January 24, 2017 •
Tuesday Government Relations and Ethics News Roundup
Lobbying Alaska: “As Clock Ticked Toward Session, Alaska Lawmakers Turned to Lobbyists for Cash” by Nathaniel Herz for Alaska Dispatch News New Mexico: “Loophole Cuts Lobbyist Spending Reporting” by Sandra Fish for New Mexico In Depth Ethics “After Ethics Review, […]
Lobbying
Alaska: “As Clock Ticked Toward Session, Alaska Lawmakers Turned to Lobbyists for Cash” by Nathaniel Herz for Alaska Dispatch News
New Mexico: “Loophole Cuts Lobbyist Spending Reporting” by Sandra Fish for New Mexico In Depth
Ethics
“After Ethics Review, Senate Postpones Committee Vote for Betsy DeVos” by Danielle Douglas-Gabriel for Washington Post
“We Rely on the Government for Lots of Data. What Happens to That in the Era of ‘Alternative Facts’?” by Mark Berman for Washington Post
“Liberal Watchdog Group Sues Trump, Alleging He Violated Constitutional Ban” by David Fahrenthold and Jonathan O’Connell for Washington Post
Pennsylvania: “Ex-Mayor Reed Admits Carelessness, Not Criminality, in Pleading Guilty to Stealing City Artifacts” by Matt Miller for Harrisburg Patriot-News
Rhode Island: “Gallison to Admit Stealing from a Friend, the Poor and a Disabled Client” by Tom Mooney for Providence Journal
Redistricting
“Supreme Court Won’t Review Texas Voter Law Found to Discriminate Against Minorities” by Robert Barnes for Washington Post
January 23, 2017 •
Federal Bill Introduced Tying Ethics to State Administration of Federal Block Grant Programs
U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee has introduced legislation requiring ethical guidelines be followed by states before those states be allowed to administer certain federal funds. House Bill 0554, The Make State Government More Open, Honest, and Transparent Act, suspends the authority […]
U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee has introduced legislation requiring ethical guidelines be followed by states before those states be allowed to administer certain federal funds.
House Bill 0554, The Make State Government More Open, Honest, and Transparent Act, suspends the authority of a state to administer funds under federal block grant programs if the state does not enact certain conflict of interest protections. These include banning state contractors from making state financial contributions, prohibiting state legislators from requiring their staff make political contributions, and requiring state legislators to annually disclose their own financial interests.
“My legislation is simple: it raises the bar for states to be more open and transparent with their constituents so that we can begin to restore public trust in government,” Kildee said in his press release.
January 23, 2017 •
Monday Government Relations and Ethics News
Lobbying “Companies Drafting Emergency Plans for Trump Tweets” by Megan Wilson and Melanie Zanona for The Hill Ethics “Intercepted Russian Communications Part of Inquiry into Trump Associates” by Michael Schmidt, Matthew Rosenberg, Adam Goldman, and Matt Apuzzo for The New […]
Lobbying
“Companies Drafting Emergency Plans for Trump Tweets” by Megan Wilson and Melanie Zanona for The Hill
Ethics
“Intercepted Russian Communications Part of Inquiry into Trump Associates” by Michael Schmidt, Matthew Rosenberg, Adam Goldman, and Matt Apuzzo for The New York Times
California: “Former L.A. Coliseum Executive at the Center of Corruption Scandal Sentenced to 3 Years of Probation” by Melissa Gerber for Los Angeles Times
California: “Short-Staffed SF Ethics Panel’s Backlog of Cases Growing” by Emily Green for San Francisco Chronicle
Maryland: “Hogan Proposes Maryland Government Ethics Reforms” by Pamela Wood for The Baltimore Sun
Rhode Island: “Ex-R.I. Rep. Palumbo Charged with Embezzling; 2nd Ex-Lawmaker Arrested in a Week” by Katie Mulvaney for Providence Journal
Legislative Issues
Maryland: “Hogan Seeks Background Checks for Appointed Lawmakers” by Pamela Wood and Erin Cox for The Baltimore Sun
Campaign Finance
“With Morale in Tatters, Federal Election Commission Eyes Changes” by Dave Levinthal for Center for Public Integrity
“‘Soft Money’ Era Not Back Yet as Few Companies Contribute” by Kenneth Doyle for Bloomberg BNA
Pennsylvania: “In First Act, New Pa. Treasurer Cracks Down on Pay-to-Play Fees” by Craig McCoy and Mark Fazlollah for Philadelphia Inquirer
Elections
“From Headline to Photograph, a Fake News Masterpiece” by Scott Shane for The New York Times
January 20, 2017 •
Maryland Ethics and Transparency Bills Proposed
Gov. Larry Hogan introduced several legislative acts to state lawmakers on January 19, 2017, including the Public Integrity Act, the Liquor Board Reform Act, and the Legislative Transparency Act. The bills are seen as a reaction to conspiracy and bribery […]
Gov. Larry Hogan introduced several legislative acts to state lawmakers on January 19, 2017, including the Public Integrity Act, the Liquor Board Reform Act, and the Legislative Transparency Act. The bills are seen as a reaction to conspiracy and bribery scandals lawmakers were involved with in 2016.
If approved, the Public Integrity Act would keep lawmakers from using legislation to help their own businesses, and also prohibit legislators, appointees, and other staff from working as a lobbyist within a year of exiting their posts. The Liquor Board Reform Act would require state senators to make the committee nominations. And, under the Legislative Transparency Act, the House and Senate would have to stream their sessions live via video. Currently, the sessions are live, but just in audio format.
January 19, 2017 •
Thursday Government Relations News Roundup
Lobbying “The Trump Lobbying Purge That Wasn’t” by Maggie Severns and Isaac Arnsdorf for Politico Colorado: “Denver City Council Committee Stalls Vote Again on Ethics Changes” by Jon Murray for Denver Post Massachusetts: “Could Lobbying Rules Have Saved Boston from […]
Lobbying
“The Trump Lobbying Purge That Wasn’t” by Maggie Severns and Isaac Arnsdorf for Politico
Colorado: “Denver City Council Committee Stalls Vote Again on Ethics Changes” by Jon Murray for Denver Post
Massachusetts: “Could Lobbying Rules Have Saved Boston from Ill-Fated Grand Prix?” by Andrew Ryan for Boston Globe
Missouri: “House Passes HB 60 to Limit Lobbyist Gifts” by Benjamin Peters for Missouri Times
South Dakota: “Senators Reluctantly Allow Lobbyists to Stay” by Dana Ferguson for Sioux Falls Argus Leader
Campaign Finance
“SEC Settles with 10 Public Fund Money Managers Over Pay-to-Play Violations” by Hazel Bradford for Pensions & Investments
Ethics
South Carolina: “Lt. Gov. Henry McMaster Paying Off Ethics Penalties Before Becoming Governor” by Andy Shain for Charleston Post & Courier
Texas: “State Rep. Dawnna Dukes Indicted by Grand Jury” by Alex Samuels for Texas Tribune
Elections
Kansas: “Kobach Seeks Authority for Bifurcated Elections; Downplays Issue of Missing Registrations” by Peter Hancock for Lawrence Journal World
Legislative Issues
“How a Mother-in-Law Inspired a Bill to Protect Drivers” by Cleve Wootson Jr. for Washington Post
January 18, 2017 •
Ethics Bill Passes Missouri House
Ethics reform legislation passed the Missouri House Tuesday afternoon with wide bipartisan support. House Bill 60 would prohibit lobbyists and lobbyist principals from making expenditures for state public officials or for their staff, spouses, or dependent children. An exception would […]
Ethics reform legislation passed the Missouri House Tuesday afternoon with wide bipartisan support.
House Bill 60 would prohibit lobbyists and lobbyist principals from making expenditures for state public officials or for their staff, spouses, or dependent children.
An exception would remain for event expenditures if all members of the Legislature or all statewide officials are invited in writing. For clarity, the bill would subsequently remove any unnecessary lobbyist reporting requirements.
The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
January 18, 2017 •
Identification Badges Required for Alabama Lobbyists
According to a memorandum from the Alabama House Bill Clerk, lobbyists and state agency representatives will be issued identification badges. After registering with the Ethics Commission, a lobbyist or state agency representative must sign up with the Alabama House to […]
According to a memorandum from the Alabama House Bill Clerk, lobbyists and state agency representatives will be issued identification badges.
After registering with the Ethics Commission, a lobbyist or state agency representative must sign up with the Alabama House to receive the new badges.
Badges may be acquired by calling House Bill Clerk Dildred Bass at (334) 242-7616, or in-person at Bass’s office located in the Alabama State House, Office of the Clerk, Room 504-B.
January 18, 2017 •
South Dakota Senators Decide Not to Restrict Lobbyists
The Senate Committee on Legislative Procedure decided to table consideration of a proposed new rule to ban lobbyists from the chamber and adjacent hallways during working hours. The measure came up for a vote yesterday and the committee voted unanimously […]
The Senate Committee on Legislative Procedure decided to table consideration of a proposed new rule to ban lobbyists from the chamber and adjacent hallways during working hours.
The measure came up for a vote yesterday and the committee voted unanimously to let the lobbyists stay. Lawmakers could decide to reconsider adoption of the proposal any time during the legislative session.
January 18, 2017 •
Wednesday Government Relations News Roundup
Lobbying Michigan: “From Lawmaker to Lobbyist. Should the State Slow Down the Revolving Door?” by Craig Mauger and Ted Roelofs for Bridge Magazine Campaign Finance California: “La Jolla Car Dealer Sentenced for Role in Funneling Illegal Contributions to San Diego […]
Lobbying
Michigan: “From Lawmaker to Lobbyist. Should the State Slow Down the Revolving Door?” by Craig Mauger and Ted Roelofs for Bridge Magazine
Campaign Finance
California: “La Jolla Car Dealer Sentenced for Role in Funneling Illegal Contributions to San Diego Mayor’s Race” by Greg Moran for San Diego Union Tribune
Ethics
“Trump’s Cabinet Pick Invested in Company, Then Introduced a Bill to Help It” by Manu Raju for CNN
Arkansas: “North Little Rock Attorney Says No Ethics Violation in Dallas Cowboys Tickets Given to Police Officers” by Jake Sandlin for Arkansas Online
Iowa: “Kent Sorenson Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison for Role in Caucus Scandal” by Grant Rodgers for Des Moines Register
New Mexico: “Will Independent Ethics Oversight Catch On in 2017?” by Trip Jennings for New Mexico In Depth
Pennsylvania: “DA Williams Fined $62,0000 for Ethics Violations” by Claudia Vargas for Philadelphia Inquirer
Virginia: “Lengthy New Ethics Bill Targets Redskin Tickets Loophole” by Travis Fain for The Daily Press
Elections
“Rolling in the Red Carpet: Many Pennsylvania Avenue firms to ignore Trump parade” by Stephanie Mansfield for Washington Times
January 17, 2017 •
Los Angeles Addresses Political Contributions from Real Estate Developers
Five City Council members recently asked the Los Angeles Ethics Commission to address the issue of real estate developers making political contributions. Developers can appear to be benefiting when elected officials they’ve supported grant them land-use perks such as zoning […]
Five City Council members recently asked the Los Angeles Ethics Commission to address the issue of real estate developers making political contributions.
Developers can appear to be benefiting when elected officials they’ve supported grant them land-use perks such as zoning exemptions.
This campaign finance reform initiative focuses on restricting donations specifically from developers, contractors, and subcontractors whose projects are being reviewed by the city.
January 17, 2017 •
Corpus Christi Considering New Ethics Code Recommendations
Corpus Christi, Texas City Council will meet Tuesday to discuss new recommendations to the ethics code to further tighten rules for City Council members. The Council unanimously approved the new code during a first vote last week. If approved on […]
Corpus Christi, Texas City Council will meet Tuesday to discuss new recommendations to the ethics code to further tighten rules for City Council members. The Council unanimously approved the new code during a first vote last week.
If approved on the second vote, it will be formally adopted by City Council. If adopted, the modified code would ban council members from appointing people to city committees and boards if the appointee contributed more than $2,700 to the council member’s campaign in the previous election. This would not ban the contributor from appointment, but would require a council member who did not receive contributions meeting the threshold to appoint the person.
Additionally, the prospective code broadens who falls within what is called the circle of influence and indicates a conflict of interest if a person with a specific relationship to a council member would profit from a council member’s vote. The current circle of influence includes direct family members but could be expanded to cover employers of family members and household members if the new code is adopted.
January 17, 2017 •
Texas Legislators Push for Ethics Reform
Legislators will attempt to pass a major ethics reform for the second time after their effort during the 2015 legislative session failed. The plan gained wide spread support in 2015 but was ultimately defeated in the House due to a […]
Legislators will attempt to pass a major ethics reform for the second time after their effort during the 2015 legislative session failed. The plan gained wide spread support in 2015 but was ultimately defeated in the House due to a provision increasing donor disclosure requirements for dark money groups.
The new reform package, Senate Bill 14, has four main provisions to:
- Prohibit politicians convicted of felony corruption charges from collecting state pensions
- Require disclosure if companies a lobbyist is tied to have received government contracts or served as bond counsel to a governmental entity
- Decrease the amount of money lobbyists can spend on food and drinks for legislators without triggering disclosure
- Ban registered lobbyists from running for elected office
Sen. Van Taylor who is sponsoring Senate Bill 14 has said reform is needed beyond the provisions of the reform package and will continue to file additional ethics bills. While Senate Bill 14 has not yet been filed, Taylor has filed Senate Bill 137 aiming to prohibit state agencies from using state funds to employ a person who is registered as a lobbyist or who engages in lobbying activities.
Gov. Greg Abbott supports the passage of an ethics package.
Photo of the Texas State Capitol By LoneStarMike via Wikimedia Commons
January 17, 2017 •
Several Ethics Bills Introduced in New Mexico
New Mexico lawmakers have recently introduced several ethics bills. House Bill 119 would make it unlawful for a state legislator or legislative candidate to solicit or accept a contribution, even absent any political purpose. House Bill 73 seeks to create […]
New Mexico lawmakers have recently introduced several ethics bills.
House Bill 119 would make it unlawful for a state legislator or legislative candidate to solicit or accept a contribution, even absent any political purpose.
House Bill 73 seeks to create a two-year revolving door provision prohibiting former statewide elected officials, public regulation commissioners, legislators, and cabinet secretaries from accepting compensation as lobbyists for a period of two years after terminating their service. The bill would also prohibit a lobbyist employer from compensating any of the aforementioned persons during the two-year period.
State Sen. Daniel A. Ivey-Soto introduced Senate Bill 72, also known as the Public Accountability Act (PAA). If passed, the PAA would create the Public Accountability Board (PAB) with enforcement powers over the compliance provisions of various public acts including, but not limited to, those related to campaign finance reporting, lobbying, public accountability, ethics, and procurement.
The PAB would serve as an adjunct agency with the secretary of state, members of the board of commissioners of the state bar, the governor, and the chief justice of the supreme court each appointing three members, respectively. Among its provisions, the act amends the definition of lobbyist and prohibits lobbyists and government contractors from serving on the PAB. If passed, several of the sections would be effective as soon as July 1, 2017, while the PAB would not gain enforcement powers over many of the listed acts until July 1, 2019.
January 17, 2017 •
Tuesday Government Relations News Roundup
Campaign Finance “Corporations Open the Cash Spigot for Trump’s Inauguration” by Nicholas Fandos for New York Times New Mexico: “Leadership Shift Sparks Hope for Supporters of Campaign Finance Reform” by Sandra Fish for New Mexio In Depth Wisconsin: “Former Wisconsin […]
Campaign Finance
“Corporations Open the Cash Spigot for Trump’s Inauguration” by Nicholas Fandos for New York Times
New Mexico: “Leadership Shift Sparks Hope for Supporters of Campaign Finance Reform” by Sandra Fish for New Mexio In Depth
Wisconsin: “Former Wisconsin Judges Seek Rules on Campaign Donations” by Patrick Marley and Bill Glauber for Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Ethics
“Trump’s Administration Will Regulate Trump’s Businesses, Raising Prospect of Conflicts” by Rosalind Helderman, Drew Harwell, and Tom Hamburger for Washington Post
California: “Sweetwater School District Gets $8.2 Million in Settlement Over Pay-to-Play Scandal” by Greg Moran for San Diego Union Tribune
Colorado: “Colorado Ethics Commission Puts Denver, Aurora and Other Cities on Notice in Turf Battle Over Gift Rules” by Jon Murray for Denver Post
New Jersey: “Christie Selects Campaign Donor as New Ethics Watchdog” by Salvador Rizzo for Bergen Record
Canada: “Ethics Watchdog Opens Probe into Trudeau’s Vacation at the Aga Khan’s Island” by Alex Ballingall for Toronto Star
Elections
“‘Kompromat’ and the Danger of Doubt and Confusion in a Democracy” by Amanda Taub for New York Times
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