November 19, 2018 •
New Mexico Increases Contribution Limits
New Mexico law states on the day after each general election, campaign contribution limits increase in accordance with a formula based on the consumer price index. Starting November 7, the limits per election cycle are: From an individual (person or […]
New Mexico law states on the day after each general election, campaign contribution limits increase in accordance with a formula based on the consumer price index.
Starting November 7, the limits per election cycle are:
- From an individual (person or entity): $2,600 to a non-statewide candidate; $5,700 to a statewide candidate; and $5,700 to a PAC.
- From a PAC: $5,700 to a non-statewide candidate; $5,700 to a statewide candidate; and $5,700 to a PAC.
These limits do not apply to the candidate’s own personal contributions to the candidate’s campaign fund.
September 10, 2018 •
Ask the Experts – Using Federal PAC Funds to Contribute to State Candidates
Here is your chance to “Ask the Experts” at State and Federal Communications, Inc.
Can I use my company’s federal PAC to make contributions to candidates for state office?
With the exception of Massachusetts, contributions from a federal PAC to non-federal state candidates are permissible. However, the challenging aspect of making these types of contributions is that every jurisdiction has different rules regarding how to register and report such contributions. To make this a little easier to digest, we have broken down the states into five categories. Please note: regardless of the registration and reporting process, in all jurisdictions the federal PAC is subject to the contribution limits according to the law of that jurisdiction.
Category #1: You do not have to do anything. Simply make the contribution to the state candidate as you would any other contribution from your federal PAC. This option is usually only available if your FEC filings are current and complete. Examples of these jurisdictions include Alabama, Delaware, South Dakota, and West Virginia.
Category #2: You must register and report as a state PAC. In these instances, your federal PAC is treated no differently than any other out-of-state PAC. You must register your federal PAC using that jurisdiction’s registration forms. You must report your contributions using state forms and file your reports according to that jurisdiction’s filing deadlines. Examples of these jurisdictions include Connecticut, Georgia, and Tennessee.
Category #3: You may file your FEC registration and reports in lieu of state registrations and reports. The tricky thing about these jurisdictions is keeping track of whether you file your reports according to the jurisdiction’s reporting schedule or the FEC’s reporting schedule. Examples of these jurisdictions include Kentucky, New Mexico, and North Dakota.
Category #4: You have to register using state form and report using your FEC filings, or vice versa. Examples of these jurisdictions include Illinois, South Carolina, and Virginia.
Category #5: You have a choice regarding how to register and report. These two jurisdictions include Iowa and Kansas.
As was mentioned, in Massachusetts, federal PACs may not contribute to campaigns in that state. Federal PACs must establish a separate segregated fund for contributions in Massachusetts and comply with the same requirements as in-state committees. The separate segregated fund must be established as a depository account in a financial institution authorized to transact business in Massachusetts and having its main office, or a branch office, in Massachusetts.
We have not listed PAC rules for all the states, only examples of some states. If you have a question on a state not listed here, please contact us at 330-761-9960
April 4, 2018 •
Massachusetts Updates Campaign Finance Regulations
The Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance released a draft version of updates to the agency’s regulations taking affect at the end of the month. The changes were subject to a public hearing last month and aim to make […]
The Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance released a draft version of updates to the agency’s regulations taking affect at the end of the month.
The changes were subject to a public hearing last month and aim to make the regulations consistent with changes to campaign finance law and agency practices of the last few years.
Some changes include updated due dates for electronically filed reports, clarifications on when an organization must register as a political committee, and explanations of the circumstances in which an independent expenditure political action committee (PAC) becomes a traditional PAC.
The official effective date of the updated regulations has not yet been announced, and a final copy of the changes will not be publicly available until later this month.
May 1, 2017 •
See us in person!
We’ve got a busy month of May planned. If you are attending any of these events, please say hello! May 1 Book Forum – The Soul of the First Amendment, Washington, DC May 2 Ohio Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting […]
We’ve got a busy month of May planned. If you are attending any of these events, please say hello!
May 1 Book Forum – The Soul of the First Amendment, Washington, DC
May 2 Ohio Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Reception, Columbus, Ohio
May 3 Free Website Tour of State and Federal Communications Online Publications
May 4 Leadership in the 21st Century Program Alumni Event, Washington, DC
May 4 Public Affairs Council Cinco de Mayo Happy Hour, Washington, DC
May 9 WGR Toastmasters, Washington, DC
May 11 Montgomery County Council – African Affairs Advisory Group Meeting, Silver Spring, Maryland
May 12 Advocacy Leaders Network: Advocacy on the Cheap: Changing the World on Any Budget, Washington, DC
May 18 17th Annual Omnikal Business Summit, New York, NY
May 23 WGR Toastmasters, Washington, DC
May 24 2017 Advocacy Leaders Network Spring Happy Hour, Washington, DC
February 22, 2017 •
Appeals Court Upholds Provisions of Senate Bill 571
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit reversed a U.S District Court’s decision to issue a preliminary injunction against provisions of Senate Bill 571, which enables corporations to deduct PAC contributions from employees’ paychecks while prohibiting labor unions […]
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit reversed a U.S District Court’s decision to issue a preliminary injunction against provisions of Senate Bill 571, which enables corporations to deduct PAC contributions from employees’ paychecks while prohibiting labor unions from doing the same.
Ultimately, Sixth Circuit Judge Jeffrey Sutton relied on similar cases stating “absent a burden on a constitutionally cognizable right, the government may regulate what is at best a speech-facilitating mechanism.” Michigan State AFL-CIO v. Schuette, No. 16-2100, at *8 (6th Cir., Feb. 9, 2017).
February 15, 2017 •
Missouri Ethics Commission Issues Advisory Opinions Regarding Constitutional Amendment 2
The Missouri Ethics Commission recently released a series of advisory opinions related to Constitutional Amendment 2. The amendment, passed by the voters in the November election, amended state campaign finance laws. The new advisory opinions address issues not fully articulated […]
The Missouri Ethics Commission recently released a series of advisory opinions related to Constitutional Amendment 2. The amendment, passed by the voters in the November election, amended state campaign finance laws.
The new advisory opinions address issues not fully articulated in the constitutional amendment. Opinions confirm: contribution limits do not apply to local candidates; the definitions of continuing and political action committees are substantially the same and are interpreted to be the same; and contribution limits only apply to continuing or political action committees if a contribution to the committee is designated for a specific candidate.
Another opinion finds a limited liability company to be a corporation for the purpose of the corporate contribution ban if the LLC is an eligible entity electing to be classified as a corporation under the federal tax code.
Other opinions relate to the eligibility of foreign corporations contributing to Missouri PACs, the application of the $25,000 per election aggregate limit to be received by a political party, and the applicability of contribution limits to state legislative campaign committees.
February 9, 2017 •
Vermont Increases Contribution Limits
Vermont has increased contribution limits to candidates, PACs, and political parties. By statute, contribution limits are reevaluated and adjusted based on the Consumer Price Index. A 2.1 percent increase was implemented allowing statewide candidates and PACs to receive $4,080 per […]
Vermont has increased contribution limits to candidates, PACs, and political parties.
By statute, contribution limits are reevaluated and adjusted based on the Consumer Price Index. A 2.1 percent increase was implemented allowing statewide candidates and PACs to receive $4,080 per election cycle, state Senate candidates to receive $1,530, and state representative candidates to receive $1,020.
Each limit applies to contributions from a single source or PAC.
This change is effective for two years, and thereafter, increases will apply for the term of two two-year general election cycles.
February 8, 2017 •
Tennessee Adjusts Contribution Limits for 2017-2018 Elections
The Tennessee Registry of Election Finance recently published updated contribution limits for 2017 and 2018 elections. The limits are adjusted in every odd-numbered year based on changes in the Consumer Price Index. Individuals may now contribute $4,000 per election to […]
The Tennessee Registry of Election Finance recently published updated contribution limits for 2017 and 2018 elections. The limits are adjusted in every odd-numbered year based on changes in the Consumer Price Index.
Individuals may now contribute $4,000 per election to statewide candidates. The limit for individuals contributing to local, state legislative, or other state candidates remains unchanged.
PACs may contribute $7,800 per election to local candidates and to candidates for state House, criminal court judge, circuit court judge, chancellor, probate court judge, district attorney general, or public defender. They may contribute $11,800 per election to statewide candidates and to candidates for state Senate. The aggregate PAC limit for all non-statewide elections was increased to $118,100.
Primary and general elections are considered separate elections for the purpose of campaign contribution limits.
February 6, 2017 •
FEC Adjusts Lobbyist Bundling Disclosure Threshold Amount
On Friday, February 3, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) published its price index adjustments for expenditure limitations and the federal lobbyist bundling disclosure threshold. The lobbyist bundling disclosure threshold has increased for 2017 from $17,600 to $17,900. This threshold amount […]
On Friday, February 3, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) published its price index adjustments for expenditure limitations and the federal lobbyist bundling disclosure threshold.
The lobbyist bundling disclosure threshold has increased for 2017 from $17,600 to $17,900. This threshold amount is adjusted annually. Federal law requires authorized committees of federal candidates, leadership political action committees (PACs), and political party committees to disclose contributions bundled by lobbyists and lobbyists’ PACs.
Additionally, the FEC published its adjusted Coordinated Party Expenditure Limits for political parties for 2017.
January 16, 2017 •
Washington State Lawmakers Introduce Ethics Bills
Lawmakers in Washington have introduced two bills to enhance campaign finance disclosure and ethics laws. Senate Bill 5108 aims to increase transparency of “gray money” by limiting political action committees from receiving 70 percent or more of their contributions from […]
Lawmakers in Washington have introduced two bills to enhance campaign finance disclosure and ethics laws.
Senate Bill 5108 aims to increase transparency of “gray money” by limiting political action committees from receiving 70 percent or more of their contributions from other political committees.
Another proposal, House Bill 1159, seeks to establish revolving door provisions requiring former state officials to take a yearlong “cooling-off” period before they can become lobbyists.
January 13, 2017 •
FEC Unable to Agree on Rulemaking Concerning Foreign Influence on Political Spending
On January 12, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) was unable to agree on a policy to clarify when and if a U.S. domestic subsidiary corporation of a foreign national is illegally involved in political activity. Federal law prohibits foreign nationals from […]
On January 12, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) was unable to agree on a policy to clarify when and if a U.S. domestic subsidiary corporation of a foreign national is illegally involved in political activity.
Federal law prohibits foreign nationals from directly or indirectly making contributions, donations, expenditures, independent expenditures, and disbursements in connection with federal, state, or local elections. FEC regulations also prohibit foreign nationals from directing, controlling, or participating in the decision-making process of any person, such as a corporation, with regards to decisions concerning the making of contributions, donations, expenditures, or disbursements in connection with elections in the U.S.
Additionally, the FEC was unable to reach an agreement on the creation of a safe harbor for political committees to accept corporate contributions deemed not to have come from foreign national sources.
In response, Vice Chair Caroline C. Hunter and Commissioners Matthew S. Petersen and Lee E. Goodman issued a statement.
A previous attempt to reach an agreement on this issue in September also failed.
October 14, 2016 •
Do You Have Questions about Pay-to-Play and the Procurement Process?
Most of us have an idea of what lobbying is, but as states expand the definitions of lobbying, more activities may now trigger registration and reporting requirements. And, as states tighten political contribution rules, more and more contractors may run […]
Most of us have an idea of what lobbying is, but as states expand the definitions of lobbying, more activities may now trigger registration and reporting requirements. And, as states tighten political contribution rules, more and more contractors may run into problems because of pay-to-play laws. But in order to comply with the rules, you need to know the rules.
State and Federal Communications is taking part in two events over the next few weeks looking specifically at these issues. This fall our Compliance Client Specialist Nola Werren, Esq., will present “Compliance: Pay-to-Play and Procurement Lobbying Process” at events with the Public Affairs Council and WASRG, the Washington Area State Relations Group.
As an expert in the field, Nola will share her knowledge and experiences during a Public Affairs Council webinar and at the annual WASRG Symposium. Topics she will cover include the procurement process; lobbying requirements in the states, including best practices to ensure compliance; and pay-to-play laws. It is this area of pay-to-play, the nexus between making a contribution and the award of a contract, that can have far-reaching consequences for a business.
The Public Affairs Council’s webinar will be held on October 27th and is entitled “Compliance: State-Level Laws and Recent Trends.” The WASRG Annual Symposium begins at noon on November 2nd at Carmine’s at 425 7th Street NW in Washington, DC.
Make sure you keep checking in with State and Federal Communications, Inc. We are your #1 resource on government relations compliance.
September 2, 2016 •
See Us in Person!
Here is our September/October calendar. If you are attending any of these events, please say hello! September 8-9 Practising Law Institute, Corporate Political Activities Seminar, Washington, DC September 15 Akron Roundtable, Akron, OH September 26-28 PAC State and Local […]
Here is our September/October calendar. If you are attending any of these events, please say hello!
September 8-9 Practising Law Institute, Corporate Political Activities Seminar, Washington, DC
September 15 Akron Roundtable, Akron, OH
September 26-28 PAC State and Local Government Relations Conference, Alexandria, VA
October 3 Akron Roundtable 40th Anniversary Celebration Dinner, Akron, Ohio
October 19-21 Public Affairs Council Fall Board Meeting, Laguna Beach, California
October 20 Akron Roundtable, Akron, Ohio
August 12, 2016 •
MA Gov. Signs Campaign Finance Bill
On August 9, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker signed House Bill 543 into law, joining other recently signed bills helping to tweak the state’s current campaign finance laws. The new legislation allows for individuals to make addition political contributions of up […]
On August 9, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker signed House Bill 543 into law, joining other recently signed bills helping to tweak the state’s current campaign finance laws. The new legislation allows for individuals to make addition political contributions of up to $1,000 to House and Senate candidates in special election races held during state election years.
Another change in the law requires a PAC or political party committee making an expenditure to support or oppose a candidate to identify the candidate on the check and subsequently review the bank’s report. If the report does not identify the candidate supported or opposed, the PAC or political party committee must append the bank’s report to disclose the name of the candidate and whether the expenditure supported or opposed the candidate.
The state’s legal requirement to disclose the top five donors on certain political advertisements now includes those on billboards and direct mailings regardless of the purpose for which the funds were given. This disclosure requirement also applies to state ballot committees. The legislation came into effect upon signing.
State and Federal Communications, Inc. provides research and consulting services for government relations professionals on lobbying laws, procurement lobbying laws, political contribution laws in the United States and Canada. Learn more by visiting stateandfed.com.