Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh introduced a bill in the Senate of Alabama on Tuesday that would impose stricter revolving door prohibitions on legislators. Senate Bill 36 redefines “legislative body” as “Legislature of Alabama”, which eliminates the current loophole allowing lawmakers in one house of the legislature to lobby the other house immediately after leaving office.

Under this bill, a legislator is prohibited from lobbying either the House of Representatives or the Senate for two years after leaving office.

The bill easily passed through the Senate Constitution, Campaign Finance, Ethics, and Elections Committee and is on a fast track to passage through the Senate. If passed in the Legislature, the bill becomes effective upon the Governor’s signature.

The bipartisan Senate Select Committee on Ethics has issued its final report and recommendations on an ethics bill to be considered during the start of next week’s legislative session. House Bill 3945 already has 54 pending Senate amendments and will likely have more by next week.

The committee’s final report highlighted possible changes to lobbying regulations including a two-year revolving door restriction and a doubling of annual registration fees from $100 to $200. The committee recommends “meaningful and comprehensive ethics reform” to address weaknesses in the current law.

Lobbying

“The State of K Street” by Kate Ackley in Roll Call.

“Bitcoin Woos Washington to Ensure Lawmakers Don’t Kill It” by Julie Bykowicz and Carter Dougherty in Bloomberg Politics.

New York City, NY: “New York City Imposes New Rules To Increase Registration of, and Reporting by, Lobbyists” by Laurence A. Levy in the National Law Review.

Campaign Finance

“Does Bitcoin Have a Future in Politics?” by Tom Moroney and Peter Robison in Bloomberg Businessweek.

“Facebook PAC Corrects Excessive Contributions to Senators” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine.

Arkansas: “Darr says he won’t resign; legislative leaders say impeachment likely” in Arkansas News.

California: “Current, former lawmakers cited for alleged campaign violations” by Patrick McGreevy in the Los Angeles Times.

Minnesota: “More errors turn up in Minnesota political campaign finance data” by Rachel E. Stassen-Berger and Glenn Howatt in the Star Tribune.

Minnesota: “Minn. campaign board finalizes Senate DFL case” by Brian Bakst (Associated Press) in The Kansas City Star.

Utah: “Flagged Bill: HB 235 – Campaign Contributions Amendments, Rep. Powell” by Curtis Haring in Utah Political Watch.

Vermont: “State Revising, Raising Campaign Finance Limits” by Taylor Dobbs in Vermont Public Radio.

Vermont: “VPIRG: Higher contribution limits weaken campaign finance bill” by Anne Galloway in VTDigger.org.

Ethics

Knoxville County, TN: “Ethics Committee chairwoman looking to expand role of panel” by Gerald Witt in the Knoxville News.

State Legislatures

Mississippi: “Lawmakers back in session” by Emily Wagster Pettus (Associated Press) in the Clarion Ledger.

Missouri: “Missouri Legislature to convene amid election-year pressures” by Virginia Young in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

New Hampshire: “N.H. Legislature to convene 2014 session today” by Norma Love (Associated Press) in the Concord Monitor.

Vermont: “Vermont Legislature jumps right in to start session” by Terri Hallenbeck and Nancy Remsen in the Burlington Free Press.

Virginia: “General Assembly returns to divided government” by Jim Nolan in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Redistricting

Montana: “New battle lines drawn for legislative races” by Tom Lutey in the Billings Gazette.

Government Tech and Social Media

Alaska: “Juneau developing social media policy” by The Associated Press in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.

Massachusetts: “Mass. big data centralized on a new website” by Callum Borchers in The Boston Globe.

The Legislative Research Commission (LRC) will conduct an optional lobbyist workshop on Wednesday, January 8, 2014.

Legislative leaders and LRC employees will provide information about the legislative process, bill tracking, and ethics requirements.

The workshop will begin at 9:00 a.m. and will be held in Room 149 of the Capitol Annex in Frankfort.

Lobbying

“Bank lobby threatens ‘Volcker Rule’ suit” by Peter Schroeder in The Hill.

Campaign Finance

“Republican National Committee Pays Santa for Travel” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

“Retiring Members of Congress Hold Over $13 Million in Campaign Accounts” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine.

Montana: “Judge strikes part of campaign finance initiative” by Matthew Brown (Associated Press) in the Miami Herald.

Texas: “For Candidates, the End of the Year is a Deadline” by Ross Ramsey in The Texas Tribune.

Ethics

Michigan: “Former Michigan lawmaker pleads no contest in ponzi scam that defrauded elderly” by Kathleen Gray in the Lansing State Journal.

Ohio: “Former Ohio deputy treasurer pleads guilty to corruption charges” by Kim Palmer in the Chicago Tribune.

Congress

“The Best (or Worst) of Congress in 2013 (Video)” by JM Rieger in Roll Call.

“The 7 Most Important Things Congress Did in 2013 (and the Top 25 Things It Didn’t)” by David Hawkings in Roll Call.

Government Tech and Social Media

“How Social Media Changed in 2013” by Mike Allen in Politico Playbook.

“Federal Agencies Must Rethink Digital Strategies” by Tom Greiner in Information Week.

“New Santa Fe City Website Comes With Hefty Price Tag” by Kiera Hay in Government Technology.

Q. Our company, a federal registrant, is a member of numerous outside organizations.  We join many of these organizations for reasons other than their lobbying/government relations activities.  Even so, some of the organizations allocate a percentage of dues toward lobbying activities.  If we are not actively engaged in supporting the organization’s lobbying efforts, do we still need to include the lobbying allocation in our good faith estimate of lobbying expenditures.

A. Yes. The disclosure requirement in this regard is not dependent on the rationale behind why a registrant joins any given membership organization.  The reporting mandate requires every registrant to track and ascertain what portion, if any, of all dues it pays is used for lobbying activities.  The registrant is then required to include those allocations in their total lobbying expenses reported.

You can directly submit questions for this feature, and we will select those most appropriate and answer them here. Send your questions to: marketing@stateandfed.com.

(We are always available to answer questions from clients that are specific to your needs, and we encourage you to continue to call or e-mail us with questions about your particular company or organization. As always, we will confidentially and directly provide answers or information you need.) Our replies to your questions are not legal advice. Instead, these replies represent our analysis of laws, rules, and regulations.

National:

ALEC Facing Funding Crisis from Donor Exodus in Wake of Trayvon Martin Row

The Guardian – Ed Pilkington and Suzanne Goldenberg | Published: 12/3/2013

A conservative group that critics say has undue influence on public policy faces a funding crisis and possible legal trouble, show internal documents. The documents indicate the American Legislative Exchange Council is appealing to major donors for help in averting a financial crisis, and is establishing a new project with a different name to help remove “questions of ethical violations made by our critics and state ethics boards,” reported The Guardian.

State Supreme Court Judges Reveal Scant Financial Information

The Center for Public Integrity – Reity O’Brien, Kytja Weir, and Chris Young | Published: 12/4/2013

All 50 states and the District of Columbia have more lax financial disclosure rules for their high court justices than the disclosure requirements for federal judges, according to an analysis by the Center for Public Integrity. Some states do not require any disclosure of gifts to judges; others have limits but with loopholes. The center cited Iowa, which allows these judges to receive gifts worth any amount for their wedding or for their 25th and 50th wedding anniversaries.

Federal:

Capitol Metrics Bridges Lobbying and Data

Washington Post – Catherine Ho | Published: 12/1/2013

There were not many data-driven resources for lobbyists to research their competitors or potential merger partners. Then John Brain got the idea to create Capitol Metrics. It compiles lists of the top lobby firms by revenue, as well as the companies and associations that are spending the most on lobbying. Capitol Metrics also breaks down some of the data and packages it in a way that a lobbyist can better spot opportunities to pick up new business.

SEC Backs Off Corporate Giving Regs

The Hill – Ben Goad | Published: 12/2/2013

The Securities and Exchange Commission dropped a proposal to require publicly traded firms to disclose campaign spending to their shareholders from its list of regulatory priorities, a potential setback for watchdogs looking for ways to force some of the anonymous money in elections into public view. The issue drew more than 650,000 written comments, along with rebukes from trade groups, which argued the push was intended to silence of voice of business in politics.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arizona – Donation Cap for Political Campaigns Still in Place, for Now

East Valley Tribune – Howard Fischer (Capitol Media Services) | Published: 11/26/2013

The Arizona Supreme Court rejected a bid by top Republican lawmakers to allow campaign donors to give more while the justices review the legality of the increase. The justices agreed to give the GOP interests a chance to convince them the Court of Appeals erred in ruling the Legislature acted unconstitutionally earlier this year in approving the sharp increase. A hearing is set for December 17.

District of Columbia – Council Unanimously Approves Campaign Finance Reform Legislation

DCist.com – Matt Cohen and Sarah Anne Hughes | Published: 12/4/2013

The District of Columbia Council unanimously passed a campaign finance reform bill recently. The legislation will restrict contributions from related businesses and require campaigns to report all fundraising data online. The bill also limits money order donations to $100. Lobbyists will have to disclose any contributions bundled and forwarded to a campaign.

Louisiana – Super PAC Backing Sen. David Vitter Says State Has No Choice, Must Lift $100,000 Contribution Limit

New Orleans Times Picayune – Bruce Alpert | Published: 12/4/2013

The Fund for Louisiana’s Future, the super PAC created to support U.S. Sen. David Vitter, wants to end enforcement of the state’s $100,000 limit on independent committee donations. The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2010 ruling that equated spending on independent political expenditures with free speech, and a follow-up decision by a federal appeals court, makes it clear that such limits are unconstitutional, say lawyers for the PAC. Groups favoring limits on campaign spending do not necessarily disagree.

Minnesota – ‘Free Lunches’ Back on Menu for Minnesota Legislators

Minneapolis Star Tribune – Abby Simons | Published: 12/3/2013

For the first time in 19 years, Minnesota lawmakers and their staff will be allowed to eat and drink for free at receptions hosted by special interest groups, as long as all 201 legislators are invited at least five days in advance. Backers of the new law say the easing of what once was one of the strictest gift bans in the nation was needed as a way to restore camaraderie in an increasingly polarized Legislature. The law still prohibits lawmakers from accepting gifts in more exclusive gatherings.

Missouri – Prefiled Bills Suggest Ethics Reform on Agenda

Springfield News-Leader – Jonathan Shorman | Published: 12/4/2013

Eight ethics reform bills have been filed in the Missouri Senate by members of both parties. Senate Bill 486 would cap the amounts any one donor may give to a candidate: $25,000 for gubernatorial and statewide candidates, $10,000 for senators, and $2,500 for representatives and other public offices. Senate Bill 512 requires lawmakers to reimburse lobbyists for expenses within 30 days.

Nevada – Nevada Supreme Court Upholds Ethics Laws

San Francisco Chronicle – Sandra Chereb (Associated Press) | Published: 11/27/2013

The Nevada Supreme Court upheld the state Ethics Commission’s censure of a former Sparks City Council member who voted for a casino project even though his campaign manager was a consultant on the project. The decision reversed an earlier high court opinion that found the ethics law prohibited Councilperson Michael Carrigan from exercising his First Amendment rights to free speech.

New Mexico – New Mexico’s ‘Revolving Door’

Albuquerque Journal – Dan Boyd | Published: 11/29/2013

New Mexico lawmakers are free to resign one day and start lobbying the next. A recent report by a watchdog group identified 26 former legislators who work as lobbyists. Critics say the “revolving-door” practice erodes public trust in government by allowing former lawmakers to cash in on their expertise and connections with former colleagues.

New York – Report: Reform can’t wait

Albany Times Union – Casey Seiler | Published: 12/2/2013

A state commission investigating public corruption in New York recommended a system of public financing for state elections, an independent election-law enforcement agency, and stricter disclosure policies for legislators, saying a “permissive culture of both illegal and legal corruption” must change. Gov. Andrew Cuomo is expected to use the panel’s suggestions as the basis for a series of ethics law changes in 2014.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

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

Lobbying

“Ex-lawmaker predicts return of earmarks” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

“NPA hires new lobbyist” by Kevin Bogardus in The Hill.

Pennsylvania: “Public universities get leg up on lobbying” by Debra Erdley in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Texas: “A Private Battle Over Ethics Goes Public” by Ross Ramsey in the Texas Tribune.

Campaign Finance

“Both Senatorial Campaign Committees Off Track for Start of 2014” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call’s Political MoneyLine.

Arizona: “Erasing campaign contribution limits now would create problems, Bennett tells court” by Howard Fischer in the Arizona Daily Star.

Texas: “Interactive: Campaign Finance Reports” by J Harden in the Denton Record-Chronicle.

Wisconsin: “Appeals court won’t stop secret probe into campaign fundraising, spending” by Jason Stein in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Ethics

Louisiana: “State plans to go after bank accounts, licenses of officials with pending Ethics fines, treasurer says” in The Times-Picayune.

Massachusetts: “State lawmakers called out for using campaign funds for personal perks” by Craig Douglas in Boston Business Journal.

Massachusetts: “Campaign donations used for pricey perks” by Shaun Sutner and Thomas Caywood in the Worcester Telegram and Gazette.

Missouri: “Secretary of state discusses Missouri ethics laws” by Ack Ventimiglia in LakeExpo.com.

New York: “Lawmakers’ bosses respond to Moreland subpoenas” by Casey Seiler in Capitol Confidential.

New York: “Moreland probe is an attempt force campaign finance reform” by Jimmy Vielkind in Capital New York.

Redistricting

“Congressional District Compactness, Gerrymandering By State” in Governing.

Government Tech and Social Media

“Boston Mayor Blogs His Way Out of Office” by Tod Newcombe in Governing.

“Best of the Web & Digital Government Achievement Awards 2013 – Winners Announced” by Janet Grenslitt in Government Technology.

“Twitter Tells Feds How to Tweet More Effectively” by Joseph Marks in NextGov.

National:

‘Citizens United’ Ruling Helped Unions Win State Elections

The Center for Public Integrity – Alan Suderman and Ben Weider | Published: 11/14/2013

Nonprofits, super PACs, and other non-candidate groups reported spending at least $209 million to influence elections in 38 states in 2012, according to the Center for Public Integrity. More than one out of every two dollars spent originated from groups funded primarily or entirely by out-of-state donors. Even seemingly local entities, like state parties, were recipients of huge influxes of outside cash.

Federal:

FEC: Donors can’t use bitcoins for contributions

San Diego Union Tribune – Jack Gillum (Associated Press) | Published: 11/21/2013

The FEC said bitcoins cannot be used for contributions to political organizations at this time. Bitcoin is a cybercurrency that is relatively anonymous and is created and exchanged independently of any government or bank. Some retailers accept it, and the currency can be converted into cash after being deposited into virtual wallets. But the FEC is not yet sold on allowing bitcoins to funnel into the accounts of campaigns and outside groups supporting them.

Navy Was Warned of Contractor at Center of Bribery Inquiry

New York Times – Christopher Drew | Published: 11/20/2013

Leonard Francis, a wealthy Malaysian contractor, is at the center of a widening investigation into an overbilling scheme in which federal prosecutors say he used cash, prostitutes, and gifts to bribe U.S. Navy officials to help him defraud the service. Despite red flags over his business practices, the Navy awarded Francis $200 million in contracts, giving him control over providing supplies and dockside services for its fleet across the Pacific.

From the States and Municipalities:

California – What a Day for Political Ethics in California

Sacramento Bee – Laurel Rosenhall | Published: 11/16/2013

On the same day, the Democratic leader of the California Senate addressed the latest allegations in an FBI corruption probe, a state senator took the witness stand to testify he had not engaged in money laundering, and the Fair Political Practices Commission handed down fines to one current and two past lawmakers who admitted campaign finance violations.

Colorado – Ethics Complaint against Rocky Mountain Gun Owners’ Lobbyist Dismissed; Federal Lawsuit Still Pending

Denver Post – Lynn Bartels | Published: 11/19/2013

A legislative committee said there is not enough evidence to settle an ethics complaint against Joe Neville, a lobbyist for Rocky Mountain Gun Owners. He allegedly threatened state Rep. Cheri Gerou with political retribution if she did not oppose all of the Democratic bills aimed at strengthening gun laws earlier this year. Neville could still face disciplinary action including a two-year suspension of his lobbying privileges at the Capitol.

District of Columbia – Capital Gains: Spending on contracts and lobbying propels a wave of new wealth in D .C.

Washington Post – Greg Jaffe and Jim Tankersly | Published: 11/17/2013

Tens of thousands of the nation’s best-educated workers have flocked to the Washington, D.C. region, some for contracting jobs, and some simply to be part of the newly energized business climate. The avalanche of cash that made Washington rich in the last decade has transformed the culture of a once staid capital and created a new wave of well-heeled insiders.

Louisiana – Apparent Campaign Violations, Large Expenses Should Prompt Reforms in Louisiana Law, Some Say

New Orleans Times Picayune – Lee Zurik (WVUE) and Manuel Torres | Published: 11/20/2013

A review of Louisiana’s campaign finance system by The New Orleans Times Picayune is prompting calls for reform. The analysis found individual donors and special interests can legally bundle corporate and personal contributions to exert outsized influence. It also discovered politicians who collected large amounts in over-the-limit, and apparently illegal, contributions, yet went undetected by the state Board of Ethics.

Michigan – State Senate Aims to Quash Proposal for Greater Transparency in Political Ads

Detroit Free Press – Paul Egan and Kathleen Gray | Published: 11/14/2013

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson said she intends to expand Michigan’s campaign disclosure rules to include issue ads, but the state Senate promptly passed a bill that would slam the door on her proposal. An amendment was added to a bill doubling the state’s campaign finance contribution limits that would allow sponsors of ads not specifically urging a vote for or against a candidate to remain anonymous.

Nevada – Judge Imposes $110,000 Fine over PAC’s Pro-Sandoval Ads

Las Vegas Sun – Cy Ryan | Published: 11/18/2013

A judge levied a fine of $109,560 against the Alliance for America’s Future over advertising that supported Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval. The PAC did not register in the state as required by law and never filed any reports detailing its expenditures. District Court Judge James Wilson rejected the group’s claim that the law was unconstitutional.

New Jersey – Annual Political Schmooze Fest Begins in Atlantic City Today

NJ.com – Darrel Isherwood | Published: 11/19/2013

Approximately 18,000 officials will attend the annual League of Municipalities convention in Atlantic City this year. The event is more well-known for parties than its training sessions. “I’ve gone to the [convention] for the past 15 years and I’ve only paid to attend the sessions twice in that time,” said one prominent lobbyist.

Ohio – State School Board Lobbyists Deny Conflict of Interest

Columbus Dispatch – Doug Livingston (Akron Beacon Journal) | Published: 11/17/2013

At least four state school board members in Ohio have business and private interests that compete directly for education money. They maintain there is no problem with this activity as they police themselves, abstain from voting as necessary, and file statements with the Ohio Ethics Commission. While state lawmakers cannot lobby while in office, Ethics Commission Executive Director Paul Nick said the lobbying law does not address the state school board.

Oklahoma – Rep. Reynolds Blasts Ethics Commission for Proposed Rules

Norman Transcript; Staff –   | Published: 11/19/2013

State Rep. Mike Reynolds criticized the Oklahoma Ethics Commission for its proposed changes to lobbyist reporting and registration rules, along with other reforms. Lobbyists’ employers are now prohibited from spending more than $100 per calendar year per lawmaker. But the commission would allow principals to provide $500 for meals and other gifts, among other changes. Reynolds said will introduce a resolution during the upcoming legislative session to disapprove the proposed rules.

Pennsylvania – Officials, Others Slam Proposed City Ethics Rule

Philadelphia Inquirer – Claudia Vargas | Published: 11/20/2013

Many witnesses at a Philadelphia Board of Ethics hearing criticized a plan to place specific limits on the city’s vague gift rules. The proposed caps, meant to better define the current law, would allow city officers and employees to accept gifts of up to $200 in value per year from any single source, including cash payments of up to $50.

Utah – Utah A.G. John Swallow Cuts Deal, Will Resign to Avoid Criminal Charges, Source Says

Deseret News – Lisa Riley Roche and Dennis Romboy | Published: 11/21/2013

Utah Attorney General John Swallow is expected to resign in the face of mounting investigations and a report from the lieutenant governor’s office that recommended charging him with three misdemeanors. His departure would allow Swallow to avoid any effort by a special counsel to seek his removal for multiple violations of election law. It also could bring to a close a months-long fact-finding investigation by the state House that could be laying the groundwork for his potential impeachment.

Wisconsin – Report: Investigation targets Scott Walker recall campaign, political groups

Chippewa Herald – Dee Hall | Published: 11/18/2013

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s campaign and more than two dozen conservative groups were recently subpoenaed by a special prosecutor, according to the editorial page of The Wall Street Journal. Wisconsin Democracy Campaign Executive Director Mike McCabe said based on the report, the investigation appears to be zeroing in on whether issue ad groups illegally coordinated with campaigns during the effort to recall Walker and legislative leaders.

Lobbying

“Top lobbyist Gerry Cassidy to step down” by Byron Tau in Politico.

Saskatchewan, Canada: “Lobbyist legislation coming to Saskatchewan” by David Giles in Global News.

Campaign Finance

“FEC deadlocks, for now, on whether political committees can accept bitcoin” by Matea Gold in The Washington Post.

“What A Bitcoin Political Debut Could Mean For Transparency” by Peter Overby (NPR) on WYSO.

Fort Wayne, Indiana: “Election Board for county is moving” in The Journal Gazette.

Louisiana: “Apparent campaign violations, large expenses should prompt reforms in Louisiana law, some say” by Manuel Torres and Lee Zurlk in the Times-Picayune.

New Jersey: “Election commission: Morris freeholder violated campaign finance rules in close primary race” by Ben Horowitz in the Star-Ledger.

Virginia: “Virginia campaign mailings attract scrutiny” by Mike Gangloff in The Roanoke Times.

Ethics

“In Quick Fashion, House Broadens Program for FEC Fines” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

North Carolina: “Civitas Institute leader named to NC ethics panel” by The Associated Press in GoErie.com.

Oklahoma: “Rep. Reynolds Blasts Ethics Commission for Proposed Rules” in the Daily Ardmoreite.

Elections

“Election Enforcement Officials Will Investigate 2 Campaign Complaints Against Malloy” by Hugh McQuaid in CT News Junkie.

Procurement

Louisiana: “Campaign finance transparency not enough to fix Jefferson Parish’s contracting problems, groups say” by Manuel Torres and Lee Zurlk in the Times-Picayune.

Lobbying

“K Street group strikes ‘lobbyist’ from name” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

“Lobbyists’ lobby approves a new name — one that doesn’t mention lobbying” by Holly Yeager in The Washington Post.

“Bottom Line” in The Hill.

Campaign Finance

“New FEC Guide for Political Party Committees Released” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

“Leadership PACs Take in $18 Million, Contribute $11.7 Million in 2013” by Kent Cooper in Roll Call.

California: “Lawmakers’ higher office fundraising, spending draws scrutiny” by Christopher Cadelago in the Sacramento Bee.

California: “Campaign funds arrive from all corners” by Lee Ann O’Neal in the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Michigan: “Sen. Arlan Meekhof talks campaign finance at chamber breakfast” by Andrea Goodell in the Holland Sentinel.

Minnesota: “Campaign finance database errors prompt legislative hearing” by Rachel E. Stassen-Berger in the Star-Tribune.

Nevada: “Judge imposes $110,000 fine over PAC’s pro-Sandoval ads” by Cy Ryan in The Las Vegas Sun.

Ohio: “Columbus voters likely to see campaign-finance issue on ballot” by Lucas Sullivan in the Columbus Dispatch.

Ethics

Colorado: “Ethics commission proceeds with complaint against Gov. Hickenlooper” by Lynn Bartels in The Denver Post.

Redistricting

“Judge: Alaska redistricting plan passes muster” by The Associated Press in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.

Lobbying

“Lobbying World” in The Hill.

“Lobbyists, Congress Partner for Local Food Drive” by Anna Giaritelli in Roll Call.

“Nominating Committee Makes 2014 Recommendations” from the American League of Lobbyists.

Canada: “Commissioner of Lobbying orders first lobbying ban ever” by Julius Melnitzer in the Financial Post.

Ohio: “Lobbyist known as ‘The Chief’ gets laughs — and respect — at Statehouse” by Joe Hallett in the Columbus Dispatch.

Pennsylvania: “Pennsylvania hires DC lobbyists with state ties” by Colby Itkowitz in The Morning Call.

Campaign Finance

California: “Hearing begins on campaign violation case against Sen. Berryhill” by Patrick McGreevy in The Los Angeles Times.

Colorado: “How to cut corporate, union influence on elections? DU panel has plan” by Ed Sealover in BizJournals.

Ohio: “Group calls for campaign finance reform” by Gary Seman, Jr. in This Week Community News.

Ethics

Alaska: “APOC asked to weigh in on independent campaign” by The Associated Press in the Anchorage Daily News.

Florida: “Sweetwater mayor, lobbyist to plead guilty” by Jay Weaver in the Miami Herald.

New York: “Ex-Bronx GOP boss pleads guilty in corruption case” by The Associated Press in the Times Union.

New York: “Critics say DAs should not lead campaign finance panel” by Yancey Roy in Newsday.

Utah: “Lawmakers Ready Bills Targeting Elections and Ethics in 2014” by Bryan Schott in Utah Policy.

A new Lobbyists’ Registration Act is now pending in the New Brunswick Legislative Assembly.

It would require lobbyists to register and pay a fee, and would impose fines of up to $25,000 for failing to register and up to $100,000 for repeat offenses.

Prior attempts to create a lobbyist registry failed in 2007 and 2011.

Here is your chance to “Ask the Experts” at State and Federal Communications, Inc.

Q. I am a registered lobbyist in multiple jurisdictions and my reports are timely filed. Do I have to complete a training course?

A. Depending on where you are registered, you may be subject to a state mandated training requirement. Requiring the completion of a lobbyist training course has been an emerging trend as states expand their ethics and disclosure provisions.

For example, in Utah, a lobbyist must complete training, and obtain a perfect score on the examination, before their lobbying license is issued. In Louisiana, a registered lobbyist must complete one hour of training by December 31 of each year. The state provides in-person training classes, as well as an online training course.

Some states, such as Maryland, require training on bi-annual basis. In New York, the lobbyist is only required to attend a training course once every three years.

Failure to complete the required training can result in penalties to the lobbyist. Louisiana imposes a personal liability requirement on the lobbyist. Failure to complete the mandatory training class may result in a fine of up to $10,000.

While training is mandatory in some states, other states have optional training opportunities available to lobbyists who want to enhance their understanding of the state’s ethics and disclosure provisions. Colorado and Georgia are two of the states currently offering optional training courses.

To obtain additional information about the jurisdictions where you are registered, please visit www.stateandfed.com. Our new website premiered on November 1, 2013.

(We are always available to answer questions from clients that are specific to your needs, and we encourage you to continue to call or e-mail us with questions about your particular company or organization. As always, we will confidentially and directly provide answers or information you need.) Our replies to your questions are not legal advice. Instead, these replies represent our analysis of laws, rules, and regulations.