November 30, 2020 •
New York Proposed Lobbying Regulations Published and Adopted

The Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) published the second draft of proposed revisions to state lobbying regulations. JCOPE adopted the revisions on an emergency basis and submitted Notices of Emergency Adoption for each. The revisions will be effective January […]
The Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) published the second draft of proposed revisions to state lobbying regulations.
JCOPE adopted the revisions on an emergency basis and submitted Notices of Emergency Adoption for each.
The revisions will be effective January 1, 2021; cover lobbying activity in the 2021-22 biennial lobbying period; and be applicable to registrations, bi-monthly reports due March 15, 2021, and client semi-annual reports due July 15, 2021.
Key revisions include changes to the definition of designated lobbyist, direct lobbying activities by volunteers, grassroots lobbying, coalitions, and prohibitions relating to the receipt of stock options as compensation.
Revisions to the source of funding regulations address segregated funds for out-of-state activities and reporting of anonymous contributions.
JCOPE is requesting comments on the revised regulations as soon as possible.
The 45-day comment period runs until December 28, 2020.
November 30, 2020 •
Wyoming Lawmaker Appointed to Fill Vacant House Seat
Campbell County commissioners appointed Chris Knapp to fill a vacant House seat after Gillette Republican Rep. Roy Edwards died from COVID-19 on November 2. The commissioners voted unanimously 5-0 to appoint Knapp to the House District 53 seat at a […]
Campbell County commissioners appointed Chris Knapp to fill a vacant House seat after Gillette Republican Rep. Roy Edwards died from COVID-19 on November 2.
The commissioners voted unanimously 5-0 to appoint Knapp to the House District 53 seat at a special meeting.
Knapp was one of three finalists interviewed during the meeting.
November 30, 2020 •
New Registration Form and Process
The Nashville Metro Board of Ethical Conduct has adopted a new lobbyist registration form. The form, which is now available online, must be filed along with the written client authorization via email to the Metro Clerk’s Office until the new […]
The Nashville Metro Board of Ethical Conduct has adopted a new lobbyist registration form.
The form, which is now available online, must be filed along with the written client authorization via email to the Metro Clerk’s Office until the new online registration portal is launched.
The Metro Clerk’s Office will begin accepting the new form on December 15 for continuing lobbyist engagements for 2021, which must be filed by December 31.
No new registrations will be accepted until December 15 and will be treated as a continuing registration for 2021.
The Metro Council has also increased the registration fee to $100, which must be hand delivered to the Metro Clerk’s Office or sent via U.S. mail.
Additional information is expected to be made available online on or about December 15.
November 30, 2020 •
North Dakota Supreme Court Rules Against Governor’s Appointment
The North Dakota Supreme Court ruled Gov. Doug Burgum does not have the statutory or constitutional authority to appoint a replacement for a state House seat won by a candidate who died before the election. David Andahl died on Oct. […]
The North Dakota Supreme Court ruled Gov. Doug Burgum does not have the statutory or constitutional authority to appoint a replacement for a state House seat won by a candidate who died before the election.
David Andahl died on Oct. 5 from complications related to COVID-19, but his name remained on the ballot as early voting had commenced weeks before his death.
A day after the election, Burgum appointed Washburn coal executive Wade Boeshans to the seat.
In a unanimous ruling, the justices ruled authority to appoint the replacement belongs to the District 8 Republican Executive Committee, who appointed the last holder of the seat, fellow Republican Jeff Delzer.
November 30, 2020 •
Fair Political Practices Commission Adopts Cost of Living Adjustment Regulations
The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) adopted cost of living adjustment regulations amending contribution limits and gift limit amounts. The newly adjusted contribution limit in effect for candidates for the Senate or Assembly and candidates for elected seats to the […]
The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) adopted cost of living adjustment regulations amending contribution limits and gift limit amounts.
The newly adjusted contribution limit in effect for candidates for the Senate or Assembly and candidates for elected seats to the Board of Administration of the Public Employees Retirement System for an election occurring during the period January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2022 is now $4,900 per person.
The newly adjusted annual gift limit amount in effect for the period January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022, is $520.
November 30, 2020 •
Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Pennsylvania: “Pittsburgh Looks to Tighten Campaign Finance Reports for PACs, Independent Expenditures” by Ashley Murray for Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Elections National: “Wisconsin Recount Confirms Biden’s Win Over Trump, Cementing the President’s Failure to Change the Election Results” by Rosalind […]
Campaign Finance
Pennsylvania: “Pittsburgh Looks to Tighten Campaign Finance Reports for PACs, Independent Expenditures” by Ashley Murray for Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Elections
National: “Wisconsin Recount Confirms Biden’s Win Over Trump, Cementing the President’s Failure to Change the Election Results” by Rosalind Helderman and Amy Gardner (Washington Post) for MSN
Ethics
National: “NRA Reports Alleged Misspending by Current and Former Executives to IRS” by Beth Reinhard and Carol Leonning (Washington Post) for MSN
National: “Trump Pardons Former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, Who Pleaded Guilty to Lying to the FBI” by Rosalind Helserman and Josh Dawsey for Washington Post
Delaware: “Wilmington Councilman Rebuked: ‘City employees must not be threatened for doing their jobs’” by Jeanne Kuang for Wilmington News Journal
Illinois: “City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin Denies Wrongly Firing Chief of Staff, Other Employees” by Gregory Pratt for Chicago Tribune
Illinois: “New Cache of ComEd Documents Shows Indicted Madigan Confidant Pressing Utility for Jobs and Contracts” by Dan Petrella, Jamie Munks, and Ray Long (Chicago Tribune) for Yahoo News
Legislative Issues
Virginia: “As Virginia Democrats Rein Themselves In with Bill Limits, Some Legislators See Lost Opportunities” by Laura Vozzella for Washington Post
Lobbying
Ohio: “Bankruptcy Judge Orders Lobbyists to Testify About Any Ties to Householder Bribery Case” by Jim Mackinnon for Akron Beacon Journal
November 24, 2020 •
Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance National: “Georgia Senator David Perdue Privately Pushed for a Tax Break for Rich Sports Teamowners” by Robert Faturechi and Justin Elliott for ProPublica California: “SLO County Supervisors OK $25,000 Campaign Donation Cap Over Hundreds of Objections” by Lindsey […]
Campaign Finance
National: “Georgia Senator David Perdue Privately Pushed for a Tax Break for Rich Sports Teamowners” by Robert Faturechi and Justin Elliott for ProPublica
California: “SLO County Supervisors OK $25,000 Campaign Donation Cap Over Hundreds of Objections” by Lindsey Holden for San Luis Obispo News
New York: “Bill Would Further Restrict Coordination Between City Candidates and Independent Expenditure Campaigns” by Samar Khurshid for Gotham Gazette
Elections
National: “Trump Pushes Supreme Court to Let Him Reshape Apportionment” by Michael Macagnone for Roll Call
Ethics
National: “All the President’s ‘Guys’” by Ben Terris for Washington Post
California: “Feds Charge Recology Exec in Purported Mohammed Nuru Bribery Scheme” by Julian Mark and Joe Eskenazi for Mission Local
Illinois: “Feds Draw Near Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan as Key Confidant Weighs Cooperation Choice” by Jason Meisner and Ray Long (Chicago Tribune) for Yahoo News
Ohio: “Sam Randazzo Resigns as Public Utilities Commission of Ohio Chair” by Jeremy Pelzer for Cleveland Plain Dealer
Legislative Issues
Wyoming: “When Will the Wyoming Legislature Convene Next Year? No One’s Sure Yet” by Nick Reynolds for Casper Star Tribune
November 23, 2020 •
Missouri Special Session Continued Until After Thanksgiving Break
The second special session of the Missouri General Assembly has been delayed until after the Thanksgiving break. This comes in response to a number of positive COVID-19 cases among members and staff. The special session began on November 5 to […]
The second special session of the Missouri General Assembly has been delayed until after the Thanksgiving break.
This comes in response to a number of positive COVID-19 cases among members and staff.
The special session began on November 5 to focus on getting federal CARES Act funding distributed to the state.
This does not affect lobbyist reporting.
November 23, 2020 •
Third Cincinnati Council Member Arrested
Cincinnati City Councilman Alexander “P.G.” Sittenfeld was arrested on federal corruption charges. He is the third council member to be arrested this year. Sittenfeld denies the allegations of bribery and attempted extortion and does not plan to resign. If he […]
Cincinnati City Councilman Alexander “P.G.” Sittenfeld was arrested on federal corruption charges.
He is the third council member to be arrested this year.
Sittenfeld denies the allegations of bribery and attempted extortion and does not plan to resign.
If he does resign, four members of the council will choose his successor by a majority vote.
November 23, 2020 •
San Luis Obispo County Adopts Campaign Contribution Limits
The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors voted 3-1 on Friday to set campaign contribution limits at $25,000. Hundreds of community members called in asking the county go with the forthcoming state limit of $4,700. Opponents of the $25,000 […]
The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors voted 3-1 on Friday to set campaign contribution limits at $25,000.
Hundreds of community members called in asking the county go with the forthcoming state limit of $4,700.
Opponents of the $25,000 ceiling voiced concerns the higher limit would lead to corruption.
Others argued the county should not make a decision until a replacement for deceased Supervisor Adam Hill is seated.
Last year, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation limiting campaign contributions to local candidates to $4,700 in cities and counties not having their own contribution limits.
Those limits go into effect on Jan. 1, 2021.
The $25,000 limit will apply to candidates for 10 county offices, including the five supervisors, the district attorney, and the sheriff.
November 23, 2020 •
Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance National: “Biden Transition Steps Up Fundraising as Trump Withholds Federal Money” by Elena Schneider and Theodoric Meyer for Politico California: “After Divisive Election Cycle, San Jose to Explore New Campaign Finance Laws” by Maggie Angst for San Jose […]
Campaign Finance
National: “Biden Transition Steps Up Fundraising as Trump Withholds Federal Money” by Elena Schneider and Theodoric Meyer for Politico
California: “After Divisive Election Cycle, San Jose to Explore New Campaign Finance Laws” by Maggie Angst for San Jose Mercury News
Nevada: “Las Vegas Judge Took Lawyer’s Campaign Donation Before Dismissals” by David Ferrara for Las Vegas Review-Journal
Elections
National: “Trump’s Escalating Attacks Put Pressure on Vote Certification Process” by David Fahrenthold, Beth Reinhard, Elise Viebeck, and Emma Brown (Washington Post) for MSN
Ethics
New York: “Trump Tax Write-Offs Are Ensnared in 2 New York Fraud Investigations” by Danny Hakim, Mike McIntire, William Rashbaum, and Ben Protess for New York Times
Ohio: “Cincinnati City Councilman P.G. Sittenfeld Arrested on Federal Charges” by Andrew Tobias for Cleveland Plain Dealer
Utah: “Audit Finds Free Spending and Cronyism by Ex-State Agency Head” by Bethany Rodgers for Salt Lake Tribune
Lobbying
National: “K Street Moves to Counter ‘Purity’ Test for Biden Administration” by Kate Ackley for Roll Call
Florida: “After Months of Work, Leon County Gives OK to Stronger Lobbying Ordinance” by Karl Etters for Tallahassee Democrat
November 20, 2020 •
COVID Has Affected State and Federal Communications
First, we are all in good health at State and Federal Communications. For the most part, we are working one day a week in the office and the rest working from home. The staff is also social distancing and wearing […]
First, we are all in good health at State and Federal Communications. For the most part, we are working one day a week in the office and the rest working from home. The staff is also social distancing and wearing masks when in the office. We have only had one staff member who tested positive and is back in the office after the required quarantine period.
I do have to say, this pandemic has affected an important publication. After 21 years, the quick desk reference, State and Federal Communications Guidebook, will not be printed. Due to the pandemic, our clients are not in the office and we are already in possession of the 2020 Congressional Directory we ordered for everyone and received in May, when offices closed and people started working from home.
The information in the Guidebook is included in the very robust State and Federal Communications website, www.stateandfed.com, which will have a redesign unveiled on December 1, 2020.
Jon Spontarelli and Kristi Hadgigeorge will be alerting the State and Federal Communications Community about the updates and upgrades on our new website and, especially where you can continue to find the valuable materials from the Guidebook.
We will continue to make sure you have all the valuable information you need for your work and please do not hesitate to give us a call if you need guidance along the road to compliance.
November 20, 2020 •
Colorado Governor Calls for Special Session November 30
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis announced the start date of the previously announced special session on COVID-19 relief to begin November 30 at 10 a.m. Among the action items to be addressed during the session are childcare support, housing and direct […]
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis announced the start date of the previously announced special session on COVID-19 relief to begin November 30 at 10 a.m.
Among the action items to be addressed during the session are childcare support, housing and direct rental assistance, food insecurity, and public health response.
It is expected to take at least three days to approve the legislation. A professional lobbyist must disclose within 72 hours if a lobbyist agrees to lobby for an existing client or takes a new position in connection to legislation, standard, rules, or rates during a special session.
November 20, 2020 •
New Mexico Governor Announces Special Session
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced November 19 she will call a special legislative session prior to Thanksgiving to provide COVID-19 relief. The state has about $300 million in federal aid. Gov. Grisham and lawmakers want to use the […]
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced November 19 she will call a special legislative session prior to Thanksgiving to provide COVID-19 relief.
The state has about $300 million in federal aid. Gov. Grisham and lawmakers want to use the resources toward small businesses and unemployment.
The special session is scheduled to begin Tuesday, November 24, and is expected to last one day. The Roundhouse will be closed to the public during that time.
A legislative report will be due within 48 hours for each separate expenditure of $500 or more made or incurred by a lobbyist or employer during the special legislative session.
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.