Latest Developments:
- California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office issued Opinion No. 23-101, declaring that “the disclosure, recusal, and cure provisions of Senate Bill No. 1439 (amending Government Code section 84308) do not apply retroactively to political contributions made before January 1, 2023.” SB 1439 extended state pay-to-play contribution restrictions to certain local officials.
- The Alaska Attorney General approved a regulation to permit the AG’s Department of Law to defend ethics charges filed against the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, or Attorney General when the representation is in the public’s interest. Alaska Public Media explains the various reasons for – and criticisms of – the regulation.
- The Washington State Public Disclosure Commission is seeking input on proposed grassroots lobbying regulations. Legislation directed the Commission to promulgate the regulations and will include inflation factor adjustments to lobby reporting thresholds. The Commission is also in the process of updating inflationary adjustments for campaign contribution limits and reporting thresholds.
In Case You Missed It:
- Oklahoma Ethics Commission Continues to Struggle: NonDoc.com reports on the Commission’s efforts to recruit a new Executive Director amid draconian budget cuts and accusations of secret meetings.
- Former Congressional Candidate Convicted: The Department of Justice announced that a former candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives was convicted by a jury of violating the Federal Election Campaign Act and making false statements in connection with illegally soliciting and accepting contributions and using the money for personal and business expenses.