Essential Ethics

Latest Developments: The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a new opinion in Thompson v. Hebdon. The previous decision of the court was vacated by the United States Supreme Court in 2019. (That Supreme Court case is here: Thompson v….

Latest Developments: The North Dakota Ethics Commission approved a $10 food and drink exception to its gift rules for public officials. At their July 29 meeting, effective immediately, “[f]ood or beverage with a value of $10 or less…[may be]…

Latest Developments: The Governor of Illinois indicated that he will sign SB 539, according to the Chicago Tribune. Among other things, the bill would expand state lobbyist registration to include local lobbyists, regulate consultants who work for lobbyists, expand revolving…

Latest Developments: The Pennsylvania Legislature passed B. 336 last month, which includes a provision that requires lobbyists file “equity reports” that disclose their equity interest in the entity for which they are lobbying. The measure became law this month without…

Latest Developments: The Governor of Montana approved B. 224. Among other things, the bill increases contribution limits for contributions from PACs and individuals to candidates for state and local offices and repeals the aggregate limit on contributions that candidates may accept…

Latest Developments: The United States Supreme Court decided Americans for Prosperity Foundation v. Bonta, in which the court found that the California Attorney General’s requirement that nonprofit organizations disclose the identities of their major donors violates the First…

Latest Developments: The Governor of Maine approved P. 467 (LD 1417), which bans business entities from contributing to candidates and leadership PACs and caps contributions to PACs. The Maine Wire reports that the Governor signed 9 election- and campaign finance-related bills,…

Latest Developments: Washington State settled, for the second time since 2018, with a major tech giant for not complying with the record retention requirements under state campaign finance laws. According to the settlement, the company will pay $400,000…

Latest Developments: The Governor of Maine signed HB 497, which increases lobbyist registration fees from $200 to $250 and from $100 to $125 for reach lobbyist associate. The legislation notes that the increased fees are intended to “provide…

Latest Developments: The Illinois Legislature approved a comprehensive ethics reform measure, B. 539. Among other things, the bill prohibits public officers from registering as lobbyists for 6 months after leaving office, bans government officials from lobbying other government entities…