January 14, 2021 •
Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance California: “U.S. Supreme Court Takes Up Dispute Over California Nonprofit Donor Disclosure Requirement” by Lawrence Hurley for Reuters Nevada: “Nevada Lawmaker Resigns Amid Campaign Finance Investigation” by Sam Metz for Associated Press News Elections National: “A Siege on […]
Campaign Finance
California: “U.S. Supreme Court Takes Up Dispute Over California Nonprofit Donor Disclosure Requirement” by Lawrence Hurley for Reuters
Nevada: “Nevada Lawmaker Resigns Amid Campaign Finance Investigation” by Sam Metz for Associated Press News
Elections
National: “A Siege on the U.S. Capitol, a Strike Against Democracy Worldwide” by Anthony Faiola, Shibani Mahtani, and Isabelle Khurshudyan (Washington Post) for MSN
Ethics
National: “House Hands Trump a Second Impeachment, This Time with GOP Support” by Mike DeBonis and Paul Kane (Washington Post) for MSN
National: “Backlash to Riot at Capitol Hobbles Trump’s Business as Banks, Partners Flee the Brand” by Josh Dawsey, David Fahrenthold, and Jonathan O’Connell (Washington Post) for MSN
Colorado: “Denver Mayor Hancock’s Office Still Exposed to Conflicts of Interest, Auditor Says” by Conrad Swanson for Denver Post
Michigan: “Michigan Plans to Charge Ex-Gov. Snyder in Flint Water Probe” by Ed White, David Egert, and Tammy Webber for Associated Press News
Legislative Issues
Illinois: “Michael Madigan’s Decadeslong Grip on Illinois Ends as House Democrats Set to Make Rep. Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch State’s First Black Speaker” by Rick Pearson, Dan Petrella, and Jamie Munks (Chicago Tribune) for Yahoo News
Lobbying
National: “House Democrats Reintroduce Bill to Reduce Lobbyist Influence” by Alex Gangitano (The Hill) for MSN
Texas: “A Texas Lawmaker Worked with the State Restaurant Association to Draft an Alcohol-to-Go Bill. His Wife Lobbies for the Group.” by Mitchell Ferman and Juan Pablo Garnham for Texas Tribune
January 13, 2021 •
Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Illinois: “Ethics Board Fines Ald. Austin $145,500 For Accepting Improper Campaign Contributions” by Heather Cherone for WTTW New York: “New York’s Aggressive Elections Enforcement Chief to Retire” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union Ethics National: “Beyond Impeachment, […]
Campaign Finance
Illinois: “Ethics Board Fines Ald. Austin $145,500 For Accepting Improper Campaign Contributions” by Heather Cherone for WTTW
New York: “New York’s Aggressive Elections Enforcement Chief to Retire” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union
Ethics
National: “Beyond Impeachment, a Push for Ethics Laws That Do Not Depend on Shame” by Elizabeth Williamson for New York Times
National: “Trump’s Nonprofit Inaugural Committee Improperly Paid a $49,000 Bill Incurred by His Company, D.C. Attorney General Alleges” by David Fahrenthold (Washington Post) for MSN
Florida: “Former Tallahassee Ethics Officer Julie Meadows-Keefe Charged with Stalking” by Karl Etters (Tallahassee Democrat) for MSN
North Carolina: “Charlotte Council Member Announces Sudden Retirement After Taking Construction Job” by Danielle Chemtob and Alison Kuznitz (Charlotte Observer) for MSN
Oregon: “Rioters Stormed the Oregon Capitol in December. Video Sows a Republican Lawmaker Let Them In.” by Katie Shepherd for Washington Post
West Virginia: “GOP West Virginia Lawmaker Who Live-Streamed Himself Storming the Capitol Resigns After Arrest” by Meryl Kornfield (Washington Post) for MSN
Legislative Issues
Illinois: “In Politically Calculated Move, Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan Suspends bid for Another Term but Doesn’t Bow Out” by Dan Petrella (Chicago Tribune) for MSN
January 12, 2021 •
Virginia Special Election Set for March 23
VA Gov. Ralph Northam - by Mark Warner
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced a special election to be held on March 23 for the 38th Senate District. The seat was previously held by Sen. A. Benton Chafin, Jr. who passed away January 1.
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced a special election to be held on March 23 for the 38th Senate District.
The seat was previously held by Sen. A. Benton Chafin, Jr. who passed away January 1.
January 12, 2021 •
Arizona Increases Campaign Contribution Limits
Arizona State Capitol - by Visitor7
The Arizona Secretary of State’s Office has increased contribution limits for the 2021-2022 election cycle. Effective January 1, an individual may not contribute more than $5,300 per election cycle to a candidate committee for statewide office and legislative office. Additionally, […]
The Arizona Secretary of State’s Office has increased contribution limits for the 2021-2022 election cycle.
Effective January 1, an individual may not contribute more than $5,300 per election cycle to a candidate committee for statewide office and legislative office. Additionally, an individual may not contribute more than $6,550 per election cycle to a candidate committee for district office, county office, town office, and city office.
Contribution limits for PACs have also increased. A PAC without Mega PAC status may not contribute more than $5,300 per election cycle to a candidate for statewide office. In contrast, a PAC with Mega PAC status may contribute $10,600 per election cycle to candidates for statewide and legislative office and $13,100 per election cycle to candidates for county, city, town, or district office.
January 12, 2021 •
Special Election Set to Fill Vacant Seat
New Hampshire State House - AlexiusHoratius
A special election for April 13 has been set to fill a vacancy in New Hampshire House District Hillsborough 21. The primary is scheduled for February 23, but may serve as the general election if no primary is required. The […]
A special election for April 13 has been set to fill a vacancy in New Hampshire House District Hillsborough 21.
The primary is scheduled for February 23, but may serve as the general election if no primary is required.
The filing deadline for candidates is January 15.
January 12, 2021 •
Colorado to Pause Legislative Session Due to COVID-19
Colorado Capitol Building
The Colorado Legislature will convene for the 2021 regular session on January 13. However, it is expected to pause soon after until February 16 due to growing COVID-19 concerns in the state. Lawmakers will convene to address urgent business, including […]
The Colorado Legislature will convene for the 2021 regular session on January 13.
However, it is expected to pause soon after until February 16 due to growing COVID-19 concerns in the state.
Lawmakers will convene to address urgent business, including swearing in new members, as quickly as possible before temporarily pausing the session.
The tentative plan is to resume February 16 when leaders hope the peak of the pandemic will have subsided. However, work may resume earlier if there is an emergency that requires immediate attention.
This does not affect lobbyist reporting.
January 12, 2021 •
FEC Adjusts Penalty Amounts for Inflation
FEC; Photo: Sarah Silbiger/CQ Roll Call
On January 11, the Federal Election Commission’s published its civil monetary penalty amounts adjusted for inflation in the Federal Register. The potential fine for civil violations of federal campaign finance laws have increased to range from $6,141 to $71,812, from […]
On January 11, the Federal Election Commission’s published its civil monetary penalty amounts adjusted for inflation in the Federal Register.
The potential fine for civil violations of federal campaign finance laws have increased to range from $6,141 to $71,812, from the previous range of $6,069 to $70,973. The amounts are calculated through a statutory formula applying the most recent “cost-of-living adjustment multiplier,” issued by the Office of Management and Budget, to the current amounts.
The amended civil monetary penalties took effect as of January 11, the publication date.
January 12, 2021 •
Iowa Special Election Scheduled for January 26
Iowa Capitol Building - Ashton B Crew
A special election for Iowa Senate District 41 is scheduled for January 26. Gov. Kim Reynolds called the special election to fill the vacancy left by newly elected Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, who stepped down last month. Following a recount, Miller-Meeks […]
A special election for Iowa Senate District 41 is scheduled for January 26.
Gov. Kim Reynolds called the special election to fill the vacancy left by newly elected Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, who stepped down last month.
Following a recount, Miller-Meeks was certified by Iowa as the winner by six votes out of nearly 400,000.
The election result, however, is being contested by her Democratic opponent, Rita Hart.
A spokesman for Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Democrats will provisionally seat Miller-Meeks pending the outcome of the challenge.
The House can later decide Hart won the race and should replace Miller-Meeks.
Hart’s contest argues at least 22 lawfully cast votes, including 18 for her, were wrongly excluded due to a variety of errors.
The Associated Press has not called a winner in this race.
January 12, 2021 •
Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance National: “U.S. Campaign Finance System Rocked as Major Firms Pause or Halt Political Contributions After Election Results Challenged” by Todd Frankel, Jeff Stein, and Tony Romm (Washington Post) for Seattle Times Utah: “Tribune Analysis: Utah lawmakers spend unlimited […]
Campaign Finance
National: “U.S. Campaign Finance System Rocked as Major Firms Pause or Halt Political Contributions After Election Results Challenged” by Todd Frankel, Jeff Stein, and Tony Romm (Washington Post) for Seattle Times
Utah: “Tribune Analysis: Utah lawmakers spend unlimited amounts in campaign cash – sometimes in violation of state law” by Taylor Stevens and Bethany Rodgers (Salt Lake Tribune) for MSN
Ethics
National: “Dems Prep ‘Incitement of Insurrection’ Charge against Trump” by Lisa Mascaro, Bill Barrow, and Mary Clare Jalonick for Associated Press News
Kansas: “Wichita City Council Plans to Tackle Ethics Reform Following Clendenin Resignation” by Chance Swaim for Wichita Eagle
South Dakota: “City Insurance Now Covers Legal Defense If Mayor, Councilors Face Ethics Violation” by Trevor Mitchell (Sioux Falls Argus Leader) for MSN
Tennessee: “Tennessee House Speaker on FBI Raid: Those subject to search warrants on ‘administrative leave’” by Natalie Allison (Tennessean) for MSN
Lobbying
National: “As Biden Raises Money for His Virtual Inauguration, Lobbyists Prepare for a Scaled-Down Schmooze-Fest” by Fredreka Schouten for CNN
Minnesota: “State Board Proposals Would Change How Lobbying Activities Are Reported in Minnesota” by Peter Callaghan for Minnesota Post
Oklahoma: “Former Stitt Staffer Lobbying for Company Bidding on State Medicaid Contract” by Carmen Forman for The Oklahoman
January 11, 2021 •
Illinois Legislature Begins Lame Duck Session
Illinois State Capitol Building
The Illinois Legislature began a final session for the 101st General Assembly on January 8. The Senate met at the Capitol while the House met at the Bank of Springfield Center. The separate meeting locations accommodated social distancing due to […]
The Illinois Legislature began a final session for the 101st General Assembly on January 8.
The Senate met at the Capitol while the House met at the Bank of Springfield Center.
The separate meeting locations accommodated social distancing due to COVID-19 concerns.
Rep. Patrick Windhorst indicated if ethics reforms were not addressed, he would refile a proposal for the 102nd General Assembly, set to convene January 13.
Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan announced he is suspending his bid for another term as speaker, but is not withdrawing from the race.
A speaker must be elected before the House of Representatives can begin work.
January 11, 2021 •
House of Delegates to Consider Prohibiting Corporate Contributions
Virginia State Capitol - KWL / CC BY-SA
A bill prohibiting corporate campaign contributions has been introduced in the Virginia House of Delegates. House Bill 1906 would not only prohibit direct contributions to candidates and committees but also prohibit indirect contributions. This would include designated contributions or contributions directed […]
A bill prohibiting corporate campaign contributions has been introduced in the Virginia House of Delegates.
House Bill 1906 would not only prohibit direct contributions to candidates and committees but also prohibit indirect contributions.
This would include designated contributions or contributions directed through another person or committee.
The proposed bill includes a civil penalty of up to twice the amount of the prohibited contributions.
January 11, 2021 •
Which Legislatures are in Session This Week?
Michigan State Capitol - By Brian Charles Watson
Another new batch of states are going in session this week! Are you ready? Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Delaware Georgia Idaho Illinois Iowa Maryland Michigan New Jersey South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming It’s […]
Another new batch of states are going in session this week! Are you ready?
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Maryland
- Michigan
- New Jersey
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
It’s another big week in a busy legislative year. Stay in touch with lobbycomply.com to see when the other starts will convene.
January 11, 2021 •
West Virginia Lawmaker who Stormed Capitol Resigns
Del. Derrick Evans has announced his resignation from the West Virginia Legislature. This comes after being arrested and charged for his part in storming the U.S. Capitol Building. Evans was set to serve his first term as delegate for West […]
Del. Derrick Evans has announced his resignation from the West Virginia Legislature.
This comes after being arrested and charged for his part in storming the U.S. Capitol Building.
Evans was set to serve his first term as delegate for West Virginia’s 19th House District after winning the seat in November.
Gov. Jim Justice is expected to appoint a replacement for Evans in the coming weeks.
January 11, 2021 •
Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Georgia: “Atlanta Mayor Fined $37,000 for Campaign Finance Violations During 2017 Mayor’s Race” by Staff for WSB Ohio: “FirstEnergy Cash Comprised Big Chunk of Donations to Dark Money Outfits Backing DeWine and His Daughter, Documents Show” by Jessie […]
Campaign Finance
Georgia: “Atlanta Mayor Fined $37,000 for Campaign Finance Violations During 2017 Mayor’s Race” by Staff for WSB
Ohio: “FirstEnergy Cash Comprised Big Chunk of Donations to Dark Money Outfits Backing DeWine and His Daughter, Documents Show” by Jessie Balmert (Cincinnati Enquirer) for MSN
Washington: “‘He’s Been Fibbing for 20 Years’: Tim Eyman trial approaches conclusion, state alleges years of schemes” by David Gutman for Seattle Times
Elections
National: “Trump Says He Won’t Attend Biden’s Inauguration” by Quint Forgey for Politico
Georgia: “‘Find the Fraud’: Trump pressured a Georgia elections investigator in a separate call legal experts say could amount to obstruction” by Amy Gardner (Washington Post) for MSN
Ethics
National: “Twitter Bans Trump’s Account, Citing Risk of Further Violence” by Nitasha Tiku, Tony Romm, and Craig Timberg (Washington Post) for MSN
California: “Downtown Developer Will Pay $1.2 Million in L.A. City Hall Corruption Case” by David Zahniser (Los Angeles Times) for MSN
Lobbying
National: “K Street Adjusts for Democratic Senate” by Kate Ackley (Roll Call) for MSN
Procurement
Iowa: “Iowa Governor, Ades Appear in PR Video for No-Bid Vendor” by Ryan Foley (Associated Press) for MSN
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.
