Latest Developments:
- The United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit reinstated a guilty verdict in United States v. Rafiekian. The defendant was accused of failing to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) when lobbying for Turkish interests. Politico quotes a FARA attorney who opines that the case “‘further strengthens the department’s zeal in going forward’ with its more aggressive pursuit of violations of the previously sleepy law.”
- The Governor of Nevada signed AB 110, which revises the definition of “lobbyist.” The bill deletes the requirement that a lobbyist be physically present in the state capitol building or other legislative buildings and creates an additional exception from registration for persons who communicate with legislators only on an “infrequent or irregular basis.” The bill took effect immediately. This is Reno explains that lobbyists have until April 1 to register for the current session, “something they haven’t had to do this session,” because lobbyists “have not been allowed inside the legislative building…”
- The Georgia Legislature approved SB 221, which permits the creation of “leadership committees.” Under the bill, these committees would be a “separate legal entity from a candidate’s campaign committee.” The Governor and Lieutenant Governor could each have a leadership committee; each Legislative caucus may establish two leadership committees. These committees are not subject to the state’s contribution limits. Funds could be used to support or defeat any candidate and used for expenses of holding office.
- The Oklahoma Ethics Commission published revised contribution limits for the 2022 elections. The limit for individuals and other candidate committees contributing to a candidate committee increased from $2,800 to $2,900 per election.
- The Governor of Arkansas signed SB 183, which bans the use of campaign funds to pay fines assessed by the Arkansas Ethics Commission.
- The City of Aurora, Colorado approved an ordinance (p. 369) to require annual lobbyist registration and quarterly reporting. The ordinance takes effect August 1, 2021.
- The Washington Public Disclosure Commission adopted permanent regulations governing contributions from foreign nationals. (Additional changes were adopted at the March meeting.) The regulation takes effect 30 days following formal publication.
In Case You Missed It:
- Nevada Charges: The Associated Press reports that a Las Vegas area legislator, who resigned in January, is now charged with “misusing campaign funds and filing false voter registration and campaign finance records.” The 10 felony and two misdemeanor charges include allegations that he “misappropriated at least $11,150 in campaign funds.”
- Bring Back your Money: According to CNBC, congressional fundraisers are lobbying corporations to “resume political donations after many suspended their contributions… Democratic fundraisers are urging companies to resume donations, citing their determination to oust the Republican lawmakers who encouraged and espoused the false election narrative that triggered the riot. On the other hand, Republican fundraisers have warned donors about Democrats’ intention to raise the corporate tax rate.”
- Capitol Closed but Lobbyists Enter: Despite the closure of the Hawaiian State Capitol building to the public, Honolulu Civil Beat reports that “some individuals, including registered lobbyists, have been able to gain an audience with lawmakers in their offices after scheduling appointments.