March 18, 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 National: “Former Rep. Duncan Hunter Gets 11 Months in Prison for Campaign Finance Violations” by Morgan Cook and Greg Moran (San Diego Union-Tribune) for Los AngelesTimes California: “‘Team Newport’ Pays $27,000 to Settle with State Over Allegations of […]
Campaign Finance
National: “Former Rep. Duncan Hunter Gets 11 Months in Prison for Campaign Finance Violations” by Morgan Cook and Greg Moran (San Diego Union-Tribune) for Los AngelesTimes
California: “‘Team Newport’ Pays $27,000 to Settle with State Over Allegations of Campaign Finance Disclosure Violations” by Hillary Davis for Los Angeles Times
New Jersey: “Controversial N.J. Law to Unmask Secret Campaign Donors Is Officially Dead” by Brent Johnson and Ted Sherman (NJ Advance Media) for Newark Star Ledger
Elections
National: “Biden’s Promise to Choose a Woman Veep Reignites Hopes of a Female President” by Annie Linsky (Washington Post) for MSN
Maryland: “Maryland Postpones Primary, Shifts Special Election to Mail Voting Over Coronavirus” by Alice Miranda Ollstein and Zach Montellaro for Politico
Ohio: “Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s Move to Close Primary Polls Due to Coronavirus Spawns Confusion, Criticism” by Timothy Bella for Washington Post
Ethics
National: “Justice Dept. Moves to Drop Charges Against Russian Firms Filed by Mueller” by Katie Benner and Sharon LaFraniere (New York Times) for MSN
Lobbying
National: “K Street Looks to Ride Coronavirus Relief Efforts” by Theodoric Meyer for Politico
March 17, 2020 •
The Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories Adjourns Until May
![The Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories Adjourns Until May](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/1024px-Legislative_Assembly_of_Northwest_Territories-1000x563.jpg)
Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories
The Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories have recessed the winter legislative session. The Assembly will be on recess until May 26 in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The legislature was recalled early from a one-week recess, met on March […]
The Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories have recessed the winter legislative session.
The Assembly will be on recess until May 26 in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The legislature was recalled early from a one-week recess, met on March 16, and decided to adjourn until May.
This will allow the cabinet and lawmakers to focus efforts on addressing the spread of the virus.
While the cabinet will continue to meet during the recess, members of the Legislative Assembly will return to their respective constituencies.
March 17, 2020 •
Georgia Governor Recalls General Assembly for Single Day Special Session
![Georgia Governor Recalls General Assembly for Single Day Special Session](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Georgia-Capitol-Hi-Res-1000x563.jpg)
Georgia State Capitol Building
The Georgia General Assembly convened special session called by Gov. Brian Kemp on Monday, March 16 to adopt his declaration of a public health emergency. After passing a joint resolution concurring with Gov. Kemp’s declaration, the General Assembly adjourned the […]
The Georgia General Assembly convened special session called by Gov. Brian Kemp on Monday, March 16 to adopt his declaration of a public health emergency.
After passing a joint resolution concurring with Gov. Kemp’s declaration, the General Assembly adjourned the special session, sine die.
Therefore, the regular session remains suspended indefinitely.
The Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission is expected to issue guidance as to whether this will affect lobbyist dates reporting.
March 17, 2020 •
Maryland’s April Primary Elections Postponed
![Maryland’s April Primary Elections Postponed](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Maryland-Capitol-Building-800x563.jpg)
Maryland Capitol Building - Jimmy Emerson
Gov. Larry Hogan has announced the April primary elections have been postponed until June 2. The special election for the 7th Congressional District held by the late Rep. Elijah Cummings will still take place on April 28. However, the election […]
Gov. Larry Hogan has announced the April primary elections have been postponed until June 2.
The special election for the 7th Congressional District held by the late Rep. Elijah Cummings will still take place on April 28.
However, the election will be a mail-in only election, becoming the first federal election to shift to mail voting in response to COVID-19.
The Board of Elections will mail ballots out to all eligible voters later this month.
March 17, 2020 •
Arkansas Lawmakers Suspend Legislative Council Meetings
![Arkansas Lawmakers Suspend Legislative Council Meetings](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/1280px-Arkansas_State_Capitol_2-1000x546.jpg)
Arkansas State Capitol
On March 17, Arkansas legislative leaders announced a suspension of the Arkansas Legislative Council meetings. Specifically, this will affect the meetings scheduled for March 18 and March 19. The decision to suspend the meetings until further notice follows the latest […]
On March 17, Arkansas legislative leaders announced a suspension of the Arkansas Legislative Council meetings.
Specifically, this will affect the meetings scheduled for March 18 and March 19.
The decision to suspend the meetings until further notice follows the latest guidance regarding COVID-19.
House and Senate leadership continue to review contingency plans for this year’s regular session scheduled to begin April 8.
March 17, 2020 •
Colorado Secretary of State’s Office Suspends In-Person Services
![Colorado Secretary of State’s Office Suspends In-Person Services](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Jena-Griswold-blog-1-1000x563.jpg)
Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold
The Colorado Secretary of State’s Office will suspend all in-person services beginning March 18. The suspension will continue until further notice to protect employees and customers from the spread of COVID-19. The office call center will be operated remotely for […]
The Colorado Secretary of State’s Office will suspend all in-person services beginning March 18.
The suspension will continue until further notice to protect employees and customers from the spread of COVID-19.
The office call center will be operated remotely for all divisions, including business and licensing, charities, and elections.
Individuals seeking to file paper documents at the office may now submit those documents via a drop-box.
The box will be placed outside the office’s waiting area during business hours.
March 17, 2020 •
National Assembly of Quebec Announces Adjournment of Legislative Session
![National Assembly of Quebec Announces Adjournment of Legislative Session](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/1024px-National_Assembly_of_Quebec_03-1000x563.jpg)
National Assembly of Quebec by Avramescu Marius
On March 17, the National Assembly of Quebec agreed to adjourn parliamentary business until Tuesday, April 21, 2020, at 1:40 p.m. The adjournment is in response to the coronavirus pandemic. If required, the leaders of the four parliamentary groups will […]
On March 17, the National Assembly of Quebec agreed to adjourn parliamentary business until Tuesday, April 21, 2020, at 1:40 p.m.
The adjournment is in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
If required, the leaders of the four parliamentary groups will recommend to the President of the National Assembly to extend the adjournment beyond April 21.
March 17, 2020 •
FEC Will Delay Processing Reports and Requests Submitted by Mail
![FEC Will Delay Processing Reports and Requests Submitted by Mail](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/FEC-Blog-1000x563.png)
On March 17, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) announced it will be receiving but not processing mail. The FEC closed its offices to visitors on March 13. The delay in processing is due to the bulk of the agency’s staff […]
On March 17, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) announced it will be receiving but not processing mail.
The FEC closed its offices to visitors on March 13.
The delay in processing is due to the bulk of the agency’s staff teleworking in an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
This affects all documents submitted on paper, including:
-
- Non-electronically filed reports
- Advisory opinion requests
- Enforcement complaints
- Court-case documents
While campaign finance reports filed electronically will be processed in the normal fashion, the FEC will not be processing campaign finance reports filed by mail or other delivery services until the agency resumes normal mail operations.
The FEC maintains filers should still continue to file their reports on time.
The FEC does not have legal authority to extend any deadlines, but it “may choose not to pursue administrative fines against filers prevented from filing by reasonably unforeseen circumstances beyond their control,” according to its press release.
All electronic filing systems, web-based programs, and the agency’s website remain online and functional.
The FEC staff will still respond to all telephone and email inquiries.
March 17, 2020 •
Texas Governor Postpones Senate District 14 Special Election
![Texas Governor Postpones Senate District 14 Special Election](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Greg-Abbott-1000x563.jpg)
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott - photo by
Gov. Greg Abbot has postponed the special election for the Austin area Texas Senate District 14 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The election will replace retiring state Sen. Kirk Watson, an Austin Democrat leaving office at the end of April. […]
Gov. Greg Abbot has postponed the special election for the Austin area Texas Senate District 14 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The election will replace retiring state Sen. Kirk Watson, an Austin Democrat leaving office at the end of April.
The election has been moved from May 2 to July 14.
It is unclear whether additional action will be taken to delay municipal elections across the state, which are scheduled for May 2.
March 17, 2020 •
Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission Operating, Taking Precautions Against COVID-19
![Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission Operating, Taking Precautions Against COVID-19](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Honolulu-Skyline-1000x563.jpg)
Honolulu Skyline - Chris Dickey
The Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission is fully operational and has implemented preventative measures in line with COVID-19 precautions. Staff are following the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Hawaii State Department of Health on the […]
The Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission is fully operational and has implemented preventative measures in line with COVID-19 precautions.
Staff are following the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Hawaii State Department of Health on the importance of hygiene etiquette.
The Campaign Spending Commission remains committed to maintaining the integrity and transparency of campaign finance in the 2020 election.
As such, noncandidate committee reports will still need to be timely filed.
Additionally, contact information should be up to date in each organizational report.
To check the status of an organizational report, log in to the noncandidate Filing System.
After logging in, click on “Edit Organizational Report” under the Administration tab.
March 17, 2020 •
Illinois Extends All Filing Deadlines 30 Days
![Illinois Extends All Filing Deadlines 30 Days](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/illinois-springfield-capitol-and-sky-1000x563.jpg)
Illinois State Capitol Building
The Office of the Secretary of State has closed through March 31 due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Online access remains available to all lobbyists and authorized agents. Statutorily required deadlines, including lobbying semimonthly reports, are extended for 30 days. The […]
The Office of the Secretary of State has closed through March 31 due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Online access remains available to all lobbyists and authorized agents.
Statutorily required deadlines, including lobbying semimonthly reports, are extended for 30 days.
The office indicates this status may be updated as operations are reviewed.
March 17, 2020 •
New York JCOPE Announces Extension for Bimonthly Reports
![New York JCOPE Announces Extension for Bimonthly Reports](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/1024px-New_York_State_Capitol_28337961392-1000x563.jpg)
NY State Capitol - by formulanone
The New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics announced an extension for the submission of bimonthly lobbyist activity reports. This will allow the due date for the January to February reporting period to extend until Tuesday, March 31. JCOPE […]
The New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics announced an extension for the submission of bimonthly lobbyist activity reports.
This will allow the due date for the January to February reporting period to extend until Tuesday, March 31.
JCOPE extended the deadline due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns.
Effective immediately, JCOPE also suspended hand-delivery of paper filings to their Albany office until March 31.
As an alternative, filers may submit filings using the online filing system or via regular mail, provided filers use a sponge to seal the envelope.
This extension does not affect clients of lobbyists as statutory filings for client semiannual reports are not due until July 15.
March 17, 2020 •
Hawaii Lawmakers Recess Due to COVID-19 Concerns
![Hawaii Lawmakers Recess Due to COVID-19 Concerns](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Hawaii-Capitol-HD-e1556830071327-800x563.jpg)
Hawaii Capitol Building
The House and Senate leadership announced on March 16 that the 60-day legislative session is going into an immediate recess expected to last eight weeks. Legislators are following the recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The […]
The House and Senate leadership announced on March 16 that the 60-day legislative session is going into an immediate recess expected to last eight weeks.
Legislators are following the recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The guidelines urge the public to refrain from gathering in groups of more than 50 people for the next eight weeks to curtail the spread of COVID-19.
The session will resume where it left off subject to the call of Senate President Ron Kouchi and House Speaker Scott Saiki.
This does not affect lobbyist reporting.
March 17, 2020 •
Kentucky Delays Primary Until June 23
![Kentucky Delays Primary Until June 23](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Andy-Beshear-1000x563.jpg)
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear
Gov. Andy Beshear announced the Kentucky primary election scheduled for May 19 will be delayed until June 23. The election is being delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic. Gov. Beshear made the announcement Monday evening at a press conference at […]
Gov. Andy Beshear announced the Kentucky primary election scheduled for May 19 will be delayed until June 23.
The election is being delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Gov. Beshear made the announcement Monday evening at a press conference at the Capitol.
Secretary of State Michael Adams hand-delivered a letter to Beshear in the afternoon recommending all Kentucky elections scheduled for May 19, including primaries, special elections, and local option elections, be delayed 35 days.
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