July 1, 2021 •
Arizona Legislature Adjourns Sine Die
The Arizona Legislature adjourned sine die on June 30, concluding a 171-day session that was among the longest in recent state history. Relating to campaign finance, Senate Bill 1714 passed. Effective September 28, the bill provides a person who makes an […]
The Arizona Legislature adjourned sine die on June 30, concluding a 171-day session that was among the longest in recent state history.
Relating to campaign finance, Senate Bill 1714 passed. Effective September 28, the bill provides a person who makes an expenditure for an advertisement or fund-raising fundraising solicitation, other than an individual, must include in the advertisement or solicitation the aggregate percentage of out-of-state contributors as calculated at the time the advertisement was produced for publication, display, delivery, or broadcast.
The disclosure must state “paid for by” followed by ” the aggregate percentage of out-of-state contributors. If the advertisement is delivered by hand or by mail, the disclosure must be clearly readable, and if the advertisement is paid for by a political action committee, the disclosure must be displayed in a height that is at least 10% of the vertical height of the advertisement.
Several other significant issues, including the passage of sweeping tax cuts, approval for an increase in unemployment benefits starting in 2022 and criminal justice changes were also resolved by final adjournment.
The 2022 Legislature is scheduled to convene on January 10.
June 9, 2021 •
Ontario Court Strikes Down Province’s Pre-Election Period Restriction for Third Party Advertising
On June 8, an Ontario, Canada Superior Court judge struck down a section of the province’s Election Finances Act that mandated a 12-month pre-election period restricting third party advertising. Ontario Superior Court Justice Edward M. Morgan’s decision, Working Families Ontario […]
On June 8, an Ontario, Canada Superior Court judge struck down a section of the province’s Election Finances Act that mandated a 12-month pre-election period restricting third party advertising.
Ontario Superior Court Justice Edward M. Morgan’s decision, Working Families Ontario v. Ontario, explicitly holds that the period will no longer be in effect. The restricted pre-election spending period of 12 months had a $600,000 limit on third-party political advertisement expenditures.
Judge Morgan found the law was unconstitutional and a violation of the “freedom of expression” for the parties suing the province.
As noted by the judge in his decision, the next election in Ontario is scheduled to take place on June 2, 2022, already within the 12-month restricted period for political advertisements under the section being stricken. Judge Morgan wrote, “It would be unfair to the Applicants (and to other potential third-party political advertisers) for statutory provisions that have been declared unconstitutional to remain in operation during this time.” He found the burden of addressing the issue should remain on the legislature to craft an appropriate and constitutional provision.
March 13, 2020 •
FPPC of California Creates Task Force
The California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) announced the formation of a Digital Transparency Task Force. The purpose of this group is to address the issues surrounding political advertising through social media and other digital outlets. The Digital Transparency Task […]
The California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) announced the formation of a Digital Transparency Task Force.
The purpose of this group is to address the issues surrounding political advertising through social media and other digital outlets.
The Digital Transparency Task Force will study the current landscape of these outlets.
They will also look at trends and ways to keep up with the ever-changing field, including regulations possibly needing updated, enhanced, added, or strengthened.
The FPPC created the task force to help set standards and to develop best practices for transparent digital political advertising.
They will also assist the public to easily find the information in a publicly accessible database.
February 24, 2020 •
Ontario Canada electoral districts Byelection for Orleans and Ottawa-Vanier: Political Blackout
From February 26 at 12:01 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. on February 27, there will be the statutory blackout on political advertising. The blackout will be for the February 27 by-election being held for the Ontario Canada electoral districts of Orleans […]
From February 26 at 12:01 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. on February 27, there will be the statutory blackout on political advertising.
The blackout will be for the February 27 by-election being held for the Ontario Canada electoral districts of Orleans and Ottawa-Vanier.
On August 2, 2019, the Chief Electoral of Ontario received a notice of vacancy in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario for the electoral district of Ottawa-Vanier.
MPP Mona Fortier left her seat to become the Minister of Middle Class Prosperity and Associate Minister of Finance.
On September 24, 2019, a second notice of vacancy in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario was received for the electoral district of Orleans.
MPP Marie-France Lalonde resigned from her seat to run for a seat in Canadian Parliament, which she won on October 21.
On January 29, 2020, the Office of Premier Doug Ford issued writs for the byelections to be held on February 17.
February 17, 2020 •
Judge Set to Confirm Most of San Francisco Political Ad Disclosure Rules
U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer will uphold the bulk of a San Francisco ordinance requiring political ads to disclose top donors and secondary funding sources. Proposition F requires print, audio, and video political ads disclose the top three donors who […]
U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer will uphold the bulk of a San Francisco ordinance requiring political ads to disclose top donors and secondary funding sources.
Proposition F requires print, audio, and video political ads disclose the top three donors who contributed at least $5,000. If one of those donors is a PAC, the committee’s top two donors must also be disclosed.
The judge rejected claims the ad disclosure law hinders political speech.
Yes on Prop B argued the law unconstitutionally burdens its right to free speech and cited an en banc Ninth Circuit panel decision in American Beverage Association v. San Francisco blocking the city from requiring health warnings taking up 20% of billboard ads for sodas and sweetened drinks.
Judge Breyer found the court decision was not really on point because Proposition F was passed by a voter referendum and regulates political speech as opposed to commercial speech.
The judge also rejected an argument donor information is easily accessible on the San Francisco Ethics Commission website stating putting the onus on voters to look up the information would not match the law’s intent.
While refusing to block most of the law, Judge Breyer agreed requiring lengthy disclaimers for small print and short length political ads is likely unconstitutional and indicated he will issue a partial injunction blocking those types of restrictions.
January 15, 2020 •
Seattle Passes Two Bills in the Clean Campaigns Act
The Seattle City Council unanimously passed two bills banning most political spending by foreign-influenced corporations and clamping down on political advertising. These bills are part of the Clean Campaigns Act, a three-bill package introduced in August of last year. The […]
The Seattle City Council unanimously passed two bills banning most political spending by foreign-influenced corporations and clamping down on political advertising.
These bills are part of the Clean Campaigns Act, a three-bill package introduced in August of last year.
The first bill prevents corporations with a single foreign national investor holding at least 1% ownership, or two or more holding at least 5% ownership from contributing directly to Seattle candidates, political races, or through PACs.
Companies that have a non-U.S. investor making decisions on its U.S. political activities will also be prevented from political spending.
The measure closes a loophole because foreign individuals and foreign-based entities already are barred from making contributions in U.S. elections.
The second bill adds transparency to the political advertising realm.
It requires any paid advertisement regarding a political matter of local importance to follow stricter reporting guidelines and to retain and provide records about these advertisements.
The third bill, which would place a cap on Super PAC contributions, remains in the Select Committee on Campaign Finance Reform for further discussions.
Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson filed lawsuits against Facebook and Google for failing to comply with political advertising laws. Under Washington law, commercial advertisers who provide political advertising during an election campaign must maintain documents and books of account that […]
Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson filed lawsuits against Facebook and Google for failing to comply with political advertising laws.
Under Washington law, commercial advertisers who provide political advertising during an election campaign must maintain documents and books of account that is open for public inspection.
The attorney general contends Facebook and Google have not released political advertising information sponsored through their online platforms when requested by members of the public.
If found guilty, the companies could face a penalty of $10,000 per violation for failing to maintain required information on political advertising sponsored in Washington state elections from 2013 through 2018.
October 20, 2017 •
Bills introduced in U.S. Congress to Increase Transparency for Online Political Advertising
On October 19, two bipartisan bills allowing increased monitoring of online political advertising were introduced in the U.S. Congress. Companion bills House Resolution 4077, The Honest Ads Act, and Senate Bill 1989 direct the Federal Election Commission to enact rules […]
On October 19, two bipartisan bills allowing increased monitoring of online political advertising were introduced in the U.S. Congress. Companion bills House Resolution 4077, The Honest Ads Act, and Senate Bill 1989 direct the Federal Election Commission to enact rules for online advertisements similar to currents rules for television and radio. Larger digital platforms would be required to make available to the public requests to run political advertisements costing more than $500.
The bills were introduced by U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer and Mike Coffman and Senators Amy Klobuchar, Mark Warner, and John McCain in response to “revelations that a Russian company purchased upwards of 3,000 political advertisements on Facebook in an effort to influence the 2016 Presidential election,” according to a press release by Kilmer.
“Our bipartisan bill makes sure our laws are as up to date as the latest technology, and makes it harder for foreign actors to use the internet to attack our democracy,” Kilmer said in his press release.
August 31, 2016 •
Deadline Looms for Final Votes in the California Legislature
The California Legislature has been very active in the days leading up to the August 31 deadline for each house to pass bills. On August 30, Assembly Bill 700, a measure that would impose new disclosure requirements for political advertisements, […]
The California Legislature has been very active in the days leading up to the August 31 deadline for each house to pass bills. On August 30, Assembly Bill 700, a measure that would impose new disclosure requirements for political advertisements, failed by a single vote in the Senate.
Senate Bill 1349 had better luck gaining passage yesterday and is headed for Gov. Jerry Brown’s desk. SB 1349 will require changes to Cal-Access, California’s outdated online campaign contribution and lobbying database.
Photo of the California State Capitol by Griffin5 on Wikimedia Commons.
September 11, 2015 •
California Bill Requires New Disclaimer Rules for Political Ads
The Legislature has passed a bill requiring new political advertising standards. Sponsored by Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla, Assembly Bill 990 will require political advertisements to carry larger statements clearly stating information about who is paying for the advertisement. Bonilla introduced the […]
The Legislature has passed a bill requiring new political advertising standards.
Sponsored by Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla, Assembly Bill 990 will require political advertisements to carry larger statements clearly stating information about who is paying for the advertisement.
Bonilla introduced the legislation to ensure voters will be able to easily identify the sponsors behind any political advertising.
February 10, 2015 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying Hawaii: “Hawaii Lobbyists Fined for Failing to Register with State Ethics Commission” by The Associated Press for Greenfield Daily Reporter Minnesota: “Tomassoni Quits Range Job, Citing ‘Distractions’” by Don Davis for Duluth News Tribune Texas: “State Law Allows for […]
Lobbying
Hawaii: “Hawaii Lobbyists Fined for Failing to Register with State Ethics Commission” by The Associated Press for Greenfield Daily Reporter
Minnesota: “Tomassoni Quits Range Job, Citing ‘Distractions’” by Don Davis for Duluth News Tribune
Texas: “State Law Allows for Lobbying Deep in the Shadows of Texas” by James Drew for Dallas Morning News
Campaign Finance
California: “A Legal Use of Power: Parties funnel millions to California candidates” by Jim Miller for Sacramento Bee
Pennsylvania: “After Pennsylvania Treasurer Scandal, Pay-to-Play Law Still a Longshot” by The Associated Press for Lehighvalleylive.com
Ethics
New York: “Harassment Suit against Former Assemblyman Vito Lopez and Sheldon Silver Is Settled” by Jesse McKinley for New York Times
North Carolina: “City Panel Proposes Stronger Ethics Policy” by Steve Harrison for Charlotte Observer
Oregon: “Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber Faces Call to Resign amid Scandal over Fiancée” by Maria La Ganga for Los Angeles Times
Washington: “Free U.S. Open Tickets for Lawmakers? Ethics Board to Discuss” by Melissa Santos for Tacoma News Tribune
Legislative Issues
Idaho: “Recodification Bill Would Create New Title of State Law for Ethics, Public Records, Open Meetings” by Betsy Russell for Spokane Spokesman-Review
South Carolina: “Lawmakers Hear Calls to Change the Way SC Elects Judges” by Jamie Self for The State
Political Advertising
“Drones Fly into the Political Ad Wars” by Daniel Lippman for Politico
November 3, 2014 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “Advice on How to Stay Out of Jail – From a Lobbyist Who Didn’t” by Kevin Ring for Washington Post Missouri: “Missouri Attorney General May Face Inquiry over Money from Lobbyists” by Eric Lipton for New York Times Campaign […]
Lobbying
“Advice on How to Stay Out of Jail – From a Lobbyist Who Didn’t” by Kevin Ring for Washington Post
Missouri: “Missouri Attorney General May Face Inquiry over Money from Lobbyists” by Eric Lipton for New York Times
Campaign Finance
“Donors Get Special Access to GOP Governors as Potential 2016 Contenders” by Matea Gold for Washington Post
California: “Once a Crusader against Big Money, Gov. Brown is Collecting Millions” by Michael Finnegan and Ben Welsh for Los Angeles Times
New Mexico: “PRC Member Told He Can’t Pay Himself to Campaign” by Thomas Cole for Albuquerque Journal
Texas: “Ethics Commission Approves Dark Money Regulation” by David Saleh Rauf (San Antonio Express-News) for Austin American-Statesman
Ethics
Alabama: “Jury Finds Alabama Lawmaker Not Guilty of Perjury” by Kim Chandler (Associated Press) for Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Ohio: “State Rep. Sandra Williams Found Guilty of Profiting from Ohio State Football Tickets” by Jim Siegel for Columbus Dispatch
South Carolina: “Bobby Harrell: A quick rise to power, and a quicker fall” by Jeremy Borden and Schuyler Knopf for Charleston Post & Courier
Texas: “Houston Drops Subpoenas to Get Speeches from Pastors Opposed to Anti-Discrimination Ordinance” by The Associated Press for Fox News
Elections
“Election Could Tip Historic Number of Legislatures into Republican Hands” by Reid Wilson for Washington Post
California: “L.A. Officials to Consider Ballot Measures to Change Election Years” by David Zahniser for Los Angeles Times
Louisiana: “Louisiana’s Rogues Yield to National Issues” by Campbell Robertson and Jonathan Martin for New York Times
Minnesota: “Campaigning to Extend, or End, One-Party Rule” by Monica Davey for New York Times
Montana: “Stanford Research Gaffe: School apologizes to Montana voters for ‘election guide’” by Katy Murphy for San Jose Mercury News
South Carolina: “State Election Officials Opt to Delay Election in Bobby Harrell’s Old House Seat” by Jeremy Borden for Charleston Post & Courier
Political Advertising
“In Democratic Election Ads in South, a Focus on Racial Scars” by Jeremy Peters for New York Times
October 29, 2014 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “Former Senator Tom Daschle Forms New Lobbying Group” by Catherine Ho for Washington Post Campaign Finance “Would Stronger Parties Mean Less Polarization?” by Thomas Edsall for New York Times “Michigan’s New Campaign Contribution Limits Benefiting Republicans More Than Democrats” […]
Lobbying
“Former Senator Tom Daschle Forms New Lobbying Group” by Catherine Ho for Washington Post
Campaign Finance
“Would Stronger Parties Mean Less Polarization?” by Thomas Edsall for New York Times
“Michigan’s New Campaign Contribution Limits Benefiting Republicans More Than Democrats” by Jonathan Oosting for MLive.com
“W.Va. Delegate’s Campaign Expenses Include Steer Bought at County Fair” by The Associated Press for Greenfield Daily Reporter
Ethics
“Politics of Ebola Tricky for Christie, Cuomo” by Jonathan Lemire and Jill Colvin (Associated Press) for ABC News
“Finding: Farmer girlfriend violated ethics code” by Tom Loftus for Louisville Courier-Journal
“William Lantigua, Mired in Political Controversy from the Start” by Bruce Wright for Boston Globe
“Coakley Denies Allegation She Had No-Interest in DiMasi Case” by Gintautas Dumcius and Matt Murphy (State House News Service) for Lowell Sun
“Pennsylvania Justice in Porn Email Scandal Retires” by Mark Scolforo and Marc Levy (Associated Press) for Greenfield Reporter
“McAuliffe’s New Virginia Ethics Panel Meets for First Time” by Laura Vozzella for Washington Post
Political Advertising
“Pants on Fire? Ohio Campaign Ads Take Liberties, Both Parties Say” by Darrell Rowland for Columbus Dispatch
October 22, 2014 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying “Lobby Firms Beat the Midterm Blues” by Megan Wilson for The Hill. “Legislators’ Trips Abroad Apparently Above Board” by Tess Townsend for New London Day. Campaign Finance “Record Public Financing Amounts Awarded to Candidates” by Gregory Hladky for Hartford […]
Lobbying
“Lobby Firms Beat the Midterm Blues” by Megan Wilson for The Hill.
“Legislators’ Trips Abroad Apparently Above Board” by Tess Townsend for New London Day.
Campaign Finance
“Record Public Financing Amounts Awarded to Candidates” by Gregory Hladky for Hartford Courant.
“Donors Use Loophole to Pour Money into Governor’s Race” by Jeremy Borden for Charleston Post & Courier.
“Campaign Coordination Suit Filed in a Way to Get Favorable Judge” by Patrick Marley for Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Ethics
“Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard Indicted” by Brian Lyman (Montgomery Advertiser) for USA Today.
“Legislators Need Stricter Disclosure Rules, Advocate Tells Panel” for Indianapolis Business Journal; Staff
“In William Galvin’s Contracts, Little Public Process” by Waltyer Robinson for Boston Globe.
Elections
“Health Scare in Texas Also Sends Political Ripples” by Manny Fernandez for New York Times.
“Supreme Court Allows Texas to Use Voter ID Law” by Adam Liptak for New York Times.
Political Advertising
“Environmental Issues Become a Force in Political Advertising” by Coral Davenport and Ashley Parker for New York Times.
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.
