LobbyComply Blog

The Vermont General Assembly adjourned sine die on May 29. Lawmakers passed House Bill 686, which requires lobbying advertising to contain certain disclosures when the General Assembly is not in session. If approved by Gov. Scott, the bill would be effective immediately.

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National/Federal

He Hasn’t Been Seen in Months. The Congressional Record Disagrees

MSN – Nina Heller (Roll Call) | Published: 6/2/2026

It has been nearly three months since he last cast a vote on the House floor, but U.S. Rep. Thomas Kean Jr. has been keeping busy, or at least trying to look like he is. In the 89 days since he last voted, Kean has also disclosed stock trades and introduced legislation. Five speeches under his name have appeared in the Congressional Record. Staff in congressional offices continue to work even when their bosses do not, which is nothing new. But Kean’s disappearance has raised long-overdue questions about transparency on the Hill, some experts say.

From the States and Municipalities

Alabama – Supreme Court Allows Alabama to Use Congressional Map Favoring Republicans in This Year’s Elections

Yahoo News – Mark Sherman (Associated Press) | Published: 6/2/2026

The U.S. Supreme Court allowed Alabama to use a congressional map favoring Republicans in this year’s elections, blocking a lower court ruling that the redistricting plan intentionally discriminates against Black people. The justices granted the state’s emergency appeal to use a map it adopted three years ago that has a majority-Black population in just one of its seven congressional districts. The three liberal justices dissented.

Colorado – Gov. Jared Polis Vetoes Bill Requiring Disclosure from Administration Lobbyists

Colorado Politics – Marianne Goodland | Published: 5/29/2026

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis vetoed a bill that would have required executive branch lobbyists to follow much of the same disclosure rules that already govern other lobbyists at the Capitol. Lobbyists for organizations are required to state their clients’ position on bills. The executive branch’s lobbyists, on the other hand, rarely provide a position. State Rep. Dusty Johnson argued the executive branch lobbyists should play by the same rules as any other lobbyist. She noted taxpayers pay the salaries of the executive branch lobbyists, one reason for more transparency.

Colorado – Secretary of State Rejects Lobbying Allegations in Colorado House District 6 Race

Colorado Politics – Marianne Goodland | Published: 6/3/2026

The Colorado secretary of state dismissed a complaint alleging attorney Iris Halpern engaged in illegal lobbying at the Capitol. Halpern is challenging Rep. Sean Camacho in the June 30 primary for the House District 6 seat. The complaint was filed by Bethany Morris, who had been a delegate for Camacho at the Denver Democrats’ Assembly. Halpern has long testified at the Capitol on legislation. Morris alleged that testimony proved Halpern was a lobbyist.

Maryland – A $100 Donation Ignites Ethics Questions for Baltimore County School Board

Yahoo News – Racquel Bazos (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 6/3/2026

A $100 campaign donation from the chairperson of Baltimore County’s Board of Education to a candidate seeking a seat on the board is raising questions about ethics, political influence, and the nonpartisan nature of the county’s school system. The dispute centers on more than the value of the contribution. At issue is whether a board chair should use her position, and political capital, to help shape the future makeup of the body she leads.

New Mexico – National Energy Super PAC Faces Ethics Complaint Over Spending in NM Land Commissioner Race

Source New Mexico – Patrick Lohman | Published: 5/22/2026

American Energy Action Fund, a super PAC that has thrown its weight behind a Democratic land commissioner candidate in New Mexico, is facing a state ethics complaint over its alleged failure to disclose spending details. The secretary of state’s office said the Virginia-based fund has not complied with a New Mexico law that requires out-of-state super PACs to submit certain spending records to the state.

New York – New York Lobbying Spending Sets Fourth Straight Record

MSN – Grace Jiang (Albany Times Union) | Published: 6/4/2026

For the fourth year in a row, spending to influence state government officials and lawmakers in New York set a record last year, with lobbyists and their clients reporting more than $384.8 million spent. The new record, according to a report from Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government, came with a messier figure attached: $23.47 million in discrepancies between what clients said they paid and what their lobbyists reported earning. The agency resolved most of those gaps one filing at a time and is pressing the state for money to automate the work.

New York – NY Appeals Court Unanimously Sustains Blakeman’s Public Funds Bid

MSN – Timothy Fanning (Albany Times Union) | Published: 5/28/2026

A New York appeals court ruled that state elections regulators created a bureaucratic trap and faulted the Public Campaign Finance Board for rolling out new gubernatorial ticket rules without updated forms, guidance, or training before they denied potentially millions of dollars in matching funds to candidates who subsequently failed to comply with the byzantine rules. Calling the state’s handling of the rollout “irrational,” an appellate court unanimously revived Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman’s bid for public campaign money.

Oklahoma – Out-of-State Group Tests Oklahoma Law with Cruise for Political Donation Sweepstakes

KGOU – Keaton Ross (Oklahoma Watch) | Published: 6/1/2026

A Wyoming-based organization is testing Oklahoma law by attempting a cruise sweepstakes for people who contribute at least $50 to one of their preferred candidates in the state’s 2026 election cycle. The group claims status as a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization, which is allowed to raise and spend unlimited amounts of money and is not required under state or federal law to disclose its donors. MOGANetwork LLC could face legal challenges over the sweepstakes, which must meet strict criteria to avoid being classified as an illegal lottery, according to attorney Bob Burke.

Rhode Island – RI Ethics Commission Will Investigate If Shekarchi Can Jump to the Supreme Court

MSN – Patrick Anderson (Providence Journal) | Published: 6/2/2026

The Rhode Island Ethics Commission will investigate whether former House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi’s bid to join the state Supreme Court violates the state’s “revolving door” law. Roger Williams University Law School Professor Michael Yelnosky has filed a complaint, arguing Shekarchi should have to wait a year before seeking a spot on the court.

The second regular session of the 104th General Assembly adjourned early in the morning on June 1, in overtime. Lawmakers approved nearly 400 bills, including a $56 billion state budget. Major legislation sent to Gov. Pritzker includes legislation prohibiting the discriminatory use of artificial intelligence in hiring and promotion processes.

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The Denver, Colorado City Council is set to consider sweeping reforms to the city’s lobbying code. Bill 26-0686 would require lobbyists to report grassroots lobbying expenditures in addition to legislative and administrative lobbying activities. The bill includes definitional changes, updated registration requirements, and additional disclosure requirements for lobbyists’ activity reports. The council next considers the legislation on June 8.

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The 2026 legislative session adjourned sine die June 1 after lawmakers passed several campaign finance and ethics bills. Legislators passed several bills targeting electioneering communications, including House Bill 459, which prohibits certain communications portraying a candidate through the use of AI; House Bill 540, which adds a disclosure requirement for digital material broadcast within 60 days before an election; and House Bill 639, which prohibits certain automated calls using the voice of a public figure created using AI. Senate Bill 495, effective on January 1, 2027, if approved by the governor, increases in-kind contributions and expenditures from $50 to $200; changes the due date of committee supplemental reports; and raises the contribution limit to unsuccessful major office candidates from $20,000 to $24,000. Lawmakers also passed House Bill 260, which allows legislators to accept transportation to foreign countries for trade, cultural, diplomatic, educational, or humanitarian purposes under certain circumstances. Unless otherwise specified, bills approved by the governor or allowed to become law without his signature will become effective August 1.

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Preparing for the upcoming summer season of state and local government officials group meetings means more than packing a suitcase and breaking out your most comfortable shoes. (I did buy an update on my black and white sneakers for the summer.) For State and Federal Communications — and for me personally — participation with the “groups” has long been a priority. It is a critical part of the government relations ecosystem and one which delivers positive dividends.

We recently made a quick inventory of our collective summer schedules and discovered our team will participate in at least 15 meetings between now and mid-August. That averages out to 1.5 meetings per week. And to be sure, we intend to take advantage of the educational programming, networking opportunities, and client engagement these gatherings provide.

Beyond simply attending, we also believe strongly in supporting these organizations through sponsorships and other forms of engagement. Sponsorships not only help make quality programming and meaningful get togethers possible, but also reflect a commitment to being an active, invested participant in the broader government relations community.

It is understood we are excited to kick off another busy conference season and look forward to reconnecting with friends, clients, and colleagues along the way. Whether it is at the airport, in a hotel lobby, walking through a convention hall, or catching up between sessions, we always value the conversations and relationships which make these meetings worthwhile. As our paths cross this summer, I hope you will take a moment to stop and say hello.

We can talk about the status of my suitcases in the future!!

EB

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A bill to change the ethics framework of the province’s city councils advanced through the legislature. On May 26, Bill 9, the Municipal Accountability Act, 2025, was carried on a vote for its third reading. The law would provide  that the Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations prescribing a code of conduct for members of city councils and of local boards, including Toronto, which is currently controlled by the City of Toronto Act, 2006. The Act requires the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario to perform certain functions with respect to a city’s Integrity Commissioner, including providing education and training to the local Commissioner. Additionally, Ontario’s Integrity Commissioner may conduct inquiries, refer matters back to the local commissioner, and recommend that a member’s seat be declared vacant and require a city council to vote on such recommendation.

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Following the decision in the 11th Circuit Court approving the previous struck down 2021 political map, Gov. Kay Ivey has called for special elections in State Senate Districts 25 and 26. 25 and 26 are the only districts that had their lines changed with the new map. The special elections will be held on August 11 coinciding with the congressional elections.

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Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan, alongside city council, has called for a special election to fill the Group 1 seat of the city council that was vacated by former councilman Edward Freeman. Councilman Freeman resigned his chair to run for an elected position in the Florida legislature. The special primary election will be held on August 18, and the special general election will be held on November 3 if no candidate receives a majority of votes in the primary.

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Following current Clerk of Court, Tiffany Moore Russell’s, resignation to run for mayor, Orange county Supervisor of Elections, Karen Castor Dentel, has called for a special election to fill the newly abdicated seat. In the interest of efficiency, the special election will run concurrently with the August 18 primary and November 3 general elections held statewide.

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National/Federal

How This Age of Extreme Gerrymandering Is Transforming American Politics

MSN – Patrick Marley and Olivia George (Washington Post) | Published: 5/25/2026

The nationwide redistricting battle that erupted last year has evolved into a forever war. Politicians, no longer content to leave elections to chance, are working with increased precision to choose their voters, with plans to recalibrate as often as every two years. The potential result is a congressional map that looks more like a presidential map, with winner-take-all elections in many states. That could increase the chances for minority rule and further divide an already polarized country.

Trump Bought Stock in Drugmaker as His Government Boosted Its Obesity Drugs

MSN – Darius Tahir (KFF Health News) | Published: 5/22/2026

President Trump earlier this year bought as much as $680,000 in stock of Eli Lilly, the maker of blockbuster obesity drugs. The timing of Trump’s purchases coincides with several favorable government decisions benefiting Lilly’s GLP-1 medication business, including progress toward a long-held goal: qualifying the drugs for reimbursement from Medicare when they are prescribed for weight loss. The disclosure forms, which bear Trump’s distinct signature, show seven purchases of Lilly stock made on the president’s behalf through the end of March.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – Complaint Raises Conflict of Interest Issues for Arizona Officials Who Are Also Candidates

KJZZ – Mary Jo Pitzl (Capitol Media Services) | Published: 5/25/2026

When he filed a campaign finance complaint with the Arizona secretary of state, a legislative candidate unwittingly provoked a question that pops up during election years: can election officials carry out their duties while also exercising their free speech rights? Arizona law does not bar endorsements or, more widely, block an election official’s management and oversight of elections when they themselves are on the ballot. The National Association of Secretaries of State had a similar assessment when looking at conflict of interest policies nationwide.

California – What Are They Trying to Hide? California Lawmakers Kill Lobbying Transparency Bills

MSN – Ryan Sabalow (CalMatters) | Published: 5/20/2026

California lawmakers are poised to defeat legislation that would have forced them to immediately release lobbying letters from business and advocacy groups and given the public a new window into the secretive world of Capitol lobbying. Two bills that would have required the Legislature to post the letters lawmakers receive from registered lobbyists and groups trying to influence legislation never received a hearing in the state Assembly. Now, the lawmaker in charge of the committee that would have to approve the measures for them to advance says the Legislature does not need a law to put the letters online.

Illinois – Fundraiser for Illinois GOP Governor Candidate Darren Bailey Delayed After Tribune Raised Ethics Law Questions

Yahoo News – Dan Petrella (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 5/27/2026

A political dinner that had been scheduled to benefit gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey was postponed after the Chicago Tribune raised questions about whether the event complied with a law prohibiting candidates from holding fundraisers anywhere in the state when the Legislature is in session. The prohibition also applies to “any political committee on behalf of” those elected officials or candidates. But it is unclear who is ultimately responsible for policing any potential violations.

Kansas – Kansas Official Running for Governor Received $300K in Donations Before Key Decision

Yahoo News – Matthew Kelly (Kansas City Star) | Published: 5/24/2026

A top Kansas regulator who is running for governor is facing scrutiny over a deluge of campaign contributions that she received from interested parties in the weeks before a key regulatory decision, raising ethical questions about a potential influence campaign. Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt denies any connection between the more than $300,000 she accepted from billionaire Todd Boehly and his allies and her office’s support for slower implementation of new capital rules that Boehly’s financial services company, Security Benefit, advocated forcefully for delaying.

Maine – Maine Ethics Suggests Going Further Than Federal Rules in Policing Candidate Communications

Yahoo News – Lauren McCauley (Maine Morning Star) | Published: 5/28/2026

Maine’s ethics commission is adopting a more stringent approach than the federal government regarding candidate communications, particularly those seemingly targeting outside groups seeking to advertise on a candidate’s behalf. State and federal campaign finance laws bar candidates from coordinating with PACs, which can spend unlimited funds and often do not disclose their donors. One way that candidates evade those restrictions is through so-called red boxing, a tactic in which a campaign publishes messaging and instructions to supportive PACs on their website.

Michigan – Bid to Reshape How Cash Flows in Michigan Politics Submits Petitions

AOL – Craig Mauger (Detroit News) | Published: 5/27/2026

A ballot proposal campaign that aims to ban some of Michigan’s largest corporations from spending money on state politics submitted more than 562,000 petition signatures to the secretary of state’s office. The filing might set off a high-stakes battle in Michigan, entangling powerful utilities and insurance heavyweights while potentially testing the legal ability of the public to limit the political influence of big businesses.

North Carolina – Warrant Reveals New Details in Case Against NC Lobbyists Charged Over Bourbon Tours, Gifts

MSN – Will Doran (WRAL) | Published: 5/26/2026

Powerful North Carolina lawmakers were treated to at least one other trip to Kentucky in addition to a 2024 bourbon tour, replete with free alcohol and other gifts, that has since resulted in criminal charges against four lobbyists, according to a search warrant. Investigators are also looking into a 2022 trip that they believe served as the model for the 2024 trip at the heart of the criminal case, according to the warrant. It also indicates more lobbyists, political fundraisers, and others were involved in the effort, including a top North Carolina Republican Party official. But there have been no additional charges.

Texas – Paxton’s Texas Victory Opens a New Front in the Battle for the Senate

Seattle Times – Lisa Lerer and Reid Epstein (New York Times) | Published: 5/27/2026

Ken Paxton’s primary election victory in Texas transformed the deep red state into the nation’s newest political battleground, expanding the U.S. Senate map, previewing lines of attack from both parties, and offering a test of President Trump’s influence in the general election. Democrats still face an uphill battle in their quest to turn Texas blue, even with the excitement surrounding their nominee, James Talarico, a state legislator and seminary student who is pitching a brand of inclusive politics.

Gov. Ron DeSantis called an additional special session on the topic of property taxes to follow the current redistricting special session expected to conclude on Friday, May 29. The new special session will begin next week on June 1 and will conclude no later than June 3.

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Before adjourning the 94th Legislature last week, lawmakers passed an omnibus bill amending campaign finance and lobbying reporting. House File 4239 modifies requirements for disclaimers on campaign advertisements. The bill removes the requirement of including the official’s address when reporting a gift and instead requires the lobbyist to include the official’s name, title, the government jurisdiction, and the date of the gift. The bill eliminates the requirement to report certain costs associated grassroots lobbying but requires a disclaimer on grassroots lobbying material, identifying the individual or association responsible for the content and allows for a penalty of $3,000 if the disclaimer is not included. Gov. Walz signed the bill on May 18, making the lobbying changes effective immediately.

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Lobbying thresholds decrease June 7 due to rule amendments approved at the Texas Ethics Commission’s May meeting. The threshold for lobbyist compensation and reimbursement decreased from $1,990 to $1,200. The lobbyist expenditure threshold decreased from $990 to $650 per calendar quarter, not including expenditures for an individual’s travel, food, lodging, or membership dues. These thresholds will no longer be subject to annual adjustment for changes in the consumer price index.

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