Meeting today for its annual veto-session, the Virginia General Assembly turned its attention to ethics legislation amendments recommended by Gov. Terry McAuliffe. Lawmakers recently passed identical bills, Senate Bill 692 and House Bill 1362, to roll back some of the changes made last year to restrictions on gifts from lobbyists.

McAuliffe proposed tightening the limits further and prohibiting bundling of gifts from multiple sources to avoid the threshold. The Senate, today, voted against adopting those proposals. The governor must now choose between signing or vetoing the bills as passed by both houses.

Photo of the Virginia State Capitol by Anderskev in Wikimedia Commons.

Lobbying

“Lobbyists and Corporations, Arm-in-Arm” by Rani Molla for Bloomberg.com

“What is Shadow Lobbying? How Influence Peddlers Shape Policy in the Dark” by Libby Watson for Sunlight Foundation

Campaign Finance

“PAC Donations from Elderly Donors Draw Scrutiny” by Fredreka Schouten and Christopher Schnaars for USA Today

“George Clooney Certainly Has Raised Some ‘Obscene’ Amounts of Campaign Money” by Justin Moyer for Washington Post

Mississippi: “No Restrictions on Legislators as Mississippi House Turns Back Campaign Cash Rules” by The Associated Press for Mississippi Business Journal

Montana: “Judge Weighs Whether Low Contribution Limits Are Justified” by Matt Volz (Associated Press) for The Missoulian

Ethics

District of Columbia: “DC Schools Chief Asked Contractor for $100K” by Ben Nuckols (Associated Press) for Idaho Statesman

Elections

“New York Blowout Gives Donald Trump Big Boost in GOP Race” by Jenna Johnson and Philip Rucker for Washington Post

“Strong Showing by Clinton in Defeat of Sanders in New York Primary” by Abby Phillip, John Wagner, and Anne Gearan for Washington Post

Procurement

“Governments Struggle to Root Out Fake Minority Contractors” by Mattie Quinn for Governing

Lobbying

Colorado: “Lobbyist Ben Walters May Be in Hot Water for Lying to Lawmakers” by Marianne Goodland for Colorado Independent

Louisiana: “Who’s Really Being Wined and Dined? Louisiana Legislators Trying to Clear up Vague Lobbyist Disclosure Laws” by Elizabeth Crisp for New Orleans Advocate

Campaign Finance

“Voters Angry About Big Money in Politics Take Their Complaints to City Hall” by Matea Gold for Washington Post

“FEC’s Petersen Hints Interest in Foreign-Money Rules” by Kenneth Doyle for Bloomberg BNA

“Inside a Contest Winner’s Starry Night at George and Amal Clooney’s Fundraiser for Hillary Clinton: ‘They made us feel at home’” by Rennie Dyball for People.com

“Court Unseals Investigative File from Ex-D.C. Mayor Gray Campaign Probe” by Mike DeBonis, Anne Marimow, and Spencer Hsu for Washington Post

Florida: “Jacksonville Rep. Reggie Fullwood Indicted on Federal Charges, Accused of Embezzling Campaign Money” by Kristen Clark for Miami Herald

Ethics

“Elizabeth Warren, Comic Book Hero? Senator Is Latest to Star” by Steve LeBlanc (Associated Press) for Albuquerque Journal

Indiana: “Do City’s New Ethics Rules Go Far Enough?” by Haleigh Colombo for Indianapolis Business Journal

Elections

California: “Are You an Independent Voter? You Aren’t If You Checked This Box” by John Myers, Christine Mai-Duc, and Ben Welsh for Los Angeles Times

The Honolulu Charter Commission is considering a proposal today to clarify conflict-of-interest provisions for city employees and officials. Current charter provisions prohibit employees and officials from soliciting or accepting any gift, directly or indirectly, if it can reasonably be inferred the gift is intended to influence the officer or employee in the performance of official duties. The new proposal would prohibit only those gifts intended to influence an officer or employee in the performance of official duties and benefiting the official, his or her family, or individuals or organizations with which he or she has a past, present, or future connection.

Proponents argue the proposal creates a clear standard of conduct, while opponents claim the changes would make it more difficult to enforce gift restrictions in the future. It is inherently difficult to prove the intent behind a gift or the existence of a connection with the recipient. The proposal, therefore, will likely result in individuals, namely lobbyists, avoiding penalties. Interestingly enough, several commission members are current or former lobbyists, or work for organizations employing lobbyists.

Federal:

As Campaigns Seek Delegates, Ordinary Voters Feel Sidelined
New York Times – Jeremy Peters | Published: 4/9/2016

For decades, both major parties have used a somewhat convoluted process for picking their presidential nominees, one that involves ordinary voters in only an indirect way. As Americans flock this year to outsider candidates, the kind most hindered by these rules, they are suddenly waking up to this reality. And their confusion and anger are adding another volatile element to an election being waged over questions of fairness and equality. Like with any private members-only club – political parties are not official government entities – party leaders exercise considerable control over which candidate gets their endorsement and the privilege of using their political infrastructure, financial support, and voter base, without which winning in November is all but impossible.

Big Bucks Spent Honoring Lawmakers
The Hill – Megan Wilson | Published: 4/14/2016

Although rules ban gifts to federal officials and place limits on campaign contributions, there is no cap on the amount of money that can be spent honoring lawmakers and top officials with plaques and events, nor are there limits on donations to charities and institutes that policymakers support. The so-called honorary expenses are central to the way Washington, D.C. works yet are rarely reported in the press. More than 240 of organizations shelled out $19.75 million on honorary expenses last year, according to disclosure records. The contributions were made to more than 100 different organizations, some of which have federal officials on their boards.

Inside a Consulting Giant’s Deep Roots in Clinton Land
Politico – Rachel Bade | Published: 4/13/2016

When Hillary Clinton became secretary of state, she sought out Declan Kelly to be her economic envoy to Northern Ireland. While serving as Clinton’s special envoy, reaching out to global corporations for those investments, he was also working for two of them as a private consultant. It was also during this time period that Kelly and Doug Band, a close aide to former President Bill Clinton, were preparing to launch a global consulting business. Teneo Holdings would go on to employ numerous Hillary Clinton associates, giving clients rare access to the couple and their network of world leaders. The fact that Kelly and Band were laying the groundwork for their enterprise while Kelly was working for the State Department represents a fresh illustration of the blurring of the lines between Hillary Clinton’s political network and her State Department that critics have long noted.

Puerto Rico’s Prosperous D.C. Power Couple
New York Times – Eric Lipton and Michael Corkery | Published: 4/12/2016

As Puerto Rico has spiraled toward possible bankruptcy, the island’s sole representative in Congress has seen his family wealth swell, thanks in part to Wall Street companies that have sought to capitalize on the island’s financial crisis and have hired his wife to advise them. The dual roles, those of a lawmaker and a spouse who are both involved in the financial affairs of their community, are hardly unusual in Washington, a city where power couples are increasingly common and, at times, celebrated. But legislation that Pedro Pierluisi, the resident commissioner to Congress from Puerto Rico, has introduced would benefit at least two of the companies that have hired his wife, María Elena Carrión, for financial advice.

Why Thousands of Americans Are Lining Up to Get Arrested in D.C. This Week
Rolling Stone – Ben Wofford | Published: 4/13/2016

More than 400 protesters participating in a recent sit-in on Capitol Hill were arrested and if organizers have their way, there will be more. Democracy Spring is mobilizing a week of sit-ins at the Capitol building – over 3,500 have pledged to be arrested – in what organizers hope will become a series of intensifying waves of protest meant to highlight the influence of money in politics. In an election cycle that has already seen Black Lives Matter and other protesters change the conversation among candidates, Democracy Spring is billing itself as 2016’s first full-stage activist production.

From the States and Municipalities:

Hawaii – A Cool Million Was Spent Lobbying Hawaii Lawmakers in Two Months
Honolulu Civil Beat – Nathan Eagle | Published: 4/7/2016

Nearly $1 million was spent lobbying Hawaii lawmakers during the first two months of the year, pushing the total expenditures to almost $14 million since 2013. Disclosure reports do not detail when a lobbyist had lunch with a legislator or had a private meeting to discuss a bill. The vast majority of lobbyists report spending no money. The filings do show what organizations have hired lobbyists, who they have hired, and how much they’re paying them. But even that information has its limits.

Indiana – Indy Council Approves Ethics Reforms
Indianapolis Star – Brian Eason | Published: 4/11/2016

The ethics code for the city of Indianapolis and Marion County was overhauled with new restrictions on lobbyists and tougher penalties for noncompliance. When the ethics ordinance was first approved in 2009, it set up a registry that required lobbyists to file annual disclosures. But in part because of lax reporting requirements, no enforcement actions have been taken and few gifts have been disclosed since it became effective. Now, lobbyists will have to report the value and recipient of all gifts worth $25 or more. Repeat violators would be subject to lifetime bans for themselves and the firms they represent.

Kentucky – Inside The Kentucky Firm at the Center of the FBI’s Corruption Probe
Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting – James McNair | Published: 4/14/2016

FBI agents in March raided MC Squared Consulting’s office in Lexington. Today, visitors are greeted by a locked door and a paper sign saying “Out of town today.” MC Squared provided services to candidates, like conducting polls, setting up focus groups, developing campaign strategy, and buying ads. Although its offices were searched and employees interviewed by the FBI, MC Squared has not been accused of wrongdoing. Only one person was criminally charged the day of the raid: Tim Longmeyer, Kentucky’s former Personnel Cabinet secretary. Longmeyer is accused of taking more than $200,000 in bribes from an unnamed consulting company in exchange for sending it more than $2 million worth of market research work. Officials would not say if MC Squared is the firm mentioned in the Longmeyer complaint. But more and more, MC Squared appears to be the unnamed company.

Massachusetts – State Panel OK’s GOP’s Use of Federal Funds for Baker War Chest
Boston Globe – Frank Phillips | Published: 4/8/2016

The Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF) ruled the state Republican Party can give federally raised resources to Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker’s campaign committee. OCPF Director Michael Sullivan said federal campaign finance laws trump state law. That means a political party is free to raise donations of up to $10,000 under federal guidelines, far above the state’s $1,000 annual limits, and then use those funds to support a state campaign committee. Typically, donations raised under federal guidelines have been used to support candidates for federal, not state, office. “It’s a loophole, but an avenue that can used by both parties; this has never been brought to our attention prior to this case,” Sullivan said.

Nebraska – Nebraska Senators Fail to Vote on Lobbyist Meal Ban
Grand Island Independent; Associated Press –   | Published: 4/13/2016

State senators engaged in a brief discussion about a resolution to end lunches paid for by lobbyists and served to senators in the Nebraska Capitol. But they moved on without taking a vote, to the chagrin of the sponsor, Sen. Ernie Chambers, who plans to reintroduce it next year as a bill instead of a legislative resolution. The resolution sought to stop lobbyists from buying catered meals for lawmakers during the final weeks of the legislative session. Served in the senators’ lounge behind the chamber, the lunches cost about $10,000 last year, according to the lobbyist who organizes them. State law caps gifts to senators or their family members at $50 in value, but places no limits on food and beverages.

New York – Donald Trump and New York Tabloids Resume Their Elaborate Dance
New York Times – Michael Grynbaum | Published: 4/11/2016

As the presidential spotlight swings to New York for the state’s primary contest, Donald Trump is reuniting with the press corps he knows best, a boisterous tabloid culture that spawned and nurtured the outsize Trump personality now known the world over. It is also the ink-stained caldron in which Trump, over decades, honed the method of media management – cajoling, combating, at times dissembling – that he has unleashed, to great effect, in this year’s national campaign. Some Americans have been caught off guard by Trump’s take-no-prisoners style, but New York’s media veterans detect the old Trump playbook at work.

New York – Federal Prosecutors Cast a Wider Net in New York City Hall Inquiry
New York Times – William Rashbaum and Al Baker | Published: 4/10/2016

A federal corruption investigation examining New York City police officials, a correction union leader, and businesspeople with fundraising ties to Mayor Bill de Blasio has expanded into a probe of the mayor’s campaign fundraising, people familiar with the matter said. One of the businesspeople held a fundraiser at his home for the Campaign for One New York, a nonprofit supporting the mayor’s agenda and run by his allies, and another bundled more than $40,000 in contributions to de Blasio’s 2013 campaign. Federal investigators are interested in whether major donors to the Campaign for One New York received special treatment from de Blasio’s administration, the sourced said. The investigators are looking at whether donations were made in exchange for some kind of official act.

Tennessee – Jeremy Durham’s Office Moved Across Street after AG Probe
The Tennessean – Joel Ebert | Published: 4/8/2016

Tennessee Rep. Jeremy Durham is effectively being quarantined from lawmakers, lobbyists, and interns after the state’s attorney general determined he could pose a risk to “unsuspecting women” at the state Capitol complex. House Speaker Beth Harwell announced she is moving Durham’s office to the ground floor of a building across the street and his access to committee rooms and the House chamber will be limited to when meetings are taking place. The move comes amid an investigation into the Durham’s “pattern of conduct” toward women. Interviews with 34 current and former lawmakers, lobbyists, staffers, and interns included allegations that Durham made sexual comments and inappropriate physical contact with women working at Legislative Plaza, according to Attorney General Herbert Slatery’s memorandum to Harwell.

Washington – Legislature Gets a C- Grade from Lobbyists. That’s Actually an Improvement.
Tacoma News-Tribune – Melissa Santos | Published: 4/12/2016

According to the annual poll of lobbyists, the Washington Legislature’s overall performance in 2016 was slightly better than in any year since 2011. On a 4.0 scale, the Legislature this year earned a grade point average of 1.78, an improvement from 1.73 last year and the six-year low of 1.54 in 2013. Lobbyists docked the Legislature for its work on certain issues, especially K-12 education. Grades were lower than last year in five of eight subject areas, according to the report. Lobbyists were even more critical of Gov. Jay Inslee, giving him the lowest rating they have since he took office in 2013.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 60 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

The City Council heard two proposed ethics reforms at yesterday’s council meeting. An ordinance introduced to require political consultants working with Portland politicians to meet certain reporting and registration requirements was passed by the council and will go to a second reading at next week’s meeting following some minor amendments.

The other ordinance introduced to broaden revolving door prohibitions and close a loophole in registration requirements was not viewed as favorably by the council. The council will reconsider this ordinance at the May 11, 2016 council meeting.

Photo of Portland by Eric Baetscher in Wikimedia Commons.

Just days after Gov. Matt Bevin vetoed a bill to raise the executive agency lobbyist registration fee, proponents of the increase will have another bite at the apple. Lawmakers came to an agreement on the state budget in the earlier hours of Thursday morning and included a provision allowing the Executive Branch Ethics Commission to increase the fee, currently set at $125. The bill does not provide an amount for the increase.

The budget will be voted on tomorrow, April 15, the final day of the legislative session. Gov. Bevin will then have the final say as lawmakers will not have the opportunity to override any line-item vetoes.

Lobbying

Kentucky: “Bevin’s Five Veto Actions Most in 16 Years” by Joseph Gerth for Louisville Courier-Journal

Campaign Finance

“Why Thousands of Americans Are Lining Up to Get Arrested in D.C. This Week” by Ben Wofford for Rolling Stone

Alabama: “Bentley Scandal: Influence of ‘dark money’ a key issue as governor’s funding is scrutinized” by Connor Sheets for AL.com

Ethics

“Puerto Rico’s Prosperous D.C. Power Couple” by Eric Lipton and Michael Corkery for New York Times

“Inside a Consulting Giant’s Deep Roots in Clinton Land” by Rachel Bade for Politico

Arizona: “Advocacy Group Files Ballot Measure to Combat Dark Money” by Ryan Van Velzer (Associated Press) for Hastings Tribune

Elections

“Donald Trump, American Preacher” by Jeff Sharlet for New York Times

Legislative Issues

Tennesse: “Jeremy Durham’s Office Moved Across Street after AG Probe” by Joel Ebert for The Tennessean

Washington: “Legislature Gets a C- Grade from Lobbyists. That’s Actually an Improvement.” by Melissa Santos for Tacoma News-Tribune

Ontario, Canada Premier Kathleen Wynne announced provincial legislation will be introduced in May banning 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.

“I believe it is important that these changes be in place or significantly underway before the June 2018 election, with initial changes legislated for Jan. 1, 2017,” iPolitics.ca reported Wynne as saying.

The City-County Council passed a proposal earlier this week to amend Indianapolis-Marion County ethics and lobbying laws. The proposal creates employment restrictions and post-employment restrictions for city-county employees and certain officials.

A current official, the deputy mayor, and any individual with appointment authority may not be employed by or work as a subcontractor for any person with a contract or arrangement with an agency. Moreover, former employees must wait one year before being employed as a lobbyist following termination of employment with the city or county.

All government contracts will require vendors to certify adherence to the employment restrictions. The proposal also adds things of value to the list of reportable lobbyist gifts and requires lobbyists to list the name of the official, appointee, or employee receiving a reportable gift. Lastly, the proposal amends penalties for lobbyists and their firms for registration, reporting, and ethics violations.

Lobbying

Tennessee: “Lobbying Expenditures on Tenn. Lawmakers Increases in 2015” by Tom Humphrey (Knoxville News Sentinel) for Memphis Commercial Appeal

Campaign Finance

“FEC Deadlocks over Allegations Gingrich Used 2012 Campaign to Sell Books” by Matea Gold for Washington Post

Massachusetts: “State Panel OK’s GOP’s Use of Federal Funds for Baker War Chest” by Frank Phillips for Boston Globe

Montana: “Montana Campaign Finance Ruling Could Have ‘Ramifications Nationwide’” by James DeHaven for Billings Gazette

New York: “Federal Prosecutors Cast a Wider Net in New York City Hall Inquiry” by William Rashbaum and Al Baker for New York Times

Ethics

“Hastert Paid to Hide Sex Abuse, Then Lied about It, Federal Filing Alleges” by Jason Meisner, Jeff Coen, and Christy Gutowski for Los Angeles Times

“Washington Watchdog Adjusts to Life with Partisan Roommates” by Bill Allison for Bloomberg.com

Elections

“As Campaigns Seek Delegates, Ordinary Voters Feel Sidelined” by Jeremy Peters for New York Times

“A Portrait of Trump the Donor: Free rounds of golf, but no personal cash” by David Fahrenthold and Rosalind Helderman for Washington Post

Federal:

Could Republican Convention Delegates Be Bought? Legally, Maybe
CNN – Tal Kopan and Gregory Krieg | Published: 4/4/2016

There are federal and state laws prohibiting bribery of elected officials, and restrictions on campaigns themselves, but there is not much on the books governing what private citizens serving as delegates at their parties’ conventions can take in exchange for their votes on a nominating ballot. In a fight between Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, and perhaps an alternative not currently in the race, every delegate vote will matter in the race for the Republican presidential nomination. Campaigns and candidates are not the only entities that have funds to spend on the process, and there are a variety of laws and regulations that could come into play for delegates at this year’s convention.

Republicans on FEC Suggest They May Scrutinize Mystery Corporate Donors
Washington Post – Matea Gold | Published: 4/3/2016

The three Republican appointees on the FEC have indicated that campaign donors who give through private companies solely to shield their identities can be sanctioned, signaling the agency may scrutinize a rash of “pop-up” corporations giving large sums to super PACs. Their stance suggests the potential for movement by the polarized six-person panel, where a sense of stasis has been the norm. Democratic commissioners, however, reacted with skepticism, saying their GOP colleagues have until now delayed and actively blocked examination of such cases. But Lee Goodman, one of the Republican commissioners, said in an interview that contributors seeking to mask themselves through a privately held company or limited liability corporation should think twice.

Supreme Court Rejects Conservative Challenge to ‘One Person, One Vote’
Washington Post – Robert Barnes | Published: 4/4/2016

The U.S. Supreme Court endorsed the way Texas draws its legislative districts based on total population and not just eligible voters, the same method used by all 50 states, rejecting a conservative challenge in a case focusing on the legal principle of “one person, one vote.” The justices unanimously rebuffed the challenge spearheaded by a conservative legal activist that could have shifted influence in state legislative races away from urban areas that tend to be racially diverse and favor Democrats to rural ones predominantly with white voters who often back Republicans. The court did not rule on a separate question of whether it would be constitutional for states to use the voter-eligible population for reapportionment if they chose to do so.

Trump Effect Hits Dem Convention
The Hill – Megan Wilson | Published: 4/5/2016

Businesses have long kept a big presence at the Democratic and Republican conventions, cutting checks for the festivities and sponsoring branded parties where their executives hobnob with the biggest names in the political world. But raising money for this year’s conventions is proving difficult, with many corporations wary of associating themselves with Donald Trump and his controversial campaign for the White House. Corporations are now considering sitting out the Democratic National Convention this summer for fear of looking partisan if they decide to skip the GOP’s event because of Trump.

From the States and Municipalities:

Alabama – Were the Gov. Robert Bentley Sex Scandal Tapes Legally Obtained?
AL.com – Keith Faulk | Published: 4/5/2016

It is not clear exactly who, how, and where the recordings were made of a few racy phone conversations purportedly between Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley and a woman on the other end believed to be his senior adviser Rebekah Mason. Apparently neither was the person who recorded the conversations. But if the conversations were recorded without the permission of either Bentley or the woman on the other end of the phone, the person who recorded it may run afoul of Alabama and/or federal eavesdropping laws, said Jenny Carroll, a professor at the University School of Law. She is interested in how it might play out in a court, before the Legislature, or the state Ethics Commission as to whether the tapes could be used. “It’s going to be very exciting,” Carroll said.

Arizona – AZ Governor Signs Bill Easing Dark Money Rules
Albuquerque Journal – Ryan Van Velzer (Associated Press) | Published: 4/1/2016

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signed a bill that makes numerous changes to the state’s campaign finance rules. One provision cedes regulation of “dark money” and other nonprofit groups to the IRS, essentially doubling the amount that secretive organizations can spend on ballot measures and allowing nonprofits to spend more money influencing elections without having to reveal donors. Also gone are limits on how much someone can spend hosting a fundraising event for one or more candidates. In addition, Senate Bill 1516 allows candidates who have amassed large donations to transfer some of that money to others running for office.

California – Documentaries Like ‘Blackfish’ Influence California’s Capitol
Sacramento Bee – Alexei Koseff | Published: 3/31/2016

For advocates in California, movies have become a popular way to generate public awareness, promote legislation, and reach those who have a say on issues. These events largely highlight traditionally liberal causes, but it is a nonpartisan strategy. Former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger once co-hosted a showing of “Waiting for Superman,” a film critical of public education. Jennifer Fearing, a lobbyist for animal rights groups, said it is a vital tool for nonprofits and other small organizations that have a less sophisticated presence in Sacramento. Documentaries send a message that something is “a mature problem that serious people are worried about and have put resources into,” while also providing an entertaining platform to educate the public and politicians, said Fearing.

Georgia – Friends in the Hall: How lobbyists use influence to help their clients
Atlanta Magazine – Max Blau | Published: 3/28/2016

Wayne Garner and Charlie Watts walked through the “revolving door” from legislating to lobbying and today are among nearly 1,000 badge-wearing lobbyists registered in Georgia. Their firm, Southeastern Resource Group, relies on their institutional knowledge, personal relationships with everyone from the state troopers guarding the Capitol doors to the governor, and a “good ol’ boy” sense of humor. Jokes aside, their expertise is valuable to clients, earning them up to $5,000 a month as contract lobbyists.

Kansas – The Conservative Gladiator from Kansas behind Restrictive Voting Laws
Washington Post – Sari Horwitz | Published: 4/6/2016

Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach has emerged as a major figure in a movement to add more requirements for Americans to vote or register to vote. Since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a key part of the Voting Rights Act, sixteen states have made changes that will be in effect for the first time in a presidential election, many of them requiring photo identification at the polls. Kobach, a Republican, has gone a step further by pushing for states to demand proof of citizenship, such as a passport or a birth certificate, before allowing people to even register. “The reason we have to do this is there is a significant problem in Kansas and in the rest of the country of aliens getting on our voting rolls,” Kobach said. Election law experts say there is no evidence of significant voter fraud and Kobach is intentionally trying to make it more difficult for minority voters who tend to vote Democratic.

Kentucky – Judge Tosses Kentucky’s Ban on Corporate Campaign Donations
Lexington Herald-Leader; Associated Press –   | Published: 3/31/2016

U.S. District Court Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove ruled the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance cannot enforce the state’s prohibition on corporate campaign donations, finding the disparate treatment of corporations and unincorporated organizations violates the Constitutional right to equal protection under the law. The ruling stems from the battle over “right-to-work” legislation in the state: the labor unions that oppose those measures are allowed to make political contributions, while a corporation that promotes them is not.

Mississippi – High Court Rejects Challenge to Miss. Campaign Finance Law
San Diego Union-Tribune; Associated Press –   | Published: 4/4/2016

The U.S. Supreme Court will not hear an appeal challenging the constitutionality of a Mississippi campaign finance law that requires reporting by people or groups spending at least $200 to support or oppose a ballot measure. The justices left in place an appeals court ruling that upheld the law over claims it is too burdensome.

New Jersey – Why Are N.J. Public Contractors Who Took in $8.2B Donating Less to Candidates?
Newark Star-Ledger – Samantha Marcus (NJ Advance Media) | Published: 4/7/2016

The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) said the state’s “pay-to-play” laws are chilling campaign contributions from public contractors. While they received nearly $8.2 billion in public contracts in 2015, a $1.2 billion hike over 2014, political donations from contractors fell 15 percent, from $9.8 million in 2014 to $8.3 million in 2015, according to an analysis of annual disclosure reports. “Many contractors are so afraid of violating the law that they have just stopped making political contributions entirely; many contractor donations are now going to PACs and independent groups, which are not subject to ‘pay-to-play,'” said ELEC Executive Director Jeff Brindle.

Pennsylvania – Lobbying for Philadelphia, and Well Paid for It
Philadelphia Inquirer – Jonathan Tamari and Claudia Vargas | Published: 4/4/2016

One is a longtime Philadelphia-area member of Congress who quit in 2002. Another worked for U.S. Rep. Robert Brady (R-Pa.). A third was a powerful state senator from Delaware County until he went to federal prison. Yet years after they left their public jobs, all remain on the taxpayers’ tab as private lobbyists, paid to promote Philadelphia’s interests in Washington, D.C. and Harrisburg. It is a common arrangement for cities, but one that troubles some watchdogs. A review of city records found Philadelphia taxpayers paid private lobbyists $482,924 last year. And despite already working for City Hall, some of the same firms also collected additional amounts from public entities such as Visit Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation.

Tennessee – Bible Could Soon Be Tennessee’s Official Book
New York Times – Katie Rogers | Published: 4/5/2016

Derided by critics as everything from unconstitutional to sacrilegious, Tennessee lawmakers nevertheless moved ahead with designating the Holy Bible as the state’s official book. Sponsors argue the bill seeks to honor the historical significance of the Bible in Tennessee’s history rather than serving as a government endorsement of religion. But opponents say the measure trivializes the Scripture by placing it alongside other state symbols like the official flower, tree, reptile, or folk dance. It remains unclear whether opponents of the bill will take the issue to court should Gov. Bill Haslam sign the legislation.

Virginia – Virginia Lawmakers Banish Pricey Gifts – But Not Fundraisers
ABC News – Alan Suderman (Associated Press) | Published: 4/6/2016

An analysis shows Virginia’s elected officials have hosted birthday parties, hunting and fishing trips, and golf tournaments in efforts to raise money. The fundraising occurred while lawmakers were putting new limits on gifts they could take from lobbyists and others after a scandal involving a former governor. Many lawmakers said they need to throw attention-getting fundraisers to attract lobbyists and donors, who are inundated with constant requests. Critics say the limits on gifts have done little to change the political culture. Instead of spoiling legislators with sports tickets and vacations, businesses are helping subsidize luxurious fundraisers, and filings provide scant details on the events.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 60 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

A revolving door ban, prohibiting legislators from serving in office one day and returning as lobbyists the next, has been a priority for the Missouri General Assembly as it considers sweeping ethics reform legislation.

The House passed a bill earlier in the year barring lawmakers from lobbying for one year after leaving office. The Senate removed the waiting period and wanted legislators to simply finish their respective terms before becoming lobbyists.

After months of deliberation and negotiation, a conference committee reached an agreement Wednesday both sides are likely to approve. The compromise would prohibit legislators from working as paid lobbyists for six months after their terms expire.

If both houses approve the committee’s recommendations, the bill will be sent to Gov. Jay Nixon for final approval.

Photo of the Missouri State Capitol by Nickbigd on Wikimedia Commons.

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown has signed into law a bill requiring lobbyists to file registration statements within three business days of commencing or ceasing representation of a client. The bill also requires each person employing a lobbyist to sign a designation of official authorization to lobby within 10 calendar days after the lobbyist files the registration statement.

The bill has an emergency clause making it effective immediately; however, the bill states it applies to lobbyist registration statements filed on or after January 1, 2017.