Essential Ethics

Latest Developments Foreign Nationals Prohibited from Funding California Elections A new law prohibits “foreign nationals” from funding California’s state and local elections. California has long prohibited involvement in state elections by foreign governments and principals….

Latest Developments: Political Donations “Shouldn’t Be This Dangerous” In a Washington Post op-ed, Democratic FEC Commissioner Dara Lindenbaum argues Congress should amend the Federal Election Campaign Act to protect individual donors from the safety risks…

Latest Developments: California’s November 4th Special Election Those involved will want to review the following from the state’s Fair Political Practices Commission with filing schedules and identification of top donors: November 4, 2025 State Special…

Latest Developments: Michigan Measure Would Ban Utility Contributions: If qualified for the ballot and approved by voters, legislation could prohibit regulated electric and gas utilities from “making direct or indirect campaign contributions to those who…

Latest Developments:  Montana Begins Constitutional Initiative Process to Challenge Corporate Contributions: Montana began a constitutional initiative process aimed at limiting the amount of money corporations can spend, not through traditional campaign laws or limitations, but…

Latest Developments:  Texas Seeks to Ban Localities from Hiring Lobbyists: Texas Senators gave final approval to Senate Bill 12, which would forbid cities, counties, and school districts from using public dollars to hire lobbyists. Local elected leaders…

Latest Developments: Irvine City Council Re-Adopts Lobbying Rules: Voice of OC reports that the City of Irvine took a new vote to pass City Lobbying Laws after rescinding a prior vote that was alleged to violate open meeting laws….

Latest Developments: Oakland Increases Contribution Limits Through Mid-2029: Oakland has voted to increase limits to candidate committees and officeholder accounts. Candidates who accept voluntary spending limits may now receive up to $900 from individuals and…

Latest Developments: Oklahoma Announces New Ethics Rules: The Oklahoma Ethics Commission has announced new rules for 2025. Changes include raising the anonymous donation limit from $50 to $200, raising the monetary meal cost from $500…

Latest Developments: Maine Contribution Limit Challenged: From Reform Compass, two super PACS have sued to challenge a law passed by 75 percent of Maine voters that caps contributions to super PACs at $5,000. Cases cited…