December 14, 2020 •
Seattle City Council to Vote on Registration and Disclosure By Public Lobbying Groups
The Seattle City Council is scheduled to vote Monday afternoon on a new ordinance. The ordinance’s rules are meant to shine a light on groups spending money to build public pressure on Seattle politicians. Recommended in January by the Seattle […]
The Seattle City Council is scheduled to vote Monday afternoon on a new ordinance.
The ordinance’s rules are meant to shine a light on groups spending money to build public pressure on Seattle politicians.
Recommended in January by the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission, the rules would apply to groups spending at least $750 in a month or $1,500 in three months on presenting a program to the public to affect legislation.
The individuals behind a group would need to identify themselves, their contractors, and donors for contributions of $25 or more.
The group also would be required to describe its purpose and record spending on monthly reports.
January 23, 2020 •
Los Angeles Repeals Requirements for Contractors to Reveal NRA Ties
The Los Angeles City Council is repealing a law requiring companies seeking city contracts to disclose any ties to the National Rifle Association (NRA). This comes weeks after a federal judge blocked the city from enforcing the ordinance. Council members […]
The Los Angeles City Council is repealing a law requiring companies seeking city contracts to disclose any ties to the National Rifle Association (NRA).
This comes weeks after a federal judge blocked the city from enforcing the ordinance.
Council members unanimously voted 12-0 without discussion to repeal the ordinance.
The law required companies vying for city contracts to disclose contracts or sponsorship’s between them or their subsidiaries and the NRA.
In December, U.S. District Judge Stephen Wilson issued a preliminary injunction preventing the law from being enforced.
December 24, 2019 •
Chicago Announces Three Month Delay in Effective Date of Ethics Ordinance
The city of Chicago announced a three-month delay for the effective date of an ordinance expanding the definition of lobbyist. The expansion would include persons acting on behalf of a nonprofit if they undertake those efforts as a matter of […]
The city of Chicago announced a three-month delay for the effective date of an ordinance expanding the definition of lobbyist.
The expansion would include persons acting on behalf of a nonprofit if they undertake those efforts as a matter of professional engagement, regardless of pay or compensation.
Ethics Ordinance 2019-5305, originally scheduled to be effective January 1, 2020, will provide exceptions to the registration requirements for persons who, either as a member of, or on behalf of, a not-for-profit entity conduct nonpartisan analysis or research, provide technical advice, or examine broad social and economic problems.
August 16, 2017 •
Anaheim, CA Adopts Lobbyist Registration and Reporting Ordinance
On August 15, the Anaheim City Council adopted an ethics and lobbying ordinance. The ordinance imposes a two-year revolving door restriction and requires lobbyist registration and quarterly reporting. The ordinance will go into effect 30 days after passage on September […]
On August 15, the Anaheim City Council adopted an ethics and lobbying ordinance.
The ordinance imposes a two-year revolving door restriction and requires lobbyist registration and quarterly reporting. The ordinance will go into effect 30 days after passage on September 14.
City Council is also expected to consider additional amendments to broaden the new ordinance in 90 days.
June 30, 2016 •
Orange County, CA Starts to Lay Groundwork for Ethics Commission
The Orange County Board of Supervisors approved a first reading of an ordinance to establish a county ethics commission. The ordinance was introduced after the passage of Measure A, which called for the county to amend its charter and campaign […]
The Orange County Board of Supervisors approved a first reading of an ordinance to establish a county ethics commission.
The ordinance was introduced after the passage of Measure A, which called for the county to amend its charter and campaign finance ordinance to establish a five-member commission to provide administrative oversight of county ethics and campaign ordinances.
Discussions at the ordinance’s first reading mostly dealt with staff and budget issues relating to the commission, and there is no timeline yet for when the commission will actually be up and running. The ordinance is scheduled for a second reading and possible adoption on July 12, 2016.
June 3, 2016 •
Mountain View, CA Considers New Campaign Finance Ordinance
Mountain View City Council approved the introduction of new campaign finance rules aimed at increasing transparency. The ordinance establishes an electronic filing system for campaign finance documents and creates new rules for independent expenditures and disclosures on political advertisements. The […]
Mountain View City Council approved the introduction of new campaign finance rules aimed at increasing transparency.
The ordinance establishes an electronic filing system for campaign finance documents and creates new rules for independent expenditures and disclosures on political advertisements.
The ordinance is set for a second reading on June 14, 2016. If passed, the measure will become effective 30 days after adoption.
May 26, 2016 •
Reno, Nevada City Council Defers Passing Lobbying Law
On May 25, the Reno City Council unanimously voted to defer the question of whether to pass a lobbying law for the city. Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve objected to the ordinance because it only applied to city council members and […]
On May 25, the Reno City Council unanimously voted to defer the question of whether to pass a lobbying law for the city. Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve objected to the ordinance because it only applied to city council members and not to city staff employees, according to the Reno Gazette-Journal.
The “Registration and Regulation of Lobbyists” ordinance would require lobbyists to register with the city clerk, to inform the city of their clients, and to wear a lobbyist badge when in city hall. The ordinance also includes civil and criminal penalties.
May 24, 2016 •
Reno, NV to Consider Lobbying Law
On May 25, the Reno City Council will consider requiring lobbyist to register with the city. At tomorrow’s council meeting, an ordinance is being introduced entitled “Registration and Regulation of Lobbyists.” The ordinance would require lobbyists to register with the […]
On May 25, the Reno City Council will consider requiring lobbyist to register with the city. At tomorrow’s council meeting, an ordinance is being introduced entitled “Registration and Regulation of Lobbyists.”
The ordinance would require lobbyists to register with the city clerk, to inform the city of their clients, and to wear a lobbyist badge when in city hall. The ordinance also includes civil and criminal penalties.
May 10, 2016 •
Pierce County, WA Eliminates County Lobbying Restrictions
Pierce County Council recently passed an ordinance amending the county’s code of ethics to remove existing restrictions on lobbying. Prior to the passage of the ordinance, lobbyists were required to register and file activity reports. The ordinance became effective March […]
Pierce County Council recently passed an ordinance amending the county’s code of ethics to remove existing restrictions on lobbying. Prior to the passage of the ordinance, lobbyists were required to register and file activity reports.
The ordinance became effective March 28, 2016
December 18, 2014 •
Santa Monica, California Council Wants Lobbying Regulations
City Council has directed staff to draft an ordinance to require all lobbyists and others involved in municipal business to register with the city. Council broadened the original proposal by Councilmember Sue Himmelrich and Mayor Pro Tem Tony Vazquez to […]
City Council has directed staff to draft an ordinance to require all lobbyists and others involved in municipal business to register with the city.
Council broadened the original proposal by Councilmember Sue Himmelrich and Mayor Pro Tem Tony Vazquez to require registration not only for those benefiting directly from city business, but any entity weighing in on issues. Councilmember Pam O’Connor wants registration required for everyone from local neighborhood representatives with issues before City Council to paid lobbyists.
Following a unanimous vote, the Office of the City Attorney was directed to begin researching, but not to hurry the process.
March 4, 2014 •
Santa Clara County, California Passes Lobbyist Ordinance
The Board of Supervisors has adopted a Lobbyist Ordinance to regulate any person who contacts certain county officials with the purpose of promoting, supporting, modifying, opposing, or causing delay or abandonment of conduct. Ordinance No. NS-19-42 regulates contract lobbyists, in-house […]
The Board of Supervisors has adopted a Lobbyist Ordinance to regulate any person who contacts certain county officials with the purpose of promoting, supporting, modifying, opposing, or causing delay or abandonment of conduct. Ordinance No. NS-19-42 regulates contract lobbyists, in-house lobbyists, lobbying firms, and expenditure filers who influence policy without directly contacting officials.
Legislative, procurement, and grassroots activity is covered by the ordinance, which specifically provides for the possibility a political action committee will qualify as an in-house lobbyist.
Registration and disclosure forms will be available when the ordinance becomes effective on March 27, 2014.
August 28, 2013 •
Annapolis, Maryland City Council Passes Ethics Ordinance
New gift restrictions and fines are on the way
City Council has passed the Public Ethics and Financial Disclosure Ordinance (O-41-12), as required by a 2011 state law. The ordinance does not change lobbyist registration or reporting dates, but does add definitions, gift restrictions, and penalties for violations.
Lobbying will now include grassroots activities, but reporting obligations remain focused on expenditures for the benefit of officials and employees. Tickets to sporting events will no longer be permitted and the Annapolis Ethics Commission may impose a fine of $5,000 for each violation.
The legislation was pre-approved by the State Ethics Commission in late October, 2012, allowing the ordinance to take effect January 1, 2014.
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