March 2, 2015 •
WA Ruling Allows Unlimited Pro Bono Legal Advice in Civil Rights Cases
The Pierce County Superior Court invalidated a Washington campaign finance law requiring free legal advice given to a recall campaign to be treated as a reportable campaign contribution. Judge Katherine Stolz reasoned pro bono representation in civil rights cases would […]
The Pierce County Superior Court invalidated a Washington campaign finance law requiring free legal advice given to a recall campaign to be treated as a reportable campaign contribution. Judge Katherine Stolz reasoned pro bono representation in civil rights cases would be threatened if such representation must be reported as a campaign contribution and therefore subject to applicable state political contribution limits.
As a result of the ruling, the Public Disclosure Commission cannot cap legal services to political committees in a federal civil rights case, nor can it compel political committees to report free legal services as campaign contributions.
January 6, 2015 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying Arizona: “Lobbyist Tied to Phoenix VA Executive Fired over Gifts” by Dennis Wagner (Arizona Republic) for USA Today California: “Foes and Fans of L.A. Economic-Justice Group Agree It Gets Things Done” by Emily Alpert Reyes for Los Angeles Times […]
Lobbying
Arizona: “Lobbyist Tied to Phoenix VA Executive Fired over Gifts” by Dennis Wagner (Arizona Republic) for USA Today
California: “Foes and Fans of L.A. Economic-Justice Group Agree It Gets Things Done” by Emily Alpert Reyes for Los Angeles Times
Maryland: “Hogan’s Pick for Health Chief Says He’ll Avoid Conflicts” by Michael Dresser and Meredith Cohn for Baltimore Sun
Maryland: “Maryland Gov.-Elect Hogan Tries to Navigate Gifts Minefield” by Jenna Johnson for Washington Post
Missouri: “Publisher’s Parties Highlight Reporting Issues in Missouri Ethics Laws” by Rudi Keller for Columbia Daily Tribune
Rhode Island: “R.I. Secretary of State Mollis Ends Probe, Says Stokes Didn’t Have to Register as a Lobbyist for 38 Studios Meetings” by Kate Bramson for Providence Journal
Rhode Island: “Mollis’ Decision on Lynch Sets Bad Precedent, Says Leader of Common Cause” by Jennifer Bogdon for Providence Journal
Campaign Finance
“Judge Candidates’ Free-Speech Rights at Issue before the Supreme Court” by Robert Barnes for Washington Post
Ethics
New Jersey: “Dallas Owner Jerry Jones Paid for Chris Christie’s Trip to Root for Cowboys, Including Private Jet” by Matt Arco (NJ Advanced Media) for Newark Star Ledger
Procurement
Texas: “Audit: Texas Health Agency Mishandled AT&T Contract” by Aman Batheja for Texas Tribune
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