On March 19, U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin introduced a bill to close a campaign finance loophole allowing foreign-owned, foreign-controlled, and foreign-influenced corporations to indirectly participate in U.S. elections.

H.R. 1615, the Get Foreign Money Out of U.S. Elections Act, amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to expand the ban on contributions and expenditures by foreign nationals under the Act to foreign-controlled, foreign-influenced, and foreign-owned domestic corporations.

In his press release, Raskin, a constitutional law professor, said, “The problem is that domestically registered corporations can be taken-over, bought-up, controlled, or influenced by foreign corporations and foreign nationals, and this means foreign powers have an easy and perfectly lawful way to funnel foreign money into American elections.” Upon introduction, the bill was referred to the House Administration committee.

Campaign Finance

“Duncan Hunter Under Criminal Investigation for Ethics Violations” by Eric Lichtblau for New York Times

Elections

“One Rationale for Voter ID Debunked, G.O.P. Has Another” by Michael Wines for New York Times

Ethics

“Federal Agency Rules Trump’s D.C. Hotel Lease Is In ‘Full Compliance’” by Jonathan O’Connell for Washington Post

Florida: “Investigators Knocked Commissioners for VIP Treatment at MIA. Then Came the Funding Threat.” by Douglas Hanks for Miami Herald

New Mexico: “What Financial Disclosure Forms Don’t Require Reveal as Much as What They Do” by Sandra Fish for New Mexico In Depth

New York: “Albany’s Latest Scandal: 2 more are accused of corruption” by Jesse McKinley for New York Times

Lobbying

Iowa: “House Ethics Committee Admonishes Americans for Prosperity Lobbyist” by Brianne Pfannenstiel for Des Moines Register

Missouri: “Goodbye to All That? Missouri Lawmakers Dragging Feet on Lobbyist-Gift Ban” by Marshall Griffin for St. Louis Public Radio

Texas: “Liquor Regulators Partying on Taxpayers’ Tab” by Jay Root for Texas Tribune

Federal:

Despite a Trust, Ivanka Trump Still Wields Power Over Her Brand
New York Times – Rachel Abrams | Published: 3/20/2017

Ivanka Trump, who moved to Washington saying she would play no formal role in her father’s administration, is now officially setting up shop in the White House. The powerful first daughter has secured her own office on the West Wing’s second floor. She is also in the process of obtaining a security clearance and is set to receive government-issued communications devices. In everything but name, Trump is settling in as what appears to be a full-time staffer in her father’s administration, with a broad and growing portfolio, except she is not being sworn in, will hold no official position, and is not pocketing a salary, her attorney said. Watchdogs immediately questioned whether she is going far enough to eliminate conflicts-of-interest, especially because she will not be automatically subjected to certain ethics rules while serving as a de facto White House adviser.

Ethics Watchdogs Make a Career of It
Roll Call – Kate Ackley | Published: 3/16/2017

Norm Eisen, President Barack Obama’s White House ethics czar, and Richard Painter, an ethics lawyer from the George W. Bush administration, have teamed up to become two of the most vocal critics of President Donald Trump’s conflicts-of-interest. They not only sued the president within days of his inauguration, they have also appeared regularly on television and testified on Capitol Hill. Though government ethics law may seem a lonely pursuit, leading a resistance against the Trump team’s web of potential ethics woes clearly is not. “I never imagined that White House ethics experts would be in such demand,” Eisen said.

From the States and Municipalities:

Florida – Will Legislators Lift the Veil on ‘Dark Money’ in Florida Politics?
Bradenton Herald – Mary Ellen Klas (Miami Herald) | Published: 3/19/2017

In the ramp-up to the annual legislative session, before the self-imposed fundraising ban takes effect, Florida’s most politically powerful corporations seed hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign cash into the committees of legislators. But getting all the details on who got what is impossible. Florida law allows groups that accept contributions from corporations to legally distribute money to other political committees, including those controlled by legislators, without reporting the original source of the cash. The practice of shielding political spending from public view has fueled the “dark money” trend in politics that has allowed groups to launch political attacks in campaigns without fear of being traced.

Illinois – Emails to Emanuel Raise Questions About Dozens of Possible Lobbying Violations
Chicago Tribune – Bill Ruthhart and Hal Dardick | Published: 3/21/2017

The Chicago Tribune reviewed over 2,600 pages of Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s personal emails, and found 26 instances where lobbyists, corporate executives, and longtime Emanuel associates and campaign donors sought action from, or access to, the mayor or city officials but did not register as a lobbyist or report their contact to the city ethics board. Some of those who sent emails pitching their business said they did not believe their actions qualified as lobbying or they were not familiar with the city’s ethics rules. But if the board determines someone sought to influence City Hall action but did not register as a lobbyist, it can fine the individual $1,000 per day from five days after the initial contact until they register.

Massachusetts – Construction Firm, Owner Pay $150,000 for Campaign Finance Violations
Boston Globe – Frank Phillips | Published: 3/22/2017

A Massachusetts business owner and his construction company have paid $150,000 for disguising the true source of campaign contributions. The Office of Campaign and Political Finance said J. Derenzo Companies gave $37,000 to employees and their family members to reimburse them for donations they made to nine candidates, including Gov. Charlie Baker and former Gov. Deval Patrick. The contributions were reported as coming from the individuals. State law prohibits disguising the true origin of a donation and bans corporate contributions. The company and its owner, David Howe, agreed to pay $125,000 to the state’s general fund. Howe also gave $25,000 to a charity with personal funds as part of the agreement.

Mississippi – Politicians Will See Campaign Spending Curbed
Hattiesburg American – Geoff Pender | Published: 3/22/2017

The Mississippi Legislature passed a campaign finance reform measure that would restrict politicians’ spending campaign money on personal expenses and provide for some enforcement and oversight by the state Ethics Commission. Gov. Phil Bryant is expected to sign the bill into law, to take effect January 1. Experts have called Mississippi’s lack of rules and transparency on campaign money – and allowing it to be used for personal expenses – “legalized bribery,” with special-interest cash making its way into politicians’ pockets after it runs through their campaign accounts. Campaign money is shielded from tax, ethics, bribery, and other laws because it is ostensibly to be used for campaigning and records of it are supposed to be open to the public.

New Mexico – Voters Will Decide Future of State Ethics Commission Proposal
New Mexico Politics – Steve Terrell (Santa Fe New Mexican) | Published: 3/16/2017

New Mexico voters will decide next year whether to create an independent ethics commission to shore up trust in government after a string of corruption scandals. The Legislature approved a constitutional amendment that calls for creating a seven-member body to investigate ethics violations and apply sanctions. The vote capped a decades-long effort by government watchdog groups and select lawmakers to put ethics complaints in the hands of an independent authority.

New York – Lobbyist in Libous Case Reaches $10k Settlement, as Legal Questions Remain
Albany Times Union – Chris Bragg | Published: 3/17/2017

Lobbyist Fred Hiffa, whose firm made payments to a law firm employing the son of late New York Sen. Thomas Libous at a time it regularly lobbied the once-influential politician, agreed to pay $10,000 to settle ethics charges. The Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) said Hiffa arranged for payments totaling $50,000 over one year to the law firm that employed Libous’ son. Libous was convicted of lying to the FBI about his son’s arrangement. But some legal experts said the gift ban law at the center of JCOPE’s case does not seem to apply to the Libous matter, as well as the case of former Sen. Dean Skelos, who was convicted on corruption charges relating to companies hiring his son.

New York – No Charges, but Harsh Criticism for Mayor de Blasio
New York Times – William Rashbaum | Published: 3/16/2017

Prosecutors said New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and his aides will not face criminal charges for their role in soliciting donations for the mayor’s campaign and an affiliated nonprofit group, the Campaign for One New York. The investigation involved accusations that de Blasio and his aides gave favorable treatment to donors who contributed to his 2013 mayoral election campaign. Also at issue is whether the de Blasio team illegally raised money for several key state senate races. Acting U.S. Attorney Joon Kim said the decision not to file charges was based, among other things, on the high burden of proof required in prosecuting serious public corruption cases, the clarity of existing law, and the difficulty in proving criminal intent in corruption schemes where there is no evidence of personal profit.

North Carolina – Judges Issue Split Ruling on NC Governor-Legislature Power Struggle
Charlotte Observer – Anne Blythe (Raleigh News & Observer) | Published: 3/17/2017

A three-judge panel delivered a mixed decision in the power struggle between Gov. Roy Cooper and legislative leaders in North Carolina. The General Assembly passed two laws that require Senate confirmation of Cooper’s cabinet secretaries, cut the number of state positions to which the governor can appoint supporters, and overhauled the structure of North Carolina’s state and county elections boards. The panel agreed with Cooper that the law calling for combining the State Board of Elections and the State Ethics Commission was unconstitutional. The judges also ruled that a provision cutting the number of at-will policy-making and managerial positions in Cooper’s administration should be blocked. The judges upheld the Senate’s right to confirm the governor’s cabinet secretaries, saying Cooper has not demonstrated his administration will be hurt by the law.

Oklahoma – Oklahoma State Senator Faces Charges and Condemnation
New York Times – Matthew Haig | Published: 3/17/2017

Oklahoma Sen. Ralph Shortey was accused in a child prostitution case of offering to pay a 17-year-old boy for sex. Shortey was charged with three felony counts one week after police found him with the teenager in a hotel room. The maximum punishment, if convicted, is 25 years in prison. The Senate voted to punish Shortey for “disorderly behavior.” The unanimous vote stripped him of most of his privileges at the Capitol, including his office and parking space.

Pennsylvania – D.A. Seth Williams Indicted on Corruption, Bribery-Related Charges
Philadelphia Inquirer – Jeremy Roebuck, David Gambacorta, and Chris Brennan | Published: 3/21/2017

Philadelphia’s top prosecutor was charged with taking more than $160,000 in luxury gifts, Caribbean trips, and cash, often in exchange for official favors that included help with a court case, according to a bribery and extortion indictment. Federal prosecutors said District Attorney Seth Williams also spent $10,000 from a joint account he shared with a relative meant for the relative’s nursing home costs. The indictment caps a nearly two-year investigation into Williams’ financial affairs. In January, the city Board of Ethics imposed its largest fine ever, $62,000, on Williams for failing to disclose gifts and sources of income, and accepting gifts from prohibited sources.

Pennsylvania – Former Top Allentown Bureaucrat Francis Dougherty Pleads Guilty, Implicates Mayor
Allentown Morning Call – Emily Opilo | Published: 3/22/2017

Former Allentown Managing Director Francis Dougherty pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge in an ongoing FBI “pay-to-play” corruption probe. Prosecutors say Dougherty helped rig a $3 million contract to replace the city’s streetlights so it would go to a company whose executives and consultants gave thousands of dollars in campaign contributions to Mayor Ed Pawlowski. The mayor has not been charged, but he matches the description of the unnamed public official in court papers. As part of his plea deal, Dougherty must continue to cooperate with prosecutors concerning his knowledge of and participation in political corruption in Allentown.

South Carolina – Veteran State Sen. Courson of Columbia Suspended from Office after Misconduct Indictment
The State – John Monk | Published: 3/16/2017

One of South Carolina’s longest-serving senators has been indicted on ethics charges tied to veteran powerbroker Richard Quinn. A grand jury indicted Sen. John Courson on misconduct in office and using campaign donations for personal expenses. All three charges are tied to Courson’s payments to Quinn’s political consulting firm. Lt. Gov. Kevin Bryant suspended Courson pending the case’s resolution. The indictments allege Courson gave Quinn’s firm nearly $248,000 and received back nearly $133,000 for personal use. The Quinn firm has not been charged with any wrongdoing.

Texas – Dallas City Council Overhauls Ethics Rules; Mayor Mike Rawlings Lauds Changes as ‘Remarkable’
Dallas News – Tristan Hallman | Published: 3/22/2017

The Dallas City Council approved changes to the ethics law. The reforms include lowering the gift-reporting threshold to $250, requiring attorneys and law firms representing clients – along with leaders of associations – to register as lobbyists, and prohibiting city council members from discussing ongoing contract bids. Council members voted down several of their colleagues’ attempts to include additional changes. The ordinance will take effect on July 1, 2017.

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.

On Wednesday, Dallas City Council voted unanimously to overhaul the city’s ethics laws after months of work to tighten rules on lobbying and reduce political influence in City Hall.

Among other things, the new ethics rules bar successful campaign managers from lobbying city officials for one year after a campaign, require association leaders as well as attorneys and law firms representing clients to register as lobbyists, lower the gift disclosure threshold from $500 to $250, and broaden the scope of those covered by the law to include city board and commission appointees.

The ordinance will take effect July 1, 2017.

Campaign Finance

Massachusetts: “Construction Firm, Owner Pay $150,000 for Campaign Finance Violations” by Frank Phillips for Boston Globe

Pennsylvania: “Former Top Allentown Bureaucrat Francis Dougherty Pleads Guilty, Implicates Mayor” by Emily Opilo and Peter Hall for Allentown Morning Call

Ethics

“New Trump Hotels Face Political Fights, Ethics Questions” by Bernard Condon and David Koenig (Associated Press) for ABC News

“Betsy DeVos’s Hiring of For-Profit College Official Raises Impartiality Issues” by Patricia Cohen for New York Times

“Protesting at Lunchtime: Defying Trump becomes a Washington lifestyle” by Katie Rogers for Washington Post

Nebraska: “State Regulator’s Side Job Appears to Violate Oath of Office, Lawmaker Says” by Zach Pluhacek for Lincoln Journal-Star

Texas: “Dallas City Council Overhauls Ethics Rules; Mayor Mike Rawlings Lauds Changes as ‘Remarkable’” by Tristan Hallman for Dallas News

Elections

“FBI’s Russian-Influence Probe Includes a Look at Breitbart, InfoWars News Sites” by Peter Stone and Greg Gordon for McClatchy DC

Colorado: “Ex-Colo. GOP Leader Said Only Democrats Committed Voter Fraud. Now He’s Charged with Voter Fraud.” by Derek Hawkins for Washington Post

New York: “A Contest to Design New York City’s Next ‘I Voted’ Sticker” by Sarah Maslin Nir for New York Times

Lobbying

Illinois: “Emails to Emanuel Raise Questions About Dozens of Possible Lobbying Violations” by Bill Ruthhart and Hal Dardick for Chicago Tribune

New York: “Lobbyist in Libous Case Reaches $10k Settlement, as Legal Questions Remain” by Chris Bragg for Albany Times Union

Texas: “By Wading into Energy Policy, Did Texas GOP Chair Break Ethics Law?” by Jim Malewitz for Texas Tribune

Campaign Finance

Ohio: “Franklin County Judge Will Spend Time in Jail for Filing Inaccurate Campaign-Finance Reports” by Encarnacion Pyle for Columbus Dispatch

Ethics

“Despite a Trust, Ivanka Trump Still Wields Power Over Her Brand” by Rachel Abrams for New York Times

“Paul Manafort, Former Trump Campaign Chief, Faces New Allegations in Ukraine” by Andrew Kramer for New York Times

“Ethics Watchdogs Make a Career of It” by Kate Ackley for Roll Call

Florida: “Ms. Book Goes to Tallahassee, Sees No Conflict Voting $ for Lauren’s Kids or Dad’s Clients” by Francisco Alvarado for Florida Bulldog

New York: “Sheldon Silver Appeal Looks to New Definition of Corruption” by Benjamin Weiser for New York Times

Pennsylvania: “D.A. Seth Williams Indicted on Corruption, Bribery-Related Charges” by Jeremy Roebuck, David Gambacorta, and Chris Brennan for Philadelphia Inquirer

Lobbying

Missouri: “Greitens’ Reliance on ‘Dark Money’ Endangers Proposed Ban on Lobbyist Gifts” by Jason Hancock for Kansas City Star

Campaign Finance

Arizona: “Utility Regulators Vote 3-1 to Let APS Slide on Political Finance Records” by Ryan Randazzo for Arizona Republic

Florida: “Will Legislators Lift the Veil on ‘Dark Money’ in Florida Politics?” by Mary Ellen Klas (Miami Herald) for Bradenton Herald

Maine: “Lawmakers Propose Reeling Back Reporting Requirements” by Marina Villeneuve (Associated Press) for U.S. News & World Report

Ethics

“White House Installs Political Aides at Cabinet Agencies to Be Trump’s Eyes and Ears” by Lisa Rein and Juliet Eilperin for Washington Post

“FBI Director Comey Confirms Probe of Possible Coordination Between Kremlin and Trump Campaign” by Ellen Nakashima, Karoun Demirjian, and Devlin Barrett for Washington Post

“Fired U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara Said to Have Been Investigating HHS Secretary Tom Price” by Robert Faturechi for ProPublica

Nevada: “Nevada Assemblywoman Resigns from Consulting Job After Ties to Saudi Arabia Are Revealed” by Ben Botkin for Las Vegas Review-Journal

Oklahoma: “Oklahoma State Senator Faces Charges and Condemnation” by Matthew Haag for New York Times

Rhode Island: “R.I. Gov. Raimondo Goes After ‘Bad Actors’ with Slate of Reforms” by Patrick Anderson for Providence Journal

Elections

“Senators Ask Trump Adviser to Preserve Any Russia-Related Documents” by Maggie Haberman for New York Times

The New Mexico Legislature adjourned sine die on March 18, 2017.

House Joint Resolution 8, which creates an independent ethics commission, passed both houses and will be placed on the 2018 general election ballot for voter approval.

Senate Bill 393, a bill requiring lobbyists to disclose the cumulative total of expenditures under $100, passed both houses and Gov. Susana Martinez has until April 7, 2017, to sign the bill into law.

On March 17, a three-judge panel ruled that the North Carolina General Assembly overstepped its state constitutional authority when it adopted Senate Bill 4 establishing a bipartisan board to oversee elections and consider ethics complaints and issues.

The ruling held that lawmakers violated the separation of powers in trying to take control over appointments in the governor’s administration.

Prior to Senate Bill 4, the State Board of Elections and State Ethics Commission were separate entities and the governor had the power to appoint a majority from his own party to preside over elections. Lawmakers could appeal the decision.

Campaign Finance

Democrats to Probe Gorsuch Views on Campaign Finance by Kenneth Doyle for Bloomberg BNA

Colorado: Colorado Democrats Propose Reforms to Shed More Light on Political ‘Dark Money’ by Brian Eason for Denver Post

Iowa: $43 million in 4 Years: Exclusive analysis tracks Iowa campaign contributions by Jason Noble for Des Moines Register

New York: No Charges, but Harsh Criticism for Mayor de Blasio by William Rashbaum for New York Times

Ethics

Documents: Office of Government Ethics, Trump team reached détente by Dave Levinthal for Center for Public Integrity

New Mexico: Voters Will Decide Future of State Ethics Commission Proposal by Steve Terrell (Santa Fe New Mexican) for New Mexico Politics

Oklahoma: Conservative Oklahoma Senator Charged with Three Felonies after Child Prostitution Investigation by Nolan Clay for The Oklahoman

Pennsylvania: Nutter Overruled His Inspector General to Spare a Key City Hall Adviser by David Gambacorda, Claudia Vargas, and Chris Brennan for Philadelphia Inquirer

South Carolina: Veteran State Sen. Courson of Columbia Suspended from Office after Misconduct Indictment by John Monk for The State

Legislative Issues

North Carolina: Judges Issue Split Ruling on NC Governor-Legislature Power Struggle by Anne Blythe (Raleigh News and Observer) for Charlotte Observer

Top Montana legislators canceled a meeting this week to nominate a new Commissioner of Political Practices when an agreement could not be reached.

In a meeting held last week, members of the bipartisan House and Senate leadership committee, tasked at nominating candidates for approval by the governor, were only able to agree on one nominee out of seven applicants.

By law, two nominations are required before Gov. Steve Bullock can approve a potential candidate. If no decision is reached by the committee, Gov. Bullock may choose a replacement who must then be confirmed by the Senate.

The search for a new commissioner is happening concurrently with a legislative session where Republican lawmakers are trying to eliminate the office and position.

House Bill 340, aimed at dismantling the Office of the Commissioner of Political Practices, passed in the House last month and has been referred to committee for review in the Senate.

Federal:

Admiral, Seven Others Charged with Corruption in New ‘Fat Leonard’ Indictment
Washington Post – Craig Whitlock | Published: 3/14/2017

A retired U.S. Navy admiral and eight other high-ranking officers were indicted in a bribery scandal in which prosecutors say a foreign contractor traded luxury travel, lavish gifts, and prostitutes for inside intelligence. A total of 25 military officers and private-sector executives have now been prosecuted in one of the worst corruption scandals to hit the military in years. Prosecutors accused the officers of betraying the public trust for bribes from a well-connected military contractor in Singapore, Leonard Francis, known as “Fat Leonard.” The scheme cost the Navy “tens of millions of dollars” in overbillings to Francis’ firm, as he relied on sensitive and sometimes classified information the officers had given them to game the system, according to the indictment.

FEC Earning Congressional Attention – for the Wrong Reasons
Center for Public Integrity – Dave Levinthal | Published: 3/13/2017

The FEC, an agency of clashing commissioners, unhappy staffers, and key vacancies, may soon face a hearing by the Committee on House Administration, something the agency has not endured since 2011 when super PACs were still novel and the Citizens United decision was not yet two years old. A planned oversight hearing in 2014 never materialized. An oversight hearing is “both urgent and necessary” and should be conducted “sooner rather than later,” said Jamie Fleet, a spokesperson for U.S. Rep. Robert Brady, the committee’s ranking Democrat. The Senate Committee on Rules and Administration also appears to have increased appetite for reviewing FEC affairs. Although this committee has conducted FEC confirmation hearings, it has not specifically conducted an oversight hearing since 2004.

In a Fact-Challenged Era, Will Public Access to Federal Data Be the Next Casualty?
McClatchy DC – Stuart Leavenworth and Adam Ashton | Published: 3/12/2017

Since taking office, the Trump administration has made a series of moves that have alarmed groups with a stake in public access to information: historians, librarians, journalists, climate scientists, and internet activists, to name a few. Some are so concerned they have thrown themselves into “data rescue” sessions nationwide, where they spend their weekends downloading and archiving federal databases they fear could soon be taken down or obscured. Previous presidential transitions have triggered fears about access to government data, but not of this scope.

Prerequisite for Key White House Posts: Loyalty, not experience
New York Times – Sharon LaFraniere, Nicholas Confessore, and Jesse Drucker | Published: 3/14/2017

Every president comes into office with friends and hangers-on who sometimes have minimal experience in government. But few have arrived with a contingent more colorful and controversial than that of President Trump, whose White House is peppered with assistants and advisers whose principal qualification is their long friendship with Trump and his family. The influence of longtime Trump friends and associates, some of them with vague portfolios, comes as a leadership void has been created by the administration’s slow pace in filling top jobs in many agencies. It has also added to the confusion of a West Wing already legendary for its power struggles, while bewildering Washington policy hands.

Suing Trump on Ethics? Good Luck Making Your Case
Politico – Isaac Arnsdorf and Darren Samuelsohn | Published: 3/9/2017

Many people – New York’s attorney general, law professors, and Washington restaurant owners among them – think President Trump is breaking laws by holding onto his businesses. But they are still searching for a successful courtroom strategy to force him to divest. The president is not bound by the main federal law against conflicts-of-interest. Legal experts have argued since Trump won the election, however, that he is violating the constitutional ban on accepting payments from foreign government and is putting federal agencies under his control in the impossible position of having to supervise his businesses. While the legal problems may be obvious, the responses are not. It is an area of law that has never before been tested because there has never before been a billionaire president intent on maintaining his commercial ties while in office.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – Garcetti Bans Private Meetings Between Developers and Planning Commissioners
Los Angeles Times – Emily Alpert Reyes | Published: 3/9/2017

City planning commissioners will be barred from meeting privately with developers looking to get a project approved under an executive directive signed by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. The possible influence of big developers on planning decisions was at the center of a heated battle in the recent election. Proponents of the now-defeated Measure S say the existing planning process follows a “pay-to-play” model that gives developers too much sway over what gets built in the city. The ban applies to members of the city’s Planning Commission and the Cultural Heritage Commission, as well as members of area planning commissions. They are prohibited from meeting or communicating privately with anyone about development plans unless they recuse themselves from the process.

Kentucky – Lawmakers Approve Flurry of Bills as End of Legislative Session Looms
Lexington Herald-Leader – Daniel Desrochers and Jack Brammer | Published: 3/14/2017

Kentucky lawmakers gave final approval to Senate Bill 75, which doubles the amount individuals and PACs can donate to a campaign, state executive committee, and caucus campaign committee, along with other changes to state campaign finance laws. Supporters of the bill said the legislation was necessary to increase the number of transparent donations and give regular people a chance to run for office against candidates funded by PACs. Opponents of argued that raising the limits created the wrong impression and the Legislature should curb ‘dark money” instead.

Minnesota – Does Being a Minnesota Legislator Mean Never Having to Say You’re Sorry?
MinnPost.com – Briana Bierschbach | Published: 3/16/2017

Critics say there is a systemic weakness in how the Minnesota Legislature polices its members, a process that rarely catches potential conflicts before they happen and seldom punishes lawmakers for engaging in unethical behavior. Many lawmakers have other sources of income outside their work at the Capitol, so legislators are sometimes asked to vote on policies that have the possibility of intersecting with their private lives. Over the last 30 years, there have been just 11 ethics hearings in the Minnesota House. Legislators were reprimanded or forced to apologize in four of those cases. Ethics hearings in the Senate have been more numerous, if not exactly frequent; between 1994 and 2017 there were 21 hearings. In just five of those cases were senators forced to apologize or leave a committee post.

New Jersey – N.J. Moves to Restore Election Watchdog
Philadelphia Inquirer – Andrew Seidman | Published: 3/13/2017

New Jersey’s election watchdog agency had two vacancies filled recently, which means it will once again be able to punish candidates who violate campaign-finance rules. The Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) has gone a full year without holding a meeting because of three vacancies on its four-member board, an unprecedented bout of paralysis since the agency’s founding in 1972. Without holding monthly meetings, the ELEC cannot vote on any matter, amend regulations, or punish those who violate the state’s campaign finance, lobbying, or “pay-to-play” restrictions.

New Mexico – Legislature Passes Campaign Finance Reform Years in The Making
New Mexico In Depth – Sandra Fish | Published: 3/14/2017

The New Mexico Legislature passed two campaign finance reform bills. Senate Bill 96 defines “coordination” in campaigns, and requires disclosure of independent spending up to 30 days before a primary or 60 days before a general election. It also doubles the donation limits for legislators to $5,000 for each primary and general election cycle. Senate Bill 97 refines and clarifies state law on public financing, which applies to judges and public regulation commissioners. Both bills now go to Gov. Susana Martinez.

New York – Preet Bharara Shunned Politics. His End Was Tinged by Them.
New York Times – Benjamin Weiser, Ben Protess, Matthew Goldstein, and William Rashbaum | Published: 3/12/2017

The Trump administration fired U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara after he refused to follow a Justice Department order to resign immediately. The order, which also applied to 45 other holdover U.S. attorneys who served under the Obama administration, came only a few months after Donald Trump, then the president-elect, had asked Bharara to stay in the job. It was a sudden and highly politicized end to Bharara’s seemingly apolitical tenure, which was noted for prosecutions of powerful politicians of both parties. As he leaves office, Bharara’s prosecutors are reaching a critical juncture in an investigation into the campaign fundraising of New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and are preparing to try a group of former aides and associates of Gov. Andrew Cuomo in a bribery and bid-rigging case.

South Dakota – After Promising to Replace, Did Lawmakers Deliver on IM22?
Sioux Falls Argus Leader – Dana Ferguson | Published: 3/11/2017

Citing flaws and objections to parts of the voter-backed Initiated Measure 22 (IM22), South Dakota legislators vowed to repeal and replace the ethics reform law with bills to address the concerns of voters who supported the expansive ballot measure. The Legislature followed through, passing eight bills aimed at creating lobbyist restrictions, allowing for investigation of wrongdoing in state government, and requiring more disclosure in campaign finance. But it did not approve a public campaign finance program, set lower contribution limits, or rule out certain gifts from lobbyists. And the bills aimed at filling the void left by IM22 received mixed reviews in Pierre as lawmakers ended the main part of the legislative session.

Texas – Texas Congressional Maps Are Struck Down for Discrimination
New York Times – Manny Fernandez | Published: 3/11/2017

A panel of federal judges ruled that Texas’s Republican-led Legislature gerrymandered some of the state’s congressional districts to stunt the growing influence of minority voters. The decision invalidated three congressional districts in south and west Texas and in the Austin area. Although a remedy was not prescribed, redrawing the districts will probably aid Latino and Democratic voters.  The congressional redistricting plan was drawn by the Legislature in 2011, the same year a voter ID law was passed that a federal appeals court ultimately found discriminates against minorities. The combination of rulings could lead to Texas being required to have election changes approved in advance by federal officials. It and other states were freed from that requirement by a U.S. Supreme Court decision in 2013.

Virginia – Virginia Lawmakers Are Accepting Drastically Fewer Gifts in Post-McDonnell Era, Data Shows
The Virginian-Pilot – Will Houp | Published: 3/9/2017

Both political parties in Virginia have drastically reduced what gifts they accept or report over the past three years. Lawmakers received $15,520 worth from May to October 2016, a 60 percent drop from that same six-month span in 2015. The average gift last year was $131; it was $195 two years ago. After former Gov. Bob McDonnell was convicted in 2014 on multiple counts of public corruption, lawmakers placed new limits on the value of gifts they can accept. And despite the U.S. Supreme Court overturning McDonnell’s conviction last year, many legislators are reluctant to accept anything that reaches the $50 threshold needed to report it.

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 bill creating an independent ethics commission has been approved by the New Mexico legislature.

House Joint Resolution 8 (HJR 8) seeks to amend the state constitution and establish a state ethics commission.

The ethics commission would oversee complaints against public officials, both in the legislative and executive branches, as well as lobbyist and government contractors.

The proposed amendment will be placed on the 2018 general election ballot for voter approval.

Lobbying

“Lobbyists Scramble for Access in Trump Era” by Megan Wilson for The Hill

Missouri: “Missouri House Votes for Local Lobbyist Gift Ban” by Associated Press for Southeast Missourian

Campaign Finance

Kentucky: “Lawmakers Approve Flurry of Bills as End of Legislative Session Looms” by Daniel Desrochers and Jack Brammer for Lexington Herald-Leader

New Mexico: “Legislature Passes Campaign Finance Reform Years in The Making” by Sandra Fish for New Mexico In Depth

Ethics

“The Onion Struggles to Lampoon Trump” by Charles Bethea for New Yorker

“‘People Are Scared’: Paranoia seizes Trump’s White House” by Alex Isenstadt and Kenneth Vogel for Politico

“Trump-Era Republicans Unleash String of Inflammatory Comments” by Elise Viebeck for Washington Post

“Admiral, Seven Others Charged with Corruption in New ‘Fat Leonard’ Indictment” by Craig Whitlock for Washington Post

California: “OC Gets Its First Ethics Director, But No Recruitment Yet for Commission” by Nick Gerda for Voice of OC

Elections

“Prerequisite for Key White House Posts: Loyalty, not experience” by Sharon LaFraniere, Nicholas Confessore, and Jesse Drucker for New York Times