From the States and Municipalities:

California – Donor to Three Mayoral Candidates Hit with $170,000 Ethics Fine

Connecticut – Howls as Malloy Tries to Shorten Leash on Watchdogs

District of Columbia – D.C. Campaign Finance Proposals Await More Public Comment

Florida – Cashing in on State Contracts Becomes Growth Industry

Florida – Gov. Rick Scott Turns to Lobbyists to Help Push His Agenda

Georgia – New Lobbying Rules Would Prohibit Airfare Expenses

Illinois – Diluted Emanuel Ethics Proposal Finally Gets Nod

Kansas – Legislature Mulls Changing Official Lobbying Threshold

Massachusetts – Lynch, Markey Sign Pledge to Limit Third-Party Ads

New Jersey – Head of Lobbying Firm Hired by AshBritt Will Host Christie Fundraiser

New Jersey – N.J. Firms Donated over $700,000 to Republican Governors Association

New York – Lobby for Cuomo Keeps Donors Secret

South Carolina – South Carolina Attorney General Forwards Complaint against House Speaker Harrell to SLED

Texas – In Some Cases, Government Is All Relative

Virginia – Virginia General Assembly Displays State’s Exceptionalism and its Exceptional Weirdness

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.

News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.

Montana Governor Steve Bullock and Senator Jim Peterson announced a comprehensive campaign finance initiative for the state.

The Transparency, Reporting and Accountability in Campaigns and Elections (TRACE) Act was introduced today at a joint press conference in the governor’s office.

The governor said the provisions of the bill, to be introduced by Senator Peterson, include increasing disclosure by organizations without regard to the organization’s federal tax status, prohibiting direct corporate or union contributions to candidates, and increasing disclosure requirements by corporations making independent expenditures.

The TRACE Act also increases campaign contributions: per election cycle, a candidate for governor could accept up to $2,000 from a political committee or individual, a statewide candidate could accept up to $1,000, and all other candidates could accept up to $500. Additionally, the bill increases the fine for those violating election law and requires all major donors to incidental committees be identified through disclosure.

In his press release, Governor Bullock said, “This isn’t about winning or losing elections. This is about putting our democracy back in the sunlight where [it] belongs – back firmly in the hands of ‘we the people’.”

Lobbying

Kansas: “Legislature mulls changing official lobbying threshold” by Vikaas Shanker in the Topeka Capital-Journal.

Louisiana: “Study ties Jindal tax plan to ALEC” in the Baton Rouge Advocate.

Maryland:  “Bills seek to slow the revolving door of public officials into lobbying” by Becca Heller in the Maryland Reporter.

Campaign Finance

“ABA Supports Disclosure of Secret Political Spending” by Ian Vandewalker in the Brennan Center for Justice Blog.

Hawaii: “Mayor donor fund took in $360,000; Ethics digging deeper” by Gina Mangieri in KHON2 News.

New Jersey: “N.J. firms donated over $700,000 to Republican Governors Association” by John Reitmeyer and Melissa Hayes in the Bergen Record.

Rhode Island: “Local Politicians Owe $1.3M in Campaign Fines” by Stephen Beale in GoLocal Prov.

Ethics

Connecticut: “Conflict of interest bill gains traction” by Ken Dixon in the Connecticut Post.

Iowa: “Ethics committee won’t reprimand Iowa state senator” by Mike Wiser in the Quad-City Times.

Kentucky: “Metro ethics bill passes House panel” by Joseph Gerth in the Courier-Journal.

Maine: “Maine bill seeks to end cozy relations between state officials, private firms” by Naomi Schalit and John Christie in the Portland Press Herald.

Rhode Island: “Drive to reinstate R.I. Ethics Commission power over legislators resumes” by Katherine Gregg in the Providence Journal.

Lobbying

“The Dodd-Frank Cashout: Frank staffers launch lobbying firm” by Timothy P. Carney in the Washington Examiner.

“Al Jazeera signs a lobbying firm” by Anna Palmer in Politico.

“K Street Files: Ex-Frank Aides Open Lobbying Shop” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.

“Lobbying World” in The Hill.

Campaign Finance

Arizona: “Teeth sought for campaign-finance law” by Howard Fischer in the Arizona Daily Star.

Utah: “Senate OKs $50 limit on anonymous campaign contributions” by David Montero in the Salt Lake Tribune.

Redistricting

“Redistricting board waiting on word from court” by The Associated Press in the Juneau Empire.

Open Government

“Mo. lawmakers endorse Sunshine Law measures” by The Associated Press in the News Tribune.

State of the Union

“Word cloud: Obama’s State of the Union speech” by Megan H. Chan in Politico.

“The State of the Union speech — in word clouds” by Aaron Blake in the Washington Post.

At any given time, more than 1,000 legislative bills, which can affect how you do business as a government affairs professional, are being discussed in federal, state, and local jurisdictions. These bills are summarized in the State and Federal Communications’ digital encyclopedias for lobbying laws, political contributions, and procurement lobbying, and can be found in the client portion of the State and Federal Communications’ website.

Summaries of major bills are also included in monthly e-mail updates sent to all clients. The chart below shows the number of bills we are tracking in regards to lobbying laws, political contributions, and procurement lobbying.

Lobbying

“Wall Street tipsters brace for exposé on their industry, scrutiny from Capitol Hill” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.

Wisconsin: “Bill to prevent revolving door” by Alice Coyne in the Badger Herald.

Campaign Finance

“Congressman seeks to overturn Citizens United” by the Associated Press in U.S. News & World Report.

Arizona: “Phoenix launches searchable campaign-finance website” by Dustin Gardiner in the Arizona Republic.

Florida: “House moves ahead with plan to end slush funds, raise campaign contribution limits to $10,000” by Mary Ellen Klas in the Miami Herald.

Ethics

Florida: “Former state GOP chairman Jim Greer pleads guilty to theft, money laundering” by Lucy Morgan in the Miami Herald.

Social Media

Eric Brown’s Political Activity Law blog points out that next week is Social Media Week.

“Do Governments Need Personal Social Media Policies?” by Colin Wood in Government Technology.

Philadelphia Councilman James Kenney has proposed an amendment to the city’s contribution limits to close a loophole in the law. Currently, individuals may not contribute more than $2,900 per year to a candidate and PACs are limited to $11,500 per year to a candidate.

It was recently uncovered by NewsWorks, through campaign finance reports for 2012, that Councilman Bill Green received $35,000 in contributions from one person. This would appear to violate the city’s contribution limits. However, it is perfectly legal under the current law.

According to the city’s Board of Ethics director, Shane Creamer, a person could accept as much money as they wanted until they became an official candidate. The funds would have to be kept separate and it would be difficult to legally do, but it is not illegal.

Kenny’s proposed amendment would help to shut this loophole down. Under the proposed ordinance, the contribution limits would include incumbents, which the proposed ordinance defines as any individual who currently holds elective city office. With this new law in effect, Green’s actions in accepting the large contributions would have been illegal.

Lobbying

District of Columbia: “Washington lobbying is key part of Williams Mullen’s evolution” by Catherine Ho in the Washington Post.

North Dakota: “Bill would allow use of public funds to hire lobbyists” by Nick Smith in the Bismarck Tribune.

Texas: “Despite Reforms, Some Elected Officials Still Lobby” by Aman Batheja in the Texas Tribune.

Campaign Finance

“Former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. admits to campaign finance violationsFormer Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. admits to campaign finance violations” by ASndrew Rafferty in NBC News.

“Review: Ex-House members still dipping into campaign funds” by Fredreka Shouten in the Montgomery Advertiser.

District of Columbia: “D.C. campaign finance proposals await more public comment” by Tim Craig in the Washington Post.

Florida: “Indicted Developer Jay Odom Set to Enter Plea in Campaign Finance Case” by Lucy Morgan in the Ledger.

Georgia: “Ralston Amends Proposed Lobbying Rules” by the Associated Press in GPB News.

Iowa: “Campaign finance bill offers new approach” by William Petroski in the Des Moines Register.

Montana: “Several campaign finance bills introduced in 2013 session” in the Missoulian.

Philadelphia, PA: “2 move to regulate campaign $” by Jan Ransom in the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Ethics

Connecticut: “Legislator pushes conflict of interest bill” by Brian Lockhart in the Connecticut Post.

Idaho: “Lawmakers propose ethics committee” by Katherine Wutz in the Idaho Mountain Express.

Oklahoma: “New Ethics Commission leader seeks better campaign-reporting software” by Barbara Hoberock in Tulsa World.

West Virginia: “Ethics Commission in contract talks with director finalist” by Phil Kabler in the Charleston Gazette.

Open Government

Oklahoma: “Disputes over Oklahoma’s open records and open meetings laws continue” by Zeke Campfield and Phillip O’Connor in the Oklahoman.

Redistricting

Ohio: “Ohio Redistricting Overhaul Gains Support” by Josh Goodman in Stateline.

Social Media

“Social Media: Becoming a Trusted Source for Political Information” by Pam Greenberg in NCSL’s The Thicket.

National:

U.S. Groups Flex Their Muscles in Brussels

From the States and Municipalities:

California – FPPC Examining Changes to California Lobbyist Disclosure

Colorado – Judge Denies Halting Ethics Probe of Gessler; Appeal Coming

Kansas – NRA Lines Up Support for Anti-Public Lobbying Bill

Maine – America’s Capital of Divided Government

Maryland – Maryland Ethics Panel Says Delegate Should Not Have Tried to Silence Football Player

Massachusetts – DiMasi, Lobbyist Ask Appeals Court to Overturn Convictions

Massachusetts – Lobbyists Win Challenge to Galvin Requirement

Missouri – Missouri Gov. Nixon Got Donation from Contractor While Decrying Big Political Money

Nebraska – Nebraska Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy Resigns in Scandal Involving Cell Phone Calls to Four Women

New Jersey – N.J. Budget Official Questions Florida Debris Firm’s $100 Million Contract, Political Connections

New York – Two Campaign Aides Going on Trial, but Comptroller May Face Judgment

Texas – Text Donations Spread Down Ballot

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.

News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.

Lobbying

“Senate lobbying data revamp causing problems for data watchdogs” by Dave Levinthal in the Center for Public Integrity.

“Lobbyists rush to shape immigration deal” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.

Georgia: “Lobbyists asked to sponsor Senate lunches” by Kristina Torres in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Michigan: “Lobbying expenses add up in 2012” by Kristen M. Daum in the Battle Creek Enquirer.

Campaign Finance

Kansas: “House panel may allow politicians to rollover campaign funds” by Tim Carpenter in the Topeka Capital-Journal.

Missouri: “Seminar will focus on Missouri campaign finance laws” by Paul Hampel in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

South Dakota: Legislature: “Panel endorses greater campaign disclosure” in the Argus Leader.

Ethics

“Attorneys Want Public Input on Ethics Office Rules Changes” by Amanda Becker in Roll Call.

Kansas: “Bill would set term limits for Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission” by Scott Rothschild in the Lawrence Journal World.

Maryland: “Reprimand, apology recommended for lawmaker” by Erin Cox and Michael Dresser in the Baltimore Sun.

Redistricting

“Emails show legislative staff talked with party over redistricting maps” by Mary Ellen Klas in the Miami Herald.

Campaign Finance

New York: “Newest NY Senator says she’ll fight for campaign finance reform” by Karen DeWitt in North Country Public Radio.

Lobbying

“Unregistered Lobbyists Keep Business Humming” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.

“Business Roundtable Head Says CEOs Will Be Visible Lobbyists” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.

California: “Capitol lobbying rises” by Laurel Rosenhall” in the Sacramento Bee.

Georgia: “House vs. Senate on the lobbyist gift ban” by Chris Joyner in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

New Jersey:  “State watch: Hidden persuaders and local lobbying” by David Neese in the Trentonian.

Ethics

Nebraska: “Nebraska’s lieutenant governor quits amid scandal” by The Associated Press in the Los Angeles Times.

From the State Legislatures

Nevada: “All you need to know about the 77th Legislature convening today” by Anjeanette Damon and David McGrath in the Las Vages Sun.

Ohio: “Lawmaking 101: There’s a process” by Jim siegel in the Columbus Dispatch.

Wisconsin:“Lawmakers Have Mixed Feelings About Part Time Legislature” Marti Mikkelson on WUWM Milwaukee Public Radio.

NCSL’s “Legislative Social Media Sites”

Open Government

Missouri: “Mo. measure seeks to strengthen open records law” by The Associated Press in the News Tribune.

Federal:

Menendez Pushes Back on Scandal Implications

On K Street, Score One for the Little Guy

From the States and Municipalities:

Colorado

Accidental E-mail Attachment Gets Lobbyist in Hot Water with Senate Majority Leader

Florida

House Proposes Closing Slush Funds, Raising Contribution Limits

Georgia

Georgia Speaker Unveils Sweeping Ethics Legislation

Hawaii

Lobbying Lessons: What Hawaii can learn from other states

Idaho

Armed Man in Security Video is Sorry He Alarmed Idaho Legislators

Illinois

Ex-Illinois State Ethics Panel Member Gets Ethics Fine

Kansas

Labor Groups Suffer Blow in Kansas House

Michigan

Some Lawmakers Wonder Why It’s Necessary for Michigan to Be One of Only Four States with True Full-Time Legislature

North Carolina

N.C. Budget Chairs Change Seats, Start Lobbying Careers

Pennsylvania

Pa. Lawmaker Seeks to Change Offensive Name of Mountain

Rhode Island

RI Rep: Ban lobbyist contributions during session

South Carolina

Ethics Panel Created by Gov. Haley Releases Report

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.

News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.

The Arizona Office of the Secretary of State has released the 2013-2014 election cycle contribution limits.

Individuals and noncertified political committees can now contribute up to $912 to a statewide candidate, $450 to a non-statewide local candidate, and $440 to a non-statewide legislative candidate. Additionally, committees certified by the state may contribute up to $4,560 to a statewide candidate, $2,270 to a non-statewide local candidate, and $1,816 to a non-statewide legislative candidate. These limits apply to candidates not receiving public funds under the Citizens Clean Elections Act.

Other changes include allowing individuals to make annual political contributions up to $6,390 to political committees or candidates. The contributions limits are required by law to be adjusted every two years.

Lobbying

“Lobbyist for lobbyists steps away” by Dave Levinthal in The Center for Public Integrity.

Florida: “Wilton Manors mayor takes on lobbying ban in county ethics code” by Brittany Wallman in the Sun Sentinel.

Idaho: “Dueling petitions: Signers have some fun at lobbyist’s expense” in the Idaho Statesman.

Campaign Finance

“Obama’s Flip-Flops on Money in Politics: A Brief History” by Justin Elliott (ProPublica) in the Huffington Post.

“Justice to SCOTUS: Don’t allow direct corporate campaign spending” by Alison Frankel in Thomson Reuters.

Florida: “House proposes closing slush funds, raising contribution limits” by Mary Ellen Klas in the Miami Herald.

Indiana: “Some familiar names make campaign-finance violation list” by Kevin Leininger in the News-Sentinel.

Rhode Island: “RI Rep: ban lobbyist contributions during session” by The Associated Press in NECN.

Ethics

Colorado: “Gessler sues ethics commission to stop investigation of his spending” by Tim Hoover in the Denver Post.

Oklahoma: “Oklahoma Ethics Commission hires general counsel” by Michael McNutt in the Oklahoman.

South Carolina: “Disgraced Former Gov. Mark Sanford Is Ready To Make Another Move” by Alan Greenblatt on NPR.

Open Government

South Dakota: “South Dakota lawmakers reject plan to record closed meetings” in the Sioux City Journal.