May 19, 2016 •
Utah Special Session Adjourns
On May 18, the 2016 second special session of the 61st Utah Legislature adjourned sine die. The one-day special session restored funding to various educational programs throughout the state. The funding had been vetoed by Gov. Gary Herbert earlier this […]
On May 18, the 2016 second special session of the 61st Utah Legislature adjourned sine die.
The one-day special session restored funding to various educational programs throughout the state. The funding had been vetoed by Gov. Gary Herbert earlier this year.
May 19, 2016 •
Arizona Governor Signs More Campaign Finance Legislation
On May 18, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signed campaign finance legislation advancing the effective date of implementation of some of the changes to June of this year. House bills 2296 and 2297 complement Senate Bill 1516, another campaign finance bill […]
On May 18, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signed campaign finance legislation advancing the effective date of implementation of some of the changes to June of this year. House bills 2296 and 2297 complement Senate Bill 1516, another campaign finance bill signed into law in March. The legislation also includes criminal penalties left out of the earlier Senate bill.
The package of legislation is controversial among many because of the relaxation of disclosure by some entities involved in political activity.
May 19, 2016 •
Arkansas Attorney Seeks Preliminary Injunction Against Attorney General Over Ballot Initiative
On May 13, attorney David Couch petitioned the Arkansas Supreme Court to issue a preliminary injunction requiring Attorney General Leslie Rutledge to approve the language of his ethics initiative or offer an alternative as any further delay could cause “irreparable” […]
On May 13, attorney David Couch petitioned the Arkansas Supreme Court to issue a preliminary injunction requiring Attorney General Leslie Rutledge to approve the language of his ethics initiative or offer an alternative as any further delay could cause “irreparable” harm to Couch’s attempt to get the constitutional amendment on the ballot.
Couch cannot began collecting the 84,859 signatures due by July 8, until Rutledge approves the language.
If approved by voters, the proposed constitutional amendment would prohibit certain gifts from lobbyists to elected officials and lower campaign contribution limits.
May 19, 2016 •
Special Session Called in Alaska
On May 18, the Alaska Legislature hit the constitutional limit on session length of 121 days in session without reaching a budget deal. Gov. Bill Walker immediately called a special session scheduled to begin May 23. In addition to the […]
On May 18, the Alaska Legislature hit the constitutional limit on session length of 121 days in session without reaching a budget deal. Gov. Bill Walker immediately called a special session scheduled to begin May 23.
In addition to the budget, the issue of oil and gas tax credits will also be addressed in the special session.
May 19, 2016 •
Thursday News Roundup
Campaign Finance “Trump, RNC Announce Joint Fundraising Deal” by Eric Bradner and Sara Murray for CNN Florida: “County Commissioners Endorse Campaign Reform. After Grumbling.” by Douglas Hanks for Miami Herald Montana: “US Judge Strikes Down Montana Campaign Contribution Limits” by […]
Campaign Finance
“Trump, RNC Announce Joint Fundraising Deal” by Eric Bradner and Sara Murray for CNN
Florida: “County Commissioners Endorse Campaign Reform. After Grumbling.” by Douglas Hanks for Miami Herald
Montana: “US Judge Strikes Down Montana Campaign Contribution Limits” by Holly Michels for Helena Independent Record
Ethics
California: “7 Former Top Officials of Beaumont Charged with Corruption” by Veronica Rocha and Joseph Serna for Los Angeles Times
Delaware: “Del. Bill Tightens Disclosure Requirements for Paid Lobbyists, Political Donors” by Mark Fowser for WXDE
Missouri: “For Some, Missouri Lawmakers’ Ethics Push Still Has a Long Way to Go” by Jason Rosenbaum for St. Louis Public Radio
Elections
“Bernie Sanders Facing Pressure Over Supporters’ Actions in Nevada” by Yamiche Alcindor for New York Times
“The Mind of Donald Trump” by Dan McAdams for The Atlantic
“Third-Party Candidates Face Uphill Climb to Get Place on Presidential Debate Stage” by Jonathan Easley and Ben Kamisar for The Hill
May 18, 2016 •
Campaign Finance Bill to Ban Corporate Contributions Introduced in Ontario Canada Legislative Assembly
On May 17, a bill to amend the Election Finances Act was introduced in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. Bill 201, the Election Finances Statute Law Amendment Act, 2016, which also includes amendments to the Taxation Act, 2007, bans corporate […]
On May 17, a bill to amend the Election Finances Act was introduced in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.
Bill 201, the Election Finances Statute Law Amendment Act, 2016, which also includes amendments to the Taxation Act, 2007, bans corporate and union donations to political parties. The legislation will also limit contributions from individuals, limit spending for third-party advertising, and tighten political party spending and fundraising rules for by-elections.
If passed, the changes are hoped to be in place or significantly underway before the June 2018 election, with initial changes legislated for January 1, 2017.
The Assembly is negotiating language for a proposed state constitutional amendment to strip corrupt lawmakers of their pensions. If approved by voters, the amendment would enable judges to revoke lawmakers’ pensions when they are convicted of corruption charges. The measure […]
The Assembly is negotiating language for a proposed state constitutional amendment to strip corrupt lawmakers of their pensions. If approved by voters, the amendment would enable judges to revoke lawmakers’ pensions when they are convicted of corruption charges. The measure would need to be approved again next year to appear on the ballot.
Although numerous, broader bills seeking ethics and campaign finance reforms have been introduced this session, they are not expected to pass before the session ends in June.
May 18, 2016 •
Montana Political Contribution Limits Found Unconstitutional
On May 17, U.S. District Judge Charles Lovell ruled the current statutory campaign finance contribution limits in Montana unconstitutional. “Defendants have not proven that the campaign contribution limits … further the important state interest of combating quid pro quo corruption […]
On May 17, U.S. District Judge Charles Lovell ruled the current statutory campaign finance contribution limits in Montana unconstitutional. “Defendants have not proven that the campaign contribution limits … further the important state interest of combating quid pro quo corruption or its appearance,” Lovell wrote in the court’s order.
Montana Commissioner of Political Practices Jonathan Motl said the ruling reinstates the contribution limits in place before the statute was enacted. Those contribution limits have been adjusted for inflation and are now $1,990 for governor and lieutenant governor; $990 for other statewide offices; $530 for District Court judge, Public Service Commission, and state Senate; and $330 for all other elected offices, including the state House. The limits are per candidate per election.
Attorney Matthew Monforton said the court’s ruling should mean there are no caps on contributions from any source” and will consider additional litigation if Motl doesn’t lift all limits, according to the Independent Record.
The statute struck down by Lovell in Lair v. Motl was enacted by an initiative vote in 1994.
May 18, 2016 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Campaign Finance “Death Threats Directed at Elections Regulator” by Dave Levinthal for Center for Public Integrity Arizona: “Effort Launches to Block Laws Loosening Rules for ‘Dark Money’” by Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) for Arizona Capitol Times Ethics Arizona: “Judge […]
Campaign Finance
“Death Threats Directed at Elections Regulator” by Dave Levinthal for Center for Public Integrity
Arizona: “Effort Launches to Block Laws Loosening Rules for ‘Dark Money’” by Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) for Arizona Capitol Times
Ethics
Arizona: “Judge Sentences Former Phoenix VA Director Sharon Helman to Probation” by Dennis Wagner for Arizona Republic
Arizona: “Inspired by Trump, New Arizona Law Redefines Free Speech” by Ben Rosen for U.S. News & World Report
Pennsylvania: “The Ones That Got Away: How 305 criminal charges against Steve Reed were dismissed” by Wallace McKelvey for Harrisburg Patriot-News
South Carolina: “Common Cause Leader John Crangle Retiring as His Book on Operation Lost Trust Is Published” by Andrew Shain for Charleston Post & Courier
Elections
“‘Who Is This Guy?’ In Connected Political World, Few Know Donald Trump” by Carl Hulse for New York Times
“Little Is Off Limits as Donald Trump Plans Attacks on Hillary Clinton’s Character” by Patrick Healy for New York Times
“Bernie Sanders Wins Oregon; Hillary Clinton Declares Victory in Kentucky” by Thomas Kaplan for New York Times
The Texas Ethics Commission adopted rule changes to conform with House Bill 3517 of 2015. The bill had removed the exemption for registration for an individual who is solely paid to communicate in a capacity other than as an employee of […]
The Texas Ethics Commission adopted rule changes to conform with House Bill 3517 of 2015. The bill had removed the exemption for registration for an individual who is solely paid to communicate in a capacity other than as an employee of a vendor of a product or service to a member of the executive branch concerning state agency purchasing decisions involving a product, service, or service provider or negotiations regarding such decisions if the compensation for the communication is not totally or partially contingent on the outcome of any administrative action.
The Texas Ethics Commission Rules definition of independent contractor under T.E.C.R. §34.1(5) has been repealed. The Texas Ethics Commission Rules allowing for $75 registration for certain independent contractors under T.E.C.R. §34.46 has also been repealed. On May 3, the rule changes became effective.
May 17, 2016 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying Michigan: “Senator Sponsors Gambling Bill Pushed by Wife’s Firm” by Paul Egan for Detroit Free Press Campaign Finance “Billionaires Lining Up for Trump Aren’t Sure Where to Send Their Money” by Matea Gold for Washington Post Utah: “In Audio, […]
Lobbying
Michigan: “Senator Sponsors Gambling Bill Pushed by Wife’s Firm” by Paul Egan for Detroit Free Press
Campaign Finance
“Billionaires Lining Up for Trump Aren’t Sure Where to Send Their Money” by Matea Gold for Washington Post
Utah: “In Audio, Utah Guv Says He’s Available and Will ‘Go Anywhere’ to Meet with Campaign Donors” by Robert Gehrke for Salt Lake Tribune
Vermont: “Vt. Contractors Funnel Money to Politicians” by April Burbank for Burlington Free Press
Ethics
“Social Media Finds New Role as News and Entertainment Curator” by John Herrman for New York Times
“Capitol Hill Newspapers, once a Protected Class, Redefine Themselves” by Nicholas Fandos for New York Times
Arkansas: “AG Mishandled Ethics Proposal, Attorney Claims” by Spencer Willems for Arkansas Online
Missouri: “Lawmakers Pass Ethics Laws but Fail on Gift Ban” by Associated Press for Columbia Tribune
Pennsylvania: “Prosecutors: Longtime Pa. congressman abused his office ‘over and over again’” by Matt Zapotosky for Washington Post
Tennessee: “Tennessee Lawmaker Oversight Lax Compared to Other States” by Joel Ebert for The Tennessean
May 16, 2016 •
California Procurement Lobbying Bill Vetoed
California Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed Assembly Bill 1200. The bill would have revised the definition of lobbyist to include third-party consultants who work to influence governmental procurement. The governor’s veto message said the bill is not necessary and cited the […]
California Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed Assembly Bill 1200.
The bill would have revised the definition of lobbyist to include third-party consultants who work to influence governmental procurement.
The governor’s veto message said the bill is not necessary and cited the existence of numerous laws already regulating state procurement.
May 16, 2016 •
California Senate Reverses Ban on Contributions Rule
The California Senate voted to reverse the ban on members raising money from lobbyist employers during budget negotiations. The ban would have gone into effect upon the governor’s release of the revised budget, which is set for May 13. The […]
The California Senate voted to reverse the ban on members raising money from lobbyist employers during budget negotiations.
The ban would have gone into effect upon the governor’s release of the revised budget, which is set for May 13. The reversal of this rule comes amid an election year where many members of the Senate are running for re-election.
May 16, 2016 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying California: “The Coastal Commission Hopes to Restore Public Trust with Its Latest Decision” by Dan Weikel for Los Angeles Times California: “Brown Vetoes Bill Requiring Advocates for State Contracts to Register” by Jeremy White for Sacramento Bee Rhode Island: […]
Lobbying
California: “The Coastal Commission Hopes to Restore Public Trust with Its Latest Decision” by Dan Weikel for Los Angeles Times
California: “Brown Vetoes Bill Requiring Advocates for State Contracts to Register” by Jeremy White for Sacramento Bee
Rhode Island: “Paiva Weed Hoping for Lobbyist Reform This Session” by Katherine Gregg for Providence Journal
“Lobbyists: Lawmakers turn up pressure to quiet HB2 opponents” by Laura Leslie for WRAL
Ethics
“Gov. Brownback Signs Bill Opening Officials’ Private E-mails on Public Business” by Bryan Lowry for Wichita Eagle
Ohio: “Columbus Mayor Ginther Addresses Ethics Concerns in First Executive Order” by Sam Hendren for WOSU
Rhode Island: “Was a Providence Councilman Stealing from the City’s Kids?” by Amanda Milkovitz for Providence Journal
Virginia: “Bristol Virginia Utilities Shows Culture of Corruption, Entitlement and Greed” by Dan Casey for Roanoke Times
Elections
“Trump’s Candidacy Sparking ‘a Surge’ in Citizenship, Voter Applications” by Ed O’Keefe for Washington Post
Legislative Issues
“Does Size Matter? The Latest Battle Over State Supreme Courts” by Alan Greenblatt for Governing
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.
