Latest Developments:
- Texas Seeks to Ban Localities from Hiring Lobbyists: Texas Senators gave final approval to Senate Bill 12, which would forbid cities, counties, and school districts from using public dollars to hire lobbyists. Local elected leaders contend lobbyists are needed by localities to advocate for their constituents at the state level. Texas Tribune
- Ohio State Supports Ban on Foreign Contributions: The state of Ohio argued that “[m]ore speech is not always better” before the Sixth Circuit of Appeals to assert that the threat of foreign influence in American elections is grave enough to allow states to ban political contributions from noncitizens. After a district court injunction, the appellate court has allowed the state to enforce a 2024 ban against green card holders making campaign contributions while the appeal is being considered, impacting PAC and other activity in the state. Courthouse News
- Increased Penalties for Violations of Washington’s Public Disclosure Law: Washington’s Public Disclosure Commission approved a rule change to increase the penalties tied to various factors that are considered when the Commission sets fines. The Commission is still limited to fines of $10,000 per violation but can assess higher penalties by agreement of the parties or by referring cases to the state Attorney General’s Office for prosecution if warranted.
- Canada’s Corporate Lobbyists Receive New Guidance: The Commissioner of Lobbying updated when organizations and corporations must be registered under the Lobbying Act – lowering the threshold from the current 32 hours per month to 8 hours in a rolling 4-week period. The change, which takes effect January 19, 2026, is expected to increase the number of corporations and organizations required to register. (See bulletin, Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying of Canada).
- Canada’s Former Officials Restricted: Canada’s Commissioner of Lobbying has also issued a bulletin reducing the amount of lobbying that can be done by a former designed public office holder employed by a corporation during their five-year restriction. The interpretation takes effect January 19, 2026. (See bulletin, corresponding interpretation bulletin).
In Case You Missed It:
- Redistricting Battle Escalates and May Lead to Elections in 2025: Texas Republicans advanced a congressional map designed to flip up to five House districts for Republicans in the 2026 midterms. In response, Democratic governors are weighing mid‑decade counter‑redistricting strategies, including a special election in California to begin the process of redrawing its map, which may result in a special election in November 2025, and a possible referendum in New York. Washington Post and The Texan
- Supreme Court Poised to Reconsider Race as a Factor in the VRA: The Court’s request for additional briefs in a challenge to Louisiana’s reconfigured congressional map signals that it may revisit Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and potentially limit how race may be factored into redistricting nationwide. The Washington Post and Politico
- PACs Still Funding Certain Lawmakers After Pledging Otherwise: After pledging changes to funding after January 6, 2021, more than 2,000 corporate and industry group PACs have given over $174 million to lawmakers who voted against certifying the 2020 presidential election or who disputed election results. Election Law Blog
- Louisiana Governor Changes Laws in Response to Ethics Inquiries: Gov. Jeff Landry pushed legislation to change ethics laws after the Louisiana Board of Ethics told his PAC it could not pay for his gym membership. Yahoo News