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

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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
February 7, 2025 •
Kentucky Publishes Contribution Limit Adjustments

The Kentucky Registry of Election Finance published the new contribution limits effective January 1 on its website. Contribution limits for individuals and PACs increased from $2,100 to $2,200 to candidates per election and to PACs and contributing organizations per year. […]
The Kentucky Registry of Election Finance published the new contribution limits effective January 1 on its website. Contribution limits for individuals and PACs increased from $2,100 to $2,200 to candidates per election and to PACs and contributing organizations per year. The $2,200 contribution limit is not applicable to political issues committees.
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.