April 1, 2020 •
Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
![Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/LCNR-scaled-e1662492841233-1000x563.jpg)
Campaign Finance Arizona: “Arizona Campaign Finance Initiative Campaign Suspends Signature Gathering” by Ryan Byrne for Ballotpedia.com Elections National: “Frustrated Gamblers Turn to Politics as the Only Game in Town” by Tony Rehgan for Politico National: “Trump Won the Internet. Democrats […]
Campaign Finance
Arizona: “Arizona Campaign Finance Initiative Campaign Suspends Signature Gathering” by Ryan Byrne for Ballotpedia.com
Elections
National: “Frustrated Gamblers Turn to Politics as the Only Game in Town” by Tony Rehgan for Politico
National: “Trump Won the Internet. Democrats Are Scrambling to Take It Back.” by Jim Rutenberg and Matthew Rosenberg (New York Times) for MSN
Michigan: “Whitmer to Clerks: Send all new registrants an absentee ballot for May 5” by Beth LeBlanc for Detrit News
Lobbying
National: “Trump Administration Rules Gun Shops ‘Essential’ Amid Virus” by Lisa Marie Payne for AP News
Florida: “Council Committee Plans to Subpoena Bidders, Investment Banks in JEA Probe” by Mike Mendenhall for Jacksonville Daily Record
March 31, 2020 •
Colorado General Assembly Meets Briefly on March 30
![Colorado General Assembly Meets Briefly on March 30](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Colorado-Capitol-1000x563.jpg)
Colorado Capitol Building
The Colorado House and Senate convened for one day on March 30. However, lawmakers took different approaches to returning from the General Assembly’s COVID-19 recess. The House recessed until Thursday, April 2. Lawmakers in the House based their decision on […]
The Colorado House and Senate convened for one day on March 30.
However, lawmakers took different approaches to returning from the General Assembly’s COVID-19 recess.
The House recessed until Thursday, April 2.
Lawmakers in the House based their decision on the constitutional provision allowing for a three-day recess without formal agreement from both chambers.
The Senate, however, postponed indefinitely based on another interpretation.
The Senate interpretation allows the General Assembly to remain recessed without setting an exact date to reconvene.
On April 2, the House is expected to meet briefly and recess again for an unspecified period of time.
This does not affect lobbyist reporting.
Additionally, the General Assembly is still considered to be in regular session for purposes of restrictions on contributions from lobbyists during the session, as the General Assembly has not adjourned sine die.
March 31, 2020 •
Hawaii Proposed Administrative Rule Hearing Rescheduled
![Hawaii Proposed Administrative Rule Hearing Rescheduled](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/1024px-Hawaii_State_Capitol-1000x563.jpg)
The Hawaii State Ethics Commission has rescheduled its public hearing on proposed administrative rules concerning amendments to state lobbying and gift laws for May 7. Due to COVID-19 concerns, the original date of March 19 was postponed. The proposals include: […]
The Hawaii State Ethics Commission has rescheduled its public hearing on proposed administrative rules concerning amendments to state lobbying and gift laws for May 7.
Due to COVID-19 concerns, the original date of March 19 was postponed.
The proposals include:
- Clarifications as to what activities constitute lobbying
- Exclusions from lobbyist registration requirements
- A requirement that expenditures be reported on an accrual rather than cash basis
Additionally, the proposals would amend prohibitions on certain kinds of gifts, valuation of gifts, and gift disclosure statements.
March 31, 2020 •
Lawmakers in Newfoundland and Labrador Adjourn
![Lawmakers in Newfoundland and Labrador Adjourn](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/1024px-Confederation_Building_rear_St._Johns_Newfoundland_Canada-1000x563.jpg)
Confederation Building, Newfoundland, CA - by shhewitt
On March 26, the General Assembly of Newfoundland and Labrador agreed to adjourn parliamentary business until an unspecified future date. The adjournment is in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The legislature will remain adjourned until the call of the Chair, […]
On March 26, the General Assembly of Newfoundland and Labrador agreed to adjourn parliamentary business until an unspecified future date.
The adjournment is in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The legislature will remain adjourned until the call of the Chair, the procedure for recalling lawmakers into session.
March 31, 2020 •
New York Nassau County Attorney Announces Extension For Lobbyist Report
![New York Nassau County Attorney Announces Extension For Lobbyist Report](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/1024px-Flag_of_Nassau_County_NY-1000x563.png)
Flag of Nassau County, NY
The Office of the County Attorney announced emergency regulations extending the deadline for filing first quarter lobbyist reports. This comes in response to the COVID-19 outbreak and current state of emergency. The deadline for lobbyist reports covering activity for the […]
The Office of the County Attorney announced emergency regulations extending the deadline for filing first quarter lobbyist reports.
This comes in response to the COVID-19 outbreak and current state of emergency.
The deadline for lobbyist reports covering activity for the period of January 1 to March 31 is extended until May 15.
March 31, 2020 •
April Sitting of Prince Edward Island Legislature Postponed Due to Coronavirus
![April Sitting of Prince Edward Island Legislature Postponed Due to Coronavirus](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Prince-Edward-Island-Legislative-Chamber-800x563.jpg)
Prince Edward Island Legislative Assembly Chamber - Joseph Thornley
The anticipated start date of April 7, 2020, for the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island has been postponed until a date to be determined due to the coronavirus pandemic. Speaker Colin LaVie suspended the Spring Sitting of the Legislature […]
The anticipated start date of April 7, 2020, for the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island has been postponed until a date to be determined due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Speaker Colin LaVie suspended the Spring Sitting of the Legislature based on recommendations of the province’s chief public health officer.
LaVie intends to call the legislature into session after consultation with the other parliamentary leaders as the situation evolves.
March 31, 2020 •
British Columbia Legislative Committees Videoconferencing
![British Columbia Legislative Committees Videoconferencing](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/British-Columbia-Legislature-1000x563.jpg)
British Columbia Legislature
As of March 30, committees of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, such as the Public Account Committee, continue to meet using videoconferencing. Some of the committee videoconferencing is available for the public to view live on the Assembly’s website. […]
As of March 30, committees of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, such as the Public Account Committee, continue to meet using videoconferencing.
Some of the committee videoconferencing is available for the public to view live on the Assembly’s website.
On March 23, lawmakers had adjourned their Spring Session to a date they have not yet determined.
Legislators will reconvene at their physical legislative building when the Speaker of the House, after consultation with the government, determines the public interest requires it or when advised by the government.
March 31, 2020 •
Yukon Legislature to Convene October 1
![Yukon Legislature to Convene October 1](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/1024px-Yukon_Legislature_north_entrance-1000x563.jpg)
Yukon Legislature - by Own Work
On October 1, the Yukon Legislative Assembly is scheduled to convene, having recessed in response to the coronavirus pandemic. On March 19, the legislature adjourned its Spring Session earlier than the scheduled April 16 end-of-session date, while still staying late […]
On October 1, the Yukon Legislative Assembly is scheduled to convene, having recessed in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
On March 19, the legislature adjourned its Spring Session earlier than the scheduled April 16 end-of-session date, while still staying late on its last day to complete consideration of Bill No. 203, a fiscal appropriation act for the territory.
“These are unusual times that call for unusual measures,” said Speaker Hon. Nils Clarke said in his press release.
March 31, 2020 •
New York JCOPE Suspends Lobbying Random Audit Program
![New York JCOPE Suspends Lobbying Random Audit Program](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/New-York-Capitol-1000x563.jpg)
New York Capitol Building
The Joint Commission on Public Ethics announced the suspension of the Lobbying Random Audit Program to avoid unnecessary administrative burden during the COVID-19 emergency. Effective immediately, no new audits will be initiated by JCOPE until further notice. Complying with ongoing […]
The Joint Commission on Public Ethics announced the suspension of the Lobbying Random Audit Program to avoid unnecessary administrative burden during the COVID-19 emergency.
Effective immediately, no new audits will be initiated by JCOPE until further notice.
Complying with ongoing audits is voluntary until the commission resumes the audit program.
Any questions regarding this policy should be emailed to helpdesk@jcope.ny.gov, with ‘Audit’ in the subject line.
March 31, 2020 •
Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
![Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/LCNR-scaled-e1662492841233-1000x563.jpg)
Campaign Finance Washington: “U.S. Supreme Court Won’t Hear Challenge to Seattle’s ‘Democracy Vouchers’” by Daniel Beekman for Seattle Times Elections New York: “New York Delays Presidential Primary, Special Election to June” by Bridget Bowman for Roll Call Pennsylvania: “Pennsylvania Moves […]
Campaign Finance
Washington: “U.S. Supreme Court Won’t Hear Challenge to Seattle’s ‘Democracy Vouchers’” by Daniel Beekman for Seattle Times
Elections
New York: “New York Delays Presidential Primary, Special Election to June” by Bridget Bowman for Roll Call
Pennsylvania: “Pennsylvania Moves Primaries to June 2 Amid Coronavirus Pandemic” by Bridget Bowman for Roll Call
Ethics
National: “A History of the Trump War on Media – the Obsession Not Even Coronavirus Could Stop” by Manuel Roig-Franzia and Sarah Ellison for Washington Post
National: “Justice Department Reviews Stock Trades by Lawmakers After Coronavirus Briefings” by David Shortell, Evan Perez, Jeremy Herb, and Kara Scannell for CNN
Lobbying
National: “Forget Washington – Corporate America Is Focused on Governors Right Now” by Sam Sutton for Politico
March 30, 2020 •
New York JCOPE Announces Extension And Temporary Procedures
![New York JCOPE Announces Extension And Temporary Procedures](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/1024px-New_York_State_Capitol_28337961392-1000x563.jpg)
NY State Capitol - by formulanone
Due to the COVID-19 emergency, the Joint Commission on Public Ethics announced a deadline extension for all lobbying filings until April 15. The extension includes bimonthly reports covering activity for the reporting period of January to February 2020. JCOPE also […]
Due to the COVID-19 emergency, the Joint Commission on Public Ethics announced a deadline extension for all lobbying filings until April 15.
The extension includes bimonthly reports covering activity for the reporting period of January to February 2020.
JCOPE also announced temporary procedures regarding hand delivery of report filings and checks.
Until further notice, visitors are not allowed into the JCOPE offices. Beginning April 15, JCOPE will accept hand delivery of lobbying filings.
However, the commission is not accepting hand delivery of checks until further notice.
Instead, any checks should be submitted either by mail or by submitting the filing through the online Lobbying Application using a credit card to pay the submission fee.
If neither option is possible, JCOPE asks filers to hold all checks for hand delivery until further notice.
March 30, 2020 •
New Hampshire Legislature Suspends Legislative Session
![New Hampshire Legislature Suspends Legislative Session](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/New-Hampshire-Capitol-1000x563.jpg)
New Hampshire State House - AlexiusHoratius
State Senate President Donna Soucy and Speaker of the House Stephen Shurtleff announced the General Court has extended the suspension of all legislative activities through May 4. During this time, the State House is closed to legislative members, legislative staff, […]
State Senate President Donna Soucy and Speaker of the House Stephen Shurtleff announced the General Court has extended the suspension of all legislative activities through May 4.
During this time, the State House is closed to legislative members, legislative staff, and visitors.
The announcement is in conjunction with Governor Chris Sununu’s emergency stay-at-home order due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns.
This does not affect lobbyist reporting.
March 30, 2020 •
Michigan Encourages Absentee Voting in May 5 Elections
![Michigan Encourages Absentee Voting in May 5 Elections](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Michigan-Capitol-Building-1000x563.jpg)
Michigan State Capitol - By Brian Charles Watson
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued Executive Order 2020-27 on March 29 suspending rules under Michigan election law for elections on May 5. Additionally, the Governor instructed local clerks, county clerks, and election administrators to immediately begin preparations to conduct the election […]
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued Executive Order 2020-27 on March 29 suspending rules under Michigan election law for elections on May 5.
Additionally, the Governor instructed local clerks, county clerks, and election administrators to immediately begin preparations to conduct the election primarily by mail.
The Department of State may assist with the mailing of absent voter ballot applications and preparation of postage-prepaid absent voter ballot return envelopes for the return of voted ballots.
Gov. Whitmer is encouraging all voters to vote by absentee ballot.
However, each jurisdiction must maintain at least one location on election day where any voter can appear in-person to receive and submit a ballot.
March 30, 2020 •
Indiana Election Commission Suspends Normal Requirements for Absentee Ballots
![Indiana Election Commission Suspends Normal Requirements for Absentee Ballots](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Indiana_State_Capitol_Market_St-1000x563.jpg)
Indiana State Capitol - By Daniel Schwen / CC BY-SA
The Election Commission has suspended the normal requirements for absentee balloting in the June 2 presidential and state primary elections. Gov. Eric Holcomb postponed the presidential and state primary elections to June 2 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Indiana Election […]
The Election Commission has suspended the normal requirements for absentee balloting in the June 2 presidential and state primary elections.
Gov. Eric Holcomb postponed the presidential and state primary elections to June 2 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Indiana Election Commission Order 2020-37 authorizes the temporary suspension of the state’s statutory absentee voting eligibility requirements.
This will allow all voters to cast their ballots by mail.
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