Latest Developments:
Los Angeles County Supervisors Move to Create New Ethics Commission
The L.A. Board of Supervisors passed a motion May 19th directing departments to take steps needed to “launch” a new L.A. County Ethics Commission this year, including actions to set up its operations, staffing, and legal structure. The motion also directed staff to prepare a Charter amendment for the November ballot in which voters would be asked to confirm the Commission’s long-term independence and structure. County Counsel are expected to return to the Board by the end of June with a draft interim ordinance establishing the Commission and an Office of Ethics Compliance. LA Ethics Motion and Horvath statement
North Dakota Requires More Disclosure of Officials’ Travel Expenses
As of July 1, North Dakota’s elected and appointed officials must file disclosure statements when receiving funding for travel, detailing the purpose, destination, dates, funding source, cost, and what the expenses were for, thanks to new rules enacted by the North Dakota Ethics Commission. Reports are due within 15 days of a trip and the Commission will fine officials for late or incomplete reports. The state’s Attorney General is pushing back, claiming the Commission exceeded its authority and cannot create or impose penalties for ethics-related violations. North Dakota Monitor – Ethics Commission Adopts New Travel Disclosure Rules
Chicago Candidate Fined for Accepting Contributions
The Chicago Board of Ethics fined Paul Vallas, a 2023 mayoral candidate, $214,000 for violating campaign finance rules by accepting $202,000 in contributions from 12 people who were doing business with the city. City laws restrict such contributors to giving no more than $1,500 annually to candidates seeking city office and elected officials, according to the board. Chicago Tribune – Ethics Board Fines Candidate Vallas said he will appeal.
Publicly Posting Lobbying Letters
CalMatters reports that the California Assembly did not advance bills that would require the Legislature to post “lobbying letters from business and advocacy groups” to shed light on the “secretive world of Capitol lobbying.” More interesting, CalMatters noted at least 10 states do post those communications for the public, citing “Republican-controlled states such as West Virginia and Democratically-controlled states such as Hawaii.” CalMatters.org – Sabalow – Secret capitol lobbying letters
U.S. Supreme Court Declines to Vacate Ruling Affecting Judicial Candidates
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to vacate an Eleventh Circuit ruling that allowed Georgia ethics officials to publicize allegations that two unsuccessful state Supreme Court candidates violated ethics rules. The candidates had appealed, arguing that losing the election did not moot the case. Ethics officials contend the judicial candidates likely violated the state’s Code of Judicial Conduct by publicly endorsing each other and by promising to restore abortion rights in the state if elected. Appendix to Emergency Application – Supreme Court and Justices Won’t Upend Ruling Making Ga. Ethics Claims Public – Law360
Events and Reminders:
California’s Statewide Primary Election is tomorrow. The latest information on campaign spending in statewide candidate and ballot measure races can be found on the Fair Political Practices Commission website. See FPPC filings – Top 10
New Hampshire has a new online portal for lobbyist registration and reporting. Set up an account on this new Secretary of State webpage: https://cfs.sos.nh.gov/lobbyist/login
In Case You Missed It:
FEC Advisory Opinion Impacting 2026 Activities
The Federal Election Commission’s advisory opinion on super PACs and coordination of canvassing with campaigns is having an impact this campaign season. One publication suggested the opinion is benefitting California State Senator Scott Wiener, running for the seat being vacated by Nancy Pelosi, as “multiple super PACs” are “boosting his war chest.” SFGazetteer – Scott Wiener
Alaska’s Campaign Finance Restrictions Still Uncertain
Although the Alaska Legislature approved new candidate contribution limits, issues related to the legislation’s effective date are impacting the Governor’s action and could lead to a potential ballot measure and lawsuit. House Bill 16 and Alaskabeacon.com – campaign finance restrictions
Trump Misses Disclosure Deadlines, Fine is $200
President Trump was fined $200 by the U.S. Office of Government Ethics after he was months late reporting on “tens of millions” in stock transactions involving Microsoft and Amazon. Washington Post – Trump Fined for Late Disclosures and The Hill – Trump disclosures
SoftBank is Latest Known Donor to Fund Trump Library
SoftBank’s $50 million contribution to the Trump library is the latest, and among the largest, known gifts to the project. SoftBank joins other reported donors in the tech and media industries, including many that made the contributions as part of lawsuit settlements. Lobbyist employers must disclose presidential library contributions on their LD-203 forms. Politico – SoftBank – Trump Library Donation
Sometimes Donors Get Their Money Back…
On the eve of the California primary, Netflix chairman Reed Hastings has reportedly received a refund of the $1 million he contributed to an independent expenditure committee supporting San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan’s bid for governor. Hastings has stated publicly that he didn’t seek the refund. Mercury-News – IE Contribution
Editor’s note:
Essential Ethics will be taking a brief break after the California primary election, with the next edition scheduled to be issued in early July.