The Legislative Ethics Board in Washington dismissed a complaint related to Washington state lawmakers accepting free meals from lobbyists. Washington law prohibits public officials from accepting free meals on more than “infrequent occasions.” However, there is no enforceable standard for “infrequent occasions.”

The complaint was prompted by a reported $65,000 being spent on free meals by the state’s most active lobbyists in the first four months of 2013.

The Ethics Board is turning to the Legislature for an enforceable standard for the ethics law. If the Legislature fails to do so in the upcoming session beginning in January, the board plans to establish its own rules.

The board also noted in its decision the lack of an enforceable standard affects the consistency of lobbyist reports in terms of what is being reported.

Photo of the Washington State Capitol by Nikopoley on Wikimedia Commons.

Lobbying

“Lobbying Follows Political Activity Into Dark Money” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine.

“K Street Review: Some Trends In the World of Lobbying For 2013” by Tess Venden Dolder in Streetwise’s InTheCapital.

“Influential Boeing lobbyist Coffey dies at 86” by The Associated Press in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

Campaign Finance

California: “Former California lawmaker pays state fine, closes committee” in The Sacramento Bee.

Delaware: “Investigation into campaign finance abuse in Delaware may not lead to new laws” by Sean Carlson in WDDE News.

Maine: “Cutler says he wonʹt take PAC money for 2014 race, will run ʹunboughtʹ” by Christopher Cousins in the Bangor Daily News.

Massachusetts: “Coakley moves to fix lingering campaign finance problems” by Frank Phillips in the Boston Globe.

Michigan: “Critics knock Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder for reversal on ʹissue adʹ donor transparency” by Jonathan Oosting in Michigan Live.

Missouri: “Well known political contributor makes large year-end donation” by The Associated Press in KRCG News.

New York: “NYC commissioner of investigation to head Campaign Finance Board” by The Associated Press in The Republic.

North Carolina: “New N.C. campaign finance laws raise limits, soften disclosure” in the News & Record.

Wisconsin: “Campaign finance bill stalls in Senate” by Bob Hague in the Wisconsin Radio Network.

Ethics

Arkansas: “Arkansas Ethics Commission proposes fines, letters of warning and caution to ex-lawmaker” by The Associated Press in The Tribune.

“Arkansas governor asks lieutenant governor to quit over ethics case” by Chuck Bartels (Associated Press) in the Deseret News.

“Lieutenant governor refuses call to resign over ethics flap” in The Columbus Dispatch.

Georgia: “Georgia ethics commission corrects mistake” by Mark Rice in the Ledger-Enquirer.

South Carolina: “State, legislative ethics panels owed money; House committee may pursue fines in court” by Seanna Adcox (Associated Press) in The Republic.

West Virginia: “Beckley mayor leaving office after ethics probe” by Jennifer Smith in the West Virginia Metro News.

In the Legislatures

“The Top 10 Legislative Issues to Watch in 2014” by Chris Kardish, J.B. Wogan, Mike Maciag, Liz Farmer, and Ryan Holeywell in Governing.

“12 State Legislators to Watch in 2014” by Louis Jacobson in Governing.

Elections

“GOP Crafts New Rules To Shorten 2016 Primary Season” by S.V. Dáte on NPR.

Alaska: “Handful of new Alaska laws take effect in new year” by Becky Bohrer in the Anchorage Daily News.

Massachusetts: “Dates set for 2 Mass. House elections” by The Associated Press in The Boston Herald.

Government Tech and Social Media

“Congress wishes Twitter a happy New Year” by Tal Kopan in Politico.

“The Top 5 Government Tech Stories of 2013” by Joseph Marks in NextGov.

“Coming in 2014: Facebook Across Government” by Joseph Marks in NextGov.

A special election for the Massachusetts Fourth Hampden Representative District has been called to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of state Representative Donald F. Humason, Jr.

The Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin announced the special primary election will be held on March 4, 2014. The general election will follow on April 1, 2014.

Humason resigned from the House after he was elected to the Senate for the 2nd Hampden-Hampshire District.

Effective January 1, 2014, new rules generally ban lobbyists from providing public officials with gifts valued at more than $75 or any tickets to games, concerts, and other recreational events. The ethics overhaul in House Bill 142 provides the state’s first legislative limitation on gifts to public officials.

Exceptions to the $75 limit include committee dinners, dinners for caucuses, and certain lobbyist-funded travel. The $75 cap is per occurrence and per lobbyist.

Although the bill was signed in May, 2013, lobbyists were permitted to provide unlimited gifts until the January 1 effective date.

Federal:

Political Advertisers and TV Stations Ignore Disclosure Rules

The Sunlight Foundation – Jacob Fenton | Published: 12/18/2013

The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 requires television stations to make available detailed information about political ad buys, including the names of any elected officials mentioned in the ads and any national issues discussed in them. But a review by the Sunlight Foundation reveals TV stations often fail to report even the most basic information about the political ads that outside groups buy on their airwaves.

Upstart Groups Challenge Rove for G.O.P. Cash

New York Times – Nicholas Confessore | Published: 12/23/2013

At least a dozen super PACs are setting up to back individual Republican candidates for the U.S. Senate, challenging the strategic and financial dominance that Karl Rove and the group he co-founded, American Crossroads, have enjoyed ever since the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision cleared the way for unlimited independent spending. Some are suggesting Crossroads’ ties to the Republican establishment and recent clashes with conservative activists are a potential liability for GOP incumbents facing tea party challengers.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – Common Cause Seeks New Limits on Gifts to California Officials

Los Angeles Times – Patrick McGreevy | Published: 12/19/2013

California Common Cause proposed reforms to the state’s gift law to reduce the ability of special interests to seek favor by providing expensive meals, lodging, and travel. The group’s recommendations include applying the $10-per-month limit on gifts from lobbyists to also include gifts from the lobbyists’ clients, and reduce the limit on gifts that can be accepted by state elected officials from $440 per source annually to $250.

Georgia – State Ethics Commission Approves Hiring of ‘Internal Mediator’

WABE – Michelle Wirth | Published: 12/19/2013

The Georgia ethics commission hired former administrative law judge Robert Constantine to help with daily operations while federal authorities probe the agency’s investigation into Gov. Nathan Deal’s campaign. Several commission members received federal grand jury subpoenas over the matter. Chairperson Kevin Abernathy said Constantine will serve as an intermediary between the commission and staff members, and will have the ability to help resolve any disputes among agency employees.

Louisiana – Five Years Later, Does Gov. Bobby Jindal’s Ethics System Work?

Baton Rouge Advocate – Marsha Shuler and Mark Ballard | Published: 12/22/2013

At his January 2008 inauguration, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal announced a special legislative session to repair the state’s ethics system, saying he wanted to create a “gold standard.” Some observers say the decrease in violations shows the changes gummed up the works by making proceedings more like criminal prosecutions, with more lawyers, motions, and delays. Supporters of the changes argue the previous system was simply unfair.

Maryland – Half of Md. Lawmakers with Twitter Accounts Neglect to Comply with Disclosure Rule

Washington Post – John Wagner | Published: 12/20/2013

All candidates in Maryland are supposed to include an “authority line” when they promote themselves on social media. The Washington Post identified 92 Twitter accounts maintained by the state’s 188 senators and delegates. Of those, only 45 included authority lines that identify the name of the campaign entity and its treasurer.

Maryland – Md. Elections Board: Brown’s running mate can raise money during legislative session

Washington Post – John Wagner | Published: 12/19/2013

The State Board of Elections cleared the way for Maryland Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown’s gubernatorial campaign to raise money during the legislative session despite a law preventing state officials from seeking contributions during that period. The ruling addressed the issue of gubernatorial candidates and their political partners seeking to be lieutenant governor. While Brown, as a state official, cannot raise money during the session, his running mate, Howard County Executive Ken Ulman, is a local official and thus free to do so.

New York – To Catch a Lobbyist: NYC ordinance aims to catch those flouting registration and vastly expands covered activities

Lexology.com – Alexandra Megaris | Published: 12/17/2013

The New York City Council passed an ordinance revising the lobbying law. The definition of “lobbying” has been expanded, the schedule for filing reports was changed, and the dollar threshold for determining whether registration is required has been increased from $2,000 to $5,000 per calendar year, among other provisions. Most of the law takes effect on May 8, 2014; the registration threshold will become effective on January 1.

Oklahoma – Lawmakers’ Disclosures Reveal Little on Finances

Tulsa World – Curtis Killman | Published: 12/23/2013

Some are questioning what is required to be reported and the value of the information revealed to the public on Oklahoma lawmakers’ financial disclosure reports. In an age of growing transparency, the disclosure requirements provide little information when compared to congressional standards or those in other states.

Utah – More Swallow Revelations: Pay to play, hidden donations

Salt Lake Tribune – Robert Gehrke | Published: 12/20/2013

Investigators for the House Special Investigative Committee said former Utah Attorney General John Swallow and his predecessor, Mark Shurtleff, gave big donors extraordinary access in exchange for campaign contributions and special favors. The revelations upset committee members and several said they now want to continue the five-month probe that was shut down after Swallow announced his resignation.

Virginia – Chef Speaks Out about Va.’s McDonnells

Washington Post – Rosalind Helderman | Published: 12/21/2013

For months, Todd Schneider, the former chef at the governor’s mansion, has been the dramatic but silent figure who launched an investigation that has threatened to bring down Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell. But he said now that his case is resolved and the governor is ending his term, it is time to speak out. It was Schneider who first alerted authorities that businessperson Jonnie Williams had paid for catering at the wedding of one of McDonnell’s daughters, a tip that spiraled into a broad criminal probe that has brought the governor to the brink of federal charges.

Washington – Washington Ethics Panel Tosses Free Meal Complaint, Encourages Legislature to Clarify Statute

Columbus Republic – Rachel LaCorte (Associated Press) | Published: 12/20/2013

The Legislative Ethics Board dismissed a complaint about some Washington lawmakers accepting free meals from lobbyists. The board said if the state Legislature does not address the issue in the 60-day session beginning in January, the panel will work to establish rules on an enforceable standard.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

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New York’s City Council passed legislation this week containing many changes to lobbying regulations. The majority of the law’s provisions take effect May 8, 2014.

As part of the new law, the definition of “lobbying” has been expanded to include attempts to influence “any determination made by an elected city official or an officer of employee of the city to support or oppose any state or federal legislation, rule or regulation.”

This provision is unique because very few cities regulate lobbying a city official to weigh in on state or federal policy. The new law also directs the City Clerk to search for noncompliance with registration requirements by scouring public records.

Further, lobbyists will be required to file six periodic reports each year, up from four reports under the outgoing law. Also, as of January 1, 2014, the registration threshold will increase from $2,000 to $5,000 per calendar year.

Photo of Manhattan by AngMoKio in Wikimedia Commons.

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Lobbying

“Bank lobby threatens ‘Volcker Rule’ suit” by Peter Schroeder in The Hill.

Campaign Finance

“Republican National Committee Pays Santa for Travel” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

“Retiring Members of Congress Hold Over $13 Million in Campaign Accounts” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine.

Montana: “Judge strikes part of campaign finance initiative” by Matthew Brown (Associated Press) in the Miami Herald.

Texas: “For Candidates, the End of the Year is a Deadline” by Ross Ramsey in The Texas Tribune.

Ethics

Michigan: “Former Michigan lawmaker pleads no contest in ponzi scam that defrauded elderly” by Kathleen Gray in the Lansing State Journal.

Ohio: “Former Ohio deputy treasurer pleads guilty to corruption charges” by Kim Palmer in the Chicago Tribune.

Congress

“The Best (or Worst) of Congress in 2013 (Video)” by JM Rieger in Roll Call.

“The 7 Most Important Things Congress Did in 2013 (and the Top 25 Things It Didn’t)” by David Hawkings in Roll Call.

Government Tech and Social Media

“How Social Media Changed in 2013” by Mike Allen in Politico Playbook.

“Federal Agencies Must Rethink Digital Strategies” by Tom Greiner in Information Week.

“New Santa Fe City Website Comes With Hefty Price Tag” by Kiera Hay in Government Technology.

A bill extending through 2018 the authority of the Federal Election Commission to impose civil money penalties on the basis of a schedule of penalties established and published by the commission has passed both houses of Congress. The bill applies the penalties to violations of qualified campaign contribution and expenditure disclosure requirements. House Bill 3487 passed the Senate on Friday December 20, 2013.

The Oklahoma Ethics Commission recently passed a series of rule changes pertaining to political contribution limits. Under the new rules, the dollar restrictions on contributions to state candidates would change from family limits to individual limits.

Each person would be allowed to give up to $2,600 to a candidate per election. The old rules prohibit families from donating more than $5,000 to a candidate in a political campaign.

Lee Slater, executive director of the Oklahoma Ethics Commission, believes the family contribution limit to be unconstitutional as it discriminates against a married person. The new rules, also changing individual contribution limits to political parties and PACs, will go into effect unless they are rejected, in whole, by the Legislature.

Lobbying

“The Life Of A Lobbyist In A Do-Nothing Congress” by Peter Overby on Georgia Public Broadcasting.

“K Street sizes up retiring lawmakers” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.

“Patton Boggs, Locke Lord call off merger talks” by Catherine Ho in The Washington Post.

Campaign Finance

Maryland: “Gansler recused himself from state election ruling” by Erin Cox in The Baltimore Sun.

Ohio: “Campaign-finance effort fought” by Josh Jarman in the Columbus Dispatch.

Ethics

“Senate Passes Bill to Expand FEC Fines” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine.

South Carolina: “House Ethics to hear case over state plane use” by Seanna Adcox (Associated Press) in The Greenville News.

Washington: “Free Meal Complaint Against Lawmakers Dismissed, ‘Serious Concerns’ Remain” by Austin Jenkins in Northwest Public Radio.

Elections

Florida: “Florida elections opinion could make uncovering fraud more difficult” by Patricia Mazzei in the Miami Herald.

State Legislatures

“New Hampshire’s state legislature is nine times larger than Nebraska’s” by Niraj Chokshi in The Washington Post.

Michigan: “2013 in the Michigan Legislature: Some common ground, but more partisan wounds that need to heal” by Jonathan Oosting in Michigan Live.

Government Tech and Social Media

“Half of Md. lawmakers with Twitter accounts neglect to comply with disclosure rule” by John Wagner in The Washington Post.

The Philadelphia Board of Ethics staff has released a revised gift proposal following claims its initial proposed limits were too lax. The new suggested limits are a ban on gifts of more than $100, with a limit of $25 on cash gifts, per calendar year from any source not a family member of the recipient. The initial limits proposed were $200 per year, with a cap of $50 for cash gifts, resulting in outcry from watchdogs.

The new proposed limits were greeted with skepticism, however, because the provision allowing for cash gifts remained. Executive Director Shane Creamer insisted the Board cannot ban cash gifts altogether because the city code permits cash gifts, prompting the Board to decide on formally requesting the City Council to consider amending the code.

The suggested limits could drop yet again before the Board votes, as a number of Board members suggested a $50 annual limit was preferable. The Board could potentially vote on the rules at its January meeting.

The 2013 fall sitting of the first session of the 33rd Yukon Legislative Assembly adjourned on December 19, 2013.

During this sitting the Assembly passed the Health Information Privacy and Management Act. The act “will raise the bar on privacy and security of personal health information,” Minister of Health and Social Services Doug Graham said in a press release.

The fall sitting commenced on October 31, 2013.