Latest Developments:
- Donors to New Jersey Inaugural Ball Not Fully Disclosed Politico explores the legal “loophole” protecting donors from disclosure after they gave large donations to a 501(c) (4) organization, Mission to Deliver, and then were given access to the inaugural ball for New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, avoiding a $500 contribution limit in state law. Politico reports that some donors’ identities were made public, but “a comprehensive list of their identities and donations may never be public.” The article discusses the law and history of inaugural fundraising in New Jersey. Donors Had Access to Governor; Public Won’t Have Access to List
- Kentucky Legislature Eyeing Changes to State’s Legislative Ethics Commission Kentucky lawmakers proposed a law putting the House Speaker and Senate President in charge of employing the leader and staff of the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission. The proposed bill would also allow the Commission to “impose sanctions on persons who file a complaint that is determined to be frivolous, was filed for an improper purpose, or contains factual allegations lacking evidentiary support,” with the law retroactive to January 2, 2026. The law was proposed as a Kentucky legislator was facing trial in an ethics case, but before he agreed to a $2,000 settlement and reprimand. 26RS and Grossberg settlement and Courier-Journal – KY legislature considers ethics commission changes amid Grossberg case
- Trump’s Second Term Results in “Massive Payday” for Lobbying Firms Recently filed disclosures confirm that 13 of the 20 largest lobbying firms by revenue reported growth of 10 percent or more compared to 2024, and together brought in nearly $824 million, according to Politico. The latest Lobbying Disclosure Act filings provide details, however the limited search engine only allows searches by entity and period. Politico – Lobbying Revenues
Events and Reminders:
- There’s still time to sign up to hear Nielsen Merksamer partners Joel Aurora and Jay Carson discuss Involvement in Elections: What to Look for in 2026, a one-hour online seminar sponsored by the Practising Law Institute (PLI), on February 11, 2026 at 1 p.m. EST. With the 2026 midterms approaching, it is critical for nonprofit organizations and corporate donors to understand the laws governing their participation in advocacy and politics. Sign up to learn about key challenges that arise when nonprofits get involved in politics and how such organizations, donors, and their corporate partners can avoid the most common pitfalls. MCLE credit is available. Register here: PLI – Nonprofit Involvement in Elections
In Case You Missed It:
- Complaint Alleges Administration’s “Gold Card Program” is Unlawful Pay to Play A new complaint alleges the administration’s “gold card program” is an unlawful form of “pay to play” and seeks to stop it. The program allows wealthy immigrants to pay $1 million to the federal government ($2 million if a corporation pays on their behalf) to receive permanent residency in the U.S. The complaint filed by an association of university professors alleges the program violates the Administrative Procedure Act and the Immigration and Nationality Act, and was enacted without statutory authority. Ass’n of Univ. Professors v. Dept of Homeland Security and Bloomberg – Gold Card is Unlawful Pay-to-Play Visa Scheme, Complaint Says
- Fresno Will Now Post Lobbying Contracts on City Website The City of Fresno, California has adopted a law requiring all of its lobbying contracts to be posted on the city’s website. Lobbying Contracts to be Posted
- South Carolina Senator’s Campaign Disclosures “A Mystery” In South Carolina, The State parsed U.S. Sen. Nancy Mace’s campaign finance disclosures and found $33,000 without supporting detail, even after amendments; a Mace campaign spokeswoman said it appeared to be “a technical issue in how the expenses were submitted, and the campaign was in touch with the State Ethics Commission.” Mace Campaign Disclosures Analyzed
- Chicago’s Board of Ethics Waiting for Mayoral Appointment Chicago’s Board of Ethics is waiting for Mayor Brandon Johnson to name a new chair, six months after the position was vacated. The vacancy reportedly has forced the board to cancel recent meetings and stalled ethics probes. Ethics Board Surpasses 6 Months Without a Leader
- Oklahoma Ethics Sues Vendor After Issues with Reporting System The Oklahoma Ethics Commission has sued the Texas vendor who allegedly failed to deliver a campaign finance reporting system for mandated filing, review and public disclosure, and which cost the state more than $800,000. Oklahoma agency sues vendor over ethics reporting system debacle
- A Peek Inside a Signature Event for California Lawmakers CalMatters reporters went inside “one of many political extravaganzas at which lawmakers and their staff are invited to mingle with special interests” to show “how special interests buy access to policymakers who they hope to influence.” CalMatters – California Lawmakers Bash