Essential Ethics

Latest Developments: The U.S. Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, in WinRed, Inc. v. Ellison, determined that federal campaign finance law does not preempt a state from enforcing a state’s consumer protection law that prohibits deceptive practices. According…

Latest Developments: The Federal Election Commission posted new contribution limits for 2023-2024 federal elections. Among the changes, individuals may now contribute $3,300 per election to a federal candidate (up from $2,900 for 2021-2022). The California Supreme Court, in Travis v….

Latest Developments:  The New York City Council approved  0855-2022-A, which requires disclosure of independent expenditures exceeding $5,000 that are “in support of or in opposition to any municipal ballot proposal or referendum.” If approved by the Mayor, the measure…

Latest Developments: The Tennessee Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance issued “Updated Campaign Contribution Limits for 2023-2024, Effective Immediately.” Persons may now give up to $4,900 per election to candidates for statewide office and $1,800 per election…

Latest Developments: The Washington (State) Public Disclosure Commission published proposed changes to various campaign contribution limits and reporting thresholds, based on inflation. The Commission will hold a hearing on January 26 to consider adoption of a regulation to encompass…

Latest Developments: The Illinois State Board of Elections announced increased campaign contribution limits beginning January 1, 2023 (“2023 Contribution Limits”). Corporations may contribute up to $13,700 and individuals give up to $6,900 to a candidate per election cycle….

Latest Developments: The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia issued a denied a rehearing in CREW v. FEC, and the court decreed that “The Federal Election Commission’s decision to dismiss a complaint on…

Latest Developments: The Alabama Ethics Commission issued the following statement: “The Alabama Ethics Commission voted today to increase the amount of what is considered [a] “de minimis” [gift] from $25.00 or less per occasion and an aggregate of…

Latest Developments: The California Fair Political Practices Commission published a proposed opinion regarding a recently enacted bill (SB 1439), which prohibits local officials from taking part in a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement if certain campaign…

Latest Developments: The Federal Election Commission adopted a final rule governing Internet Communications. ( 2011-02; [Version B.]) But Axios reports that, after proposing a “major digital ad transparency measure,” the Federal Election Commission removed the proposal from its agenda at a previous…