March 18, 2020 •
Hawaii Ethics Commission Postpones March 19 Administrative Rule Hearing
![Hawaii Ethics Commission Postpones March 19 Administrative Rule Hearing](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Honolulu-Skyline-1000x563.jpg)
Honolulu Skyline - Chris Dickey
Due to COVID-19 concerns, the Hawaii State Ethics Commission has postponed its public hearing on proposed administrative rules concerning amendments to state lobbying and gift laws scheduled for March 19. While a new date has not been established, the ethics […]
Due to COVID-19 concerns, the Hawaii State Ethics Commission has postponed its public hearing on proposed administrative rules concerning amendments to state lobbying and gift laws scheduled for March 19.
While a new date has not been established, the ethics commission indicated the public hearing will likely take place in early May.
The proposals include:
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- Clarifications as to what activities constitute lobbying
- Exclusions from lobbyist registration requirements
- Requirements that expenditures be reported on an accrual rather than cash basis
Additionally, the proposals amend prohibitions on certain kinds of gifts, valuation of gifts, and gift disclosure statements.
March 18, 2020 •
Alaska Governor Declares Public Health State of Emergency
![Alaska Governor Declares Public Health State of Emergency](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Mike-Dunleavy-crop-815x563.jpg)
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy
Gov. Mike Dunleavy declared a public health disaster emergency in the state. People are encouraged to practice social distancing and avoid large crowds if possible, especially if they are elderly or have underlying health conditions. Access to the Capitol is […]
Gov. Mike Dunleavy declared a public health disaster emergency in the state.
People are encouraged to practice social distancing and avoid large crowds if possible, especially if they are elderly or have underlying health conditions.
Access to the Capitol is limited to lawmakers, employees of the Legislature, members of the governor’s administration, and credentialed journalists.
Lawmakers voted to approve $4.1 million of funding to respond to the coronavirus.
The regular session will adjourn if five or more legislators contract the virus.
March 18, 2020 •
Alaska Public Offices Commission Limited Office Closure
![Alaska Public Offices Commission Limited Office Closure](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Alaska_State_Capitol_Building-1000x563.jpg)
Alaska State Capitol Buildling - Jay Galvin
The offices of the Alaska Public Offices Commission (APOC) will be closed to walk-in traffic until further notice. This comes in recognition of state and federal calls for social distancing and to protect the public and its employees. APOC offices […]
The offices of the Alaska Public Offices Commission (APOC) will be closed to walk-in traffic until further notice.
This comes in recognition of state and federal calls for social distancing and to protect the public and its employees.
APOC offices will remain staffed and continue to serve the public and respond through alternative forms of contact including mail, email, fax, and telephone, during its normal business hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.
This does not affect lobbyist reporting.
March 18, 2020 •
FPPC Offers Guidance on Form 700 Deadline in Wake of COVID-19
![FPPC Offers Guidance on Form 700 Deadline in Wake of COVID-19](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Sacramento-Skyline-1000x563.jpg)
Sacramento, CA Skyline - Basil D Soufi
The California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) encourages filers who have access to an electronic Form 700 filing system to take advantage of its use. This comes in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic and the upcoming Form 700 Statement […]
The California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) encourages filers who have access to an electronic Form 700 filing system to take advantage of its use.
This comes in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic and the upcoming Form 700 Statement of Economic Interests filing deadline on April 1, 2020.
If electronic filing is not available, filers are strongly encouraged to submit forms by mail rather than in person.
Statements postmarked on or before the filing deadline are considered timely filed.
The FPPC’s advice telephone line is closed until further notice.
However, they continue to timely respond to requests for advice via email.
March 18, 2020 •
California Legislature Suspends Session in Response to COVID-19
![California Legislature Suspends Session in Response to COVID-19](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/California-Capitol-Building-1000x563.jpg)
California State Capitol Building - Jeff Turner
The California Legislature voted to suspend its 2020 session for nearly a month in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Lawmakers Monday night voted unanimously to recess from March 20 until April 13, though the date is subject to change. The […]
The California Legislature voted to suspend its 2020 session for nearly a month in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Lawmakers Monday night voted unanimously to recess from March 20 until April 13, though the date is subject to change.
The Legislature passed a relief package that sends $1.1 billion in support to hospitals, facilities, local governments and schools to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.
This does not affect lobbyist reporting.
March 18, 2020 •
New Jersey Legislature Cancels All Meetings after March 19
![New Jersey Legislature Cancels All Meetings after March 19](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/New-Jersey-Capitol-Building-1000x563.jpg)
New Jersey Capitol Building
On March 19, the Senate will convene a voting session regarding emergency bills to address COVID-19. All other Senate and Assembly committee meetings and sessions that scheduled for the month of March have been cancelled. These actions do not affect […]
On March 19, the Senate will convene a voting session regarding emergency bills to address COVID-19.
All other Senate and Assembly committee meetings and sessions that scheduled for the month of March have been cancelled.
These actions do not affect lobbyist reporting.
March 18, 2020 •
Wyoming Legislature Wraps Up Legislative Session
![Wyoming Legislature Wraps Up Legislative Session](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/1152px-Wyoming_State_Capitol-1000x563.jpg)
Wyoming Capitol - By Bradlyons
The 2020 budget session of the Wyoming Legislature adjourned sine die on March 13 after 24 days in session. The session lasted an extra four days this year because of a decision made by lawmakers last year. During the session, […]
The 2020 budget session of the Wyoming Legislature adjourned sine die on March 13 after 24 days in session.
The session lasted an extra four days this year because of a decision made by lawmakers last year.
During the session, legislators passed a bill expanding limitations on campaign contributions.
Senate File 20 expands limitations on campaign contributions from organizations to include a candidate’s campaign committee or any political party or political action committee that directly coordinates with a candidate or a candidate’s campaign committee.
The bill becomes effective July 1, 2020, and does not affect lobbyist reporting.
March 18, 2020 •
Mississippi Legislature Halts Session Over COVID-19 Concerns
![Mississippi Legislature Halts Session Over COVID-19 Concerns](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Mississippi_State_Capitol_Jackson_Mississippi_3931963863-1000x563.jpg)
Mississippi State Capitol - by Ken Lund
The Legislature has announced the legislative session will be suspended. The Senate met March 18 to pass House Bill 1647. House Bill 1647 provides administrative leave to local government and school district employees in response to the effects of COVID-19. […]
The Legislature has announced the legislative session will be suspended.
The Senate met March 18 to pass House Bill 1647.
House Bill 1647 provides administrative leave to local government and school district employees in response to the effects of COVID-19.
The Senate also agreed to House Concurrent Resolution 65, suspending the session until April 1.
The resolution also extended the legislative session until June 9 and provided for a potential further extension until July 9.
The additional extension is needed if the Legislature is unable to reconvene in time for the June 9 deadline.
This does affect lobbyist reporting.
The end of session report due 10 days after the Legislature adjourns sine die will now be due on June 19 unless an additional extension of the session occurs.
March 18, 2020 •
New Hampshire Legislature Extends Suspension of Legislative Session
![New Hampshire Legislature Extends Suspension of Legislative Session](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/New-Hampshire-Capitol-1000x563.jpg)
New Hampshire State House - AlexiusHoratius
Due to COVID-19, the New Hampshire General Court has suspended all legislative activities through April 10. During this time, the State House will be closed to legislative members, legislative staff, and visitors. This does not affect lobbyist reporting.
Due to COVID-19, the New Hampshire General Court has suspended all legislative activities through April 10.
During this time, the State House will be closed to legislative members, legislative staff, and visitors.
This does not affect lobbyist reporting.
March 18, 2020 •
New Jersey Federal Court Enjoins Donor Disclosure Law
![New Jersey Federal Court Enjoins Donor Disclosure Law](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/New-Jersey-Capitol-Building-1000x563.jpg)
New Jersey Capitol Building
On March 11, the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey permanently enjoined the state from enforcing Senate Bill 150. The bill was signed by the governor last June and was scheduled to take effect on October […]
On March 11, the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey permanently enjoined the state from enforcing Senate Bill 150.
The bill was signed by the governor last June and was scheduled to take effect on October 15, 2019.
The dark money bill required independent expenditure committees to report contributions in excess of $10,000.
Additionally, the bill required reporting of expenditures in excess of $3,000 to the Election Law Enforcement Commission.
The order does not prevent the Legislature to revisit the issue with new legislation.
March 18, 2020 •
San Francisco Ethics Commission Offices Will Be Closed During Public Health Order
![San Francisco Ethics Commission Offices Will Be Closed During Public Health Order](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/San-Francisco-1000x563.jpg)
San Francisco, California - Noahnmf
Mayor London N. Breed announced the Health Officer of the City and County of San Francisco has issued a Public Health Order. This order requires residents to remain in place, with the only exception being for essential needs. This measure […]
Mayor London N. Breed announced the Health Officer of the City and County of San Francisco has issued a Public Health Order.
This order requires residents to remain in place, with the only exception being for essential needs.
This measure is necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The Public Health Order is effective as of midnight on Tuesday, March 17 until April 7, unless amended or extended.
The physical offices of the ethics commission will be closed for the duration of the Public Health Order until April 7, unless otherwise noticed.
The regular monthly meeting scheduled for Friday, March 20, has been canceled.
However, the ethics commission remains open for business through its telework policy and technology.
Staff will continue to assist with filing guidance, online disclosure tools and resources, advice, and compliance assistance, among its other duties.
Filing deadlines established by law applying during this period remain in effect and have not been extended.
This does not affect lobbyist reporting.
March 18, 2020 •
Oregon Legislators Call for Special Session to Deal with Coronavirus Pandemic
![Oregon Legislators Call for Special Session to Deal with Coronavirus Pandemic](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Oregon-Capitol-Building-1000x563.jpg)
Oregon State Capitol Building
Oregon Legislatures called for a special legislative session to address the impact COVID-19 is having on the state. The special session will convene when the Legislature has an emergency response package ready for consideration. The Legislature’s Special Joint Committee on […]
Oregon Legislatures called for a special legislative session to address the impact COVID-19 is having on the state.
The special session will convene when the Legislature has an emergency response package ready for consideration.
The Legislature’s Special Joint Committee on Coronavirus Response is scheduled to hold its first meeting Wednesday, March 18 at 10 a.m.
This will not affect any lobbyist reporting.
March 18, 2020 •
Puerto Rico Postpones Presidential Primary, Special Election
![Puerto Rico Postpones Presidential Primary, Special Election](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Puerto-Rico-Capital-1000x563.jpg)
Puerto Rico Capitol Building
The Puerto Rico Democratic presidential primary and special election to fill the seat of former Sen. Larry Seilhamer Rodriguez will be postponed. The elections will be postponed until April 26 in response to concerns of COVID-19. Rodriguez resigned from Senate […]
The Puerto Rico Democratic presidential primary and special election to fill the seat of former Sen. Larry Seilhamer Rodriguez will be postponed.
The elections will be postponed until April 26 in response to concerns of COVID-19.
Rodriguez resigned from Senate District 5 effective January 15, citing his desire to spend more time with family.
If the emergency caused by COVID-19 continues until April 26, the president of the State Election Commission and the president of the Democratic Party in Puerto Rico may choose an alternate date.
March 18, 2020 •
Wyoming Democrats Cancel In-Person Portion of Caucus Because of COVID-19
![Wyoming Democrats Cancel In-Person Portion of Caucus Because of COVID-19](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/1152px-Wyoming_State_Capitol-1000x563.jpg)
Wyoming Capitol - By Bradlyons
The Wyoming Democratic Party has canceled all county conventions and the in-person portion of its upcoming caucus. The party has taken the precautions over increasing concerns around the coronavirus outbreak. The events to assign Wyoming’s 13 pledged delegates, scheduled for […]
The Wyoming Democratic Party has canceled all county conventions and the in-person portion of its upcoming caucus.
The party has taken the precautions over increasing concerns around the coronavirus outbreak.
The events to assign Wyoming’s 13 pledged delegates, scheduled for April 4, will now be handled exclusively through the mail.
Voters can still drop their ballots off in person at one of the party’s dozens of collection spots around the state.
Voters can drop off their ballots on March 28 and April 4, and have them postmarked by March 20.
The change is not anticipated to interfere with any of the traditional functions of the caucus itself.
However, county delegates to the state convention, normally selected in person, could be elected by other means, pending approval by the Democratic National Committee.
As of now, the June 6 state convention in Powell is on schedule.
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