June 16, 2022 •
Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance National: “Donald Trump Is Unlikely to Get Nailed with Fraud Charges Over His Campaign Soliciting Donations for a Non-Existent ‘Official Election Defense Fund,’ Experts Say” by Brent Griffiths and Dave Levinthal (Business Insider) for Yahoo News Ohio: “Campaign […]
Campaign Finance
National: “Donald Trump Is Unlikely to Get Nailed with Fraud Charges Over His Campaign Soliciting Donations for a Non-Existent ‘Official Election Defense Fund,’ Experts Say” by Brent Griffiths and Dave Levinthal (Business Insider) for Yahoo News
Ohio: “Campaign Watchdogs Sue Vance Campaign, Super PAC Over Alleged Covert Website Scheme” by Nick Evans for Ohio Capital Journal
Wyoming: “There Could Be a Path for Crypto Campaign Contributions in Wyoming” by Jonathan Make for Wyoming Tribune Eagle
Elections
New Mexico: “GOP Commission Refuses to Certify New Mexico Primary Vote” by Morgan Lee (Associated Press) for MSN
Wisconsin: “Former Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman Should Face Discipline After ‘Misogynistic’ Comments, Judge Orders” by Molly Beck (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) for Yahoo News
Ethics
California: “A 20-Story Tower. A Liquor Box with $100 Bills. The First Trial in the Huizar Case Begins” by David Zahniser (Los Angeles Times) for Yahoo News
Illinois: “Proposal Calls for ComEd to Pay $38 Million Back to Ratepayers for Scandal Tied to Michael Madigan Indictment” by Ray Long (Chicago Tribune) for MSN
New York: “New York High Court Nixes Trump Appeal, Clearing Way for Testimony” by Associated Press for CNBC
Lobbying
Maryland: “Sheila Dixon Helps a Trash hauler – and Olszewski Contributor – Win a $300,000 Fee Reduction” by Mark Reutter for Baltimore Brew
June 15, 2022 •
Contribution Disclosure Rules Expanded for Lobbyist Employers
Maryland Lawmakers passed a bill late in the session to require lobbyist employers to file contribution disclosure statements even if no contributions were made. Senate Bill 15 became law when Gov. Larry Hogan declined to veto the bill within 30 […]
Maryland Lawmakers passed a bill late in the session to require lobbyist employers to file contribution disclosure statements even if no contributions were made.
Senate Bill 15 became law when Gov. Larry Hogan declined to veto the bill within 30 days.
Any lobbyist employer who pays at least $500 to one or more lobbyists must file the report on May 31 and November 30.
Previously, the report was due only if applicable contributions were made in the reporting period of $500 or more.
The new law raises penalties for violations from $1,000 to $25,000 and establishes three-year record keeping requirements. Senate bill 15 is effective July 1.
June 15, 2022 •
Meet our Expert – Amber Fish Linke, Esq.
Meet Amber Fish Linke, Esq., Director, Client and Product Operations! What are your areas of expertise? I lead the Compliance and Research departments’ daily operations to meet our consulting and publication clients’ needs regarding lobbying, campaign finance, ethics and gifts, […]
Meet Amber Fish Linke, Esq., Director, Client and Product Operations!
What are your areas of expertise?
I lead the Compliance and Research departments’ daily operations to meet our consulting and publication clients’ needs regarding lobbying, campaign finance, ethics and gifts, procurement, and pay-to-play.
How long have you been with State and Federal Communications?
I have been with the company for 17 years.
How do you help our clients?
In addition to overseeing the Compliance and Research team, I address and resolve high-level compliance-related matters for our clients. We work hard to stay ahead of the curve with new trends. Our attention to detail and superior client service set us apart.
June 15, 2022 •
Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance National: “Maker of Uvalde Massacre Gun Broke Campaign Finance Law, Complaint Says” by Isaac Stanley-Becker (Washington Post) for MSN Vermont: “Becca Balint Has Denounced Super PACs. Is Her Campaign Winking at Them Anyway?” by Lola Duffort for VTDigger.org […]
Campaign Finance
National: “Maker of Uvalde Massacre Gun Broke Campaign Finance Law, Complaint Says” by Isaac Stanley-Becker (Washington Post) for MSN
Vermont: “Becca Balint Has Denounced Super PACs. Is Her Campaign Winking at Them Anyway?” by Lola Duffort for VTDigger.org
Elections
National: “More Than 100 GOP Primary Winners Back Trump’s False Fraud Claims” by Amy Gardner and Isaac Arnsdorf (Washington Post) for MSN
National: “Deceptive Mailings, False Billboards: Voting disinformation is not just online” by Steven Lee Myers (New York Times) for Yahoo News
Nebraska: “Nebraska Cops Probe Shady Tactics by Voter ID Campaign’s Foot Soldiers” by Francisco Alvarado (Daily Beast) for Yahoo News
Ethics
Illinois: “Pass Effort to Tighten Chicago’s Ethics Rules Immediately, Ethics Board Chair Says” by Heather Cherone for WTTW
Maryland: “Baltimore Council President Nick Mosby Files Legal Challenge to Ethics Ruling Alleging He Broke City Law” by Emily Opilo and Christine Condon (Baltimore Sun) for MSN
Ohio: “Ohio State Board of Education Selected Steve Dackin as State Education Chief Eight Days After Learning an Ethics Inquiry Was Likely Coming, Letter Shows” by Laurie Hancock (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN
June 14, 2022 •
Voters Approve New Behested Payments Prohibition
San Francisco voters have approved a ballot proposition prohibiting behested payments from contractors with contracts approved by the Board of Supervisors. Proposition E also allows the city’s behested payment law to be amended if the city’s Ethics Commission and two-thirds […]
San Francisco voters have approved a ballot proposition prohibiting behested payments from contractors with contracts approved by the Board of Supervisors.
Proposition E also allows the city’s behested payment law to be amended if the city’s Ethics Commission and two-thirds of the Board of Supervisors approve the changes.
The new law will come into effect June 17, 2022.
June 14, 2022 •
Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Colorado: “John Kellner, Candidate for Colorado Attorney General, Returns $500 Contribution Flagged as Potential Campaign Finance Violation” by Ryan Biller for Denver Post Elections National: “State Supreme Courts: Bottom of the ballot but top concern if Roe falls” […]
Campaign Finance
Colorado: “John Kellner, Candidate for Colorado Attorney General, Returns $500 Contribution Flagged as Potential Campaign Finance Violation” by Ryan Biller for Denver Post
Elections
National: “State Supreme Courts: Bottom of the ballot but top concern if Roe falls” by Megan Messerly (Politico) for Yahoo News
National: “Jan. 6 Panel Makes Case Election Fraud Claims Were Trump vs. ‘Team Normal’” by Kyle Cheney and Nicholas Wu (Politico) for Yahoo News
Ethics
Idaho: “31 Tied to Hate Group Charged with Planning Riot Near LGBTQ Event in Idaho” by Nick Parker and Bryan Pietsch (Washington Post) for MSN
Illinois: “Cook County Official Sued by Ethics Board for ‘Flagrantly’ Defying Nepotism Ban Fires Her Cousin as Chief of Staff, He Says” by Alice Yin (Chicago Tribune) for Yahoo News
Missouri: “Grant Program for North St. Louis and ‘Aldermanic Courtesy’ Raise New Questions After Indictments” by Jacob Barker for St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Lobbying
National: “Retired General Resigns as Head of Brookings Amid Federal Probe” by Reis Thebault, Caroline Kitchener, and Alex Horton (Washington Post) for MSN
New York: “In Lobbying Probe, Ethics Commission Critic Faces $4M Threat” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union
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The Center for Judicial Accountability filed a lawsuit challenging the validity of the New York Ethics Commission Reform Act of 2022. The act was passed as part of the state’s budget bill and would replace the Joint Commission on Public […]
The Center for Judicial Accountability filed a lawsuit challenging the validity of the New York Ethics Commission Reform Act of 2022.
The act was passed as part of the state’s budget bill and would replace the Joint Commission on Public Ethics with a new Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government on July 8.
The suit, filed with the Albany County Supreme Court, argues the act is unconstitutional and requests it be invalidated.
Petitioner requested an opportunity to be heard on an application for a temporary restraining order and a hearing has been scheduled for June 17.
June 13, 2022 •
Portland, Maine City Council Adopts Ethics Code
Portland, Maine City Council adopted an ethics code that will apply to the council members. The ethics code adopts and incorporates by reference several provisions of state law, including the sections on improper influence and improper gifts to public servants […]
Portland, Maine City Council adopted an ethics code that will apply to the council members.
The ethics code adopts and incorporates by reference several provisions of state law, including the sections on improper influence and improper gifts to public servants in 17-A M.R.S.A. §§603, 605.
The code requires city officials to avoid financial conflict of interest and to refuse benefits or gifts of any kind from individuals seeking to influence the council’s decisions.
The code also prohibits council members from accepting free items from persons, firms, or corporations who have a contract with the city.
Councilors will also be prohibited from soliciting political contributions from any prospective city contractors or any individuals or entities who did business with the city in the prior 12 months.
The ethics code will take effect on June 16.
June 13, 2022 •
Caroline J. Simard Appointed Commissioner of Canada Elections
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On August 15, Caroline J. Simard will begin her tenure as the new Commissioner of Canada Elections. The Commissioner of Canada Elections is responsible for ensuring compliance with, and enforcement of, the Canada Elections Act. The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) […]
On August 15, Caroline J. Simard will begin her tenure as the new Commissioner of Canada Elections.
The Commissioner of Canada Elections is responsible for ensuring compliance with, and enforcement of, the Canada Elections Act. The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Mr. Stéphane Perrault announced the appointment of Simard on June 13. While the commissioner operates independently from Elections Canada in conducting investigations and other enforcement activities, the CEO appoints the commissioner after consultation with the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Caroline J. Simard has been Vice-Chairperson, Broadcasting, at the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission since 2017.
Ms. Simard is replacing Yves Côté, who is finishing his 10-year term as Commissioner of Canada Elections.
June 13, 2022 •
Ask the Experts – Keeping Compliant while Lobbying in the States
Lady Justice - by Edward Lich from Pixabay
Question: I am planning to give a state legislator a permissible gift. I know I need to include it on my next lobbying disclosure report. Do I need to worry about anything else to make sure I am compliant with […]
Question: I am planning to give a state legislator a permissible gift. I know I need to include it on my next lobbying disclosure report. Do I need to worry about anything else to make sure I am compliant with state laws?
Answer: Yes, some states have additional requirements when an expenditure is made on a covered state official or employee. You may be required to provide the official with a notification or file additional reports.
California requires filers reporting gifts aggregating $50 or more in a calendar year to an official to provide the beneficiary with the date and amount of each gift reportable and a description of the goods or services. This information must be provided to the beneficiary within 30 days following the end of each calendar quarter in which the gift was provided.
In Virginia, lobbyists must send each legislative and executive official who is required to be identified by name on schedule A or B of the Lobbyist’s Disclosure Form a copy of schedule A or B or a summary of the information pertaining to that official. Notifications are due to the official by January 10 for the preceding 12 months. Additionally, lobbyists must send post-session notifications to covered officials summarizing all gifts made by the lobbyist during the period beginning on January 1 complete through adjournment sine die of the regular session.
Maryland requires additional reporting for certain permissible expenditures. A lobbyist who invites all members of a legislative unit to a meal or reception must, at least five days before the date of the meal or reception, extend a written invitation to all members of the legislative unit and register the meal or reception with the Department of Legislative Services on Form 13E by filing the report electronically. A post-event filing is then required within 14 days after the date of the meal or reception meal or reception.
Proper gift disclosure can involve more than simply including the gift on your normal lobbying disclosure reports. It is always a good idea to check the jurisdiction’s specific disclosure requirements on our website prior to giving a gift.
You can find this information under the “Reports Required” section of the U.S. Lobbying Compliance Laws online publication.
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The Wisconsin Ethics Commission issued a memo reminding lobbyists of the ban on contributions while lawmakers are in special session. Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order 168, calling for a special session of the Legislature to begin Wednesday, June 22. […]
The Wisconsin Ethics Commission issued a memo reminding lobbyists of the ban on contributions while lawmakers are in special session.
Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order 168, calling for a special session of the Legislature to begin Wednesday, June 22.
The Ethics Commission announced the window for personal contributions from lobbyists closes at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 22 and lasts until the special session is adjourned.
Once the session is adjourned, the commission will provide notice the window is open.
June 13, 2022 •
St. Louis Will Have Three Elections in 35 Days
St. Louis will have three special election dates this summer to fill vacancies on the Board of Aldermen: July 19 for Ward 11, August 2 for Ward 21, and August 23 for Aldermanic President and Ward 22. The 11th Ward […]
St. Louis will have three special election dates this summer to fill vacancies on the Board of Aldermen: July 19 for Ward 11, August 2 for Ward 21, and August 23 for Aldermanic President and Ward 22.
The 11th Ward seat was vacated by Sarah Wood Martin in April after voters adopted a conflict-of-interest policy.
Ward 21 Alderman John Collins-Muhammad resigned in May, one month before being indicted.
Ward 22 Alderman Jeffrey Boyd and Aldermanic President Lewis Reed resigned last week after being indicted.
The St. Louis City Charter requires vacancies to be filled by special election no sooner than 75 days and no later than 90 days after a vacancy occurs.
June 13, 2022 •
Springfield, Massachusetts Special Election Scheduled
The Springfield, Massachusetts City Council authorized a special election for the vacant Ward 5 seat with a primary election to be held on August 16, followed by a general election on September 14. The Ward 5 seat became vacant when […]
The Springfield, Massachusetts City Council authorized a special election for the vacant Ward 5 seat with a primary election to be held on August 16, followed by a general election on September 14.
The Ward 5 seat became vacant when Council President Marcus Williams resigned on May 31.
The winner of the special election will serve the remainder of the two-year term set to expire at the end of 2023.
June 13, 2022 •
Monday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Michigan: “Sixth Circuit Hears Campaign Finance Case Against Michigan Governor” by Kevin Koeninger for Courthouse News Service Elections Arizona: “Ginni Thomas Pressed 29 Ariz. Lawmakers to Help Overturn Trump’s Defeat, Emails Show” by Emma Brown (Washington Post) for […]
Campaign Finance
Michigan: “Sixth Circuit Hears Campaign Finance Case Against Michigan Governor” by Kevin Koeninger for Courthouse News Service
Elections
Arizona: “Ginni Thomas Pressed 29 Ariz. Lawmakers to Help Overturn Trump’s Defeat, Emails Show” by Emma Brown (Washington Post) for MSN
Ethics
National: “House Jan. 6 Panel Revelation on Pardons Raises Questions” by Michael Macagnone (Roll Call) for MSN
California: “He Was Part of a ‘Cabal’ That Steered Anaheim City Hall. Now He Has Agreed to Plead Guilty” by Nathan Fenno, Adam Elmahrek, and Gabriel San Román (Los Angeles Times) for Yahoo News
Illinois: “‘We’ve Gotta Kill It. Period.’ New Details on ComEd Bribery Probe Emerge in Latest Unsealed Search Warrants” by Jason Meisner and Ray Long (Chicago Tribune) for MSN
Michigan: “Mich. Gubernatorial Candidate Arrested on Jan. 6 Capitol Riot Charge” by Spencer Hsu, Aaron Davis, and Devlin Barrett (Washington Post) for MSN
New Mexico: “Ethics Commission Wants NM Disclosure Law Enforced” by Dan McKay for Albuquerque Journal
Washington DC: “Giuliani Hit with Ethics Charges by Washington D.C. Authorities Over False Election Claims” by Sara Lynch for Reuters
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