DeSantis has called for a special session on February 11 to try again to enact sweeping immigration reform. Following the abrupt ending to the last special session, DeSantis again called on lawmakers to pass an aggressive bill that will address illegal immigration in the state.
February 11, 2025 •
Ask the Experts – Is Sending Informational Emails to Legislators Considered Lobbying?

Q. I’m sending informational emails to legislators to educate them about an issue. Do I need to register as a lobbyist? A. In some jurisdictions, yes, you’ll need to register for informational or educational communications to legislative officials. Making this determination […]
Q. I’m sending informational emails to legislators to educate them about an issue. Do I need to register as a lobbyist?
A. In some jurisdictions, yes, you’ll need to register for informational or educational communications to legislative officials.
Making this determination usually depends on a few factors: 1) the definition of lobbying in the jurisdiction, 2) the intent behind sending the information, and 3) the presence of any registration exceptions or thresholds.
If a jurisdiction has a very broad definition of lobbying, or a very low registration threshold, then it is likely you will need to register for the type of communication mentioned above. For example, Illinois requires registration as a lobbyist before you perform a lobbying activity, and the state has a broad definition of lobbying that includes communicating with legislative officials to promote goodwill or build relationships. As a result, if you are proactively communicating with legislative officials there, it is likely you will need to register.
In contrast, some states might have a low registration threshold but also include registration exceptions that would limit or eliminate your need to register. For example, Nebraska specifically excludes persons who limit their lobbying activity solely to writing letters or furnishing written materials to the legislature from the need to register.
Other jurisdictions have exceptions for information provided by technical experts who do not otherwise lobby, and for individuals who provide information only in response to a question or query from an official.
Because the regulatory environment surrounding lobbying can vary widely from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, you need to consider carefully the circumstances of a specific interaction when determining whether registration is or will be necessary. The decision to register is often one that is based on the specific facts of your particular engagement, so if you prefer to take a one-size-fits-all approach, you may need to err on the side of registering (and consequently reporting) to be sure that you are complying with every jurisdiction’s requirements.
More information about procurement lobbying requirements can easily be found on our website in the Registration section of the Lobbying Compliance Guidebook.
February 11, 2025 •
Quebec Provincial By-election for Terrebonne to be held March 17

On March 17, a provincial by-election in Quebec will be held in the electoral division of Terrebonne, located in Lanaudière region, for the Quebec National Assembly. The election will be held to fill the vacant seat of former Member of […]
On March 17, a provincial by-election in Quebec will be held in the electoral division of Terrebonne, located in Lanaudière region, for the Quebec National Assembly.
The election will be held to fill the vacant seat of former Member of the National Assembly Pierre Fitzgibbon, a member of the governing Coalition Avenir Québec, who resigned on September 4, 2024.
The by-election was announced by the government of Quebec on February 11.
February 11, 2025 •
Executive Order Pauses Enforcement for FCPA

On February 10, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order pausing enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). The FCPA is a federal law aimed at preventing the bribery of governmental officials of foreign nations by individuals and […]
On February 10, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order pausing enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).
The FCPA is a federal law aimed at preventing the bribery of governmental officials of foreign nations by individuals and entities under the jurisdiction of the United States. The act is unique because its goal is not to curtail unethical and illegal behavior of U.S. governmental officials, but to govern the ethical and legal behavior of corporations and individuals doing business overseas.
In his Executive Order, President Trump states the reason for the pause is “FCPA enforcement impedes the United States’ foreign policy objectives and therefore implicates the President’s Article II authority over foreign affairs.” The order states there is “overexpansive and unpredictable” enforcement “for routine business practices in other nations.”
The order requires the U.S. Attorney General to cease initiating new investigations unless they are determined necessary. It also calls for a review by the Attorney General of current FCPA guidelines and policies within the next 180 days, with new guidelines and policies issued if the Attorney General sees fit.
February 11, 2025 •
Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Minnesota: “Judge Blocks Minnesota Campaign Law to Limit Donations from Corporations with Foreign Ownership” by Briana Bierschbach (Minneapolis Star Tribune) for MSN New York: “Mohamed Bahi, Ex-Eric Adams Aide, to Plead Guilty to Federal Conspiracy Charges” by Greg Smith for The City […]
Campaign Finance
Minnesota: “Judge Blocks Minnesota Campaign Law to Limit Donations from Corporations with Foreign Ownership” by Briana Bierschbach (Minneapolis Star Tribune) for MSN
New York: “Mohamed Bahi, Ex-Eric Adams Aide, to Plead Guilty to Federal Conspiracy Charges” by Greg Smith for The City
Elections
National: “GOP Laws Aimed at Very Rare Noncitizen Voting Could Hit Eligible Voters” by Patrick Marley and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez (Washington Post) for MSN
Wisconsin: “Wisconsin Supreme Court Says Swing State’s Embattled Elections Chief Can Remain in Post” by Scott Bauer (Associated Press) for MSN
Ethics
National: “In Trump’s Actions, Opponents See More Than Cuts – They See a Constitutional Crisis” by Naftali Bendavid and Hannah Knowles (Washington Post) for MSN
National: “Trump Halts Aid to South Africa, Claiming Discrimination Against Afrikaners” by María Luisa Paúl (Washington Post) for MSN
New York: “Top Justice Department Official Orders Prosecutors to Drop Charges Against New York Mayor Eric Adams” by Jake Offenhartz, Alanna Durkin Richer, and Eric Tucker (Associated Press) for MSN
Lobbying
Indiana: “Almost $30M Spent Lobbying Indiana General Assembly Last Year” by Leslie Bonilla Muñiz (Indiana Capital Chronicle) for Yahoo News
February 10, 2025 •
Jim Tressel Chosen for Ohio Lieutenant Governor

Ohio Flag
Gov. Mike DeWine will nominate Jim Tressel as the new lieutenant governor of Ohio. Former Lt. Gov. Jon Husted resigned to replace Vice President JD Vance in the U.S. Senate. Tressel was previously the head football coach at The Ohio […]
Gov. Mike DeWine will nominate Jim Tressel as the new lieutenant governor of Ohio. Former Lt. Gov. Jon Husted resigned to replace Vice President JD Vance in the U.S. Senate. Tressel was previously the head football coach at The Ohio State University and most recently, the president of Youngstown State University. This appointment will last until the next election in 2026.
February 10, 2025 •
Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance National: “Trump Tries to Fire Chair of Federal Election Commission. Why She’s Refusing to Leave.” by Joey Garrison (USA Today) for MSN South Dakota: “South Dakota House Restores ‘Loan Loophole’ Bill Back to Original Form, Sends to Governor” by Joshua Haiar (South […]
Campaign Finance
National: “Trump Tries to Fire Chair of Federal Election Commission. Why She’s Refusing to Leave.” by Joey Garrison (USA Today) for MSN
South Dakota: “South Dakota House Restores ‘Loan Loophole’ Bill Back to Original Form, Sends to Governor” by Joshua Haiar (South Dakota Searchlight) for Yahoo News
Ethics
National: “Bondi Ends FBI Effort to Combat Foreign Influence in U.S. Politics” by Ken Dilanian (NBC News) for MSN
Mississippi: “Evidence in Jackson’s Bribery Scandal Can’t Be Made Public Until Trial, Judge Says” by Charlie Drape (Jackson Clarion Ledger) for MSN
Montana: “Montana Senate Votes to Send Ellsworth Investigation to Department of Justice” by Tom Lutey for Montana Free Press
National: “Trump’s New Line of Attack Against the Media Gains Momentum” by David Enrich (New York Times) for DNyuz
New York: “Mayor Adams Aide Under NYC Council Probe Didn’t Recuse from Ex-Employer Dealings Due to ‘Miscommunication'” by Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) for MSN
Lobbying
California: “S.F. Union Files Another Ethics Complaint Against Waymo After First Try Gets Tossed” by Chase DiFeliciantonio (San Francisco Chronicle) for MSN
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