Essential Ethics

Latest Developments:   The United States Third Circuit Court of Appeals, in Deon v. Barasch, struck down Pennsylvania’s broad ban on campaign contributions from the gaming industry.  The Harrisburg Patriot-News reports that the court found that the “state’s prohibition…

Latest Developments: The Internal Revenue Service published final amended regulations that revise rules governing when a nonprofit organization must disclose its donors on Schedule B.  The Hill explains that “only charities that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the code…

Latest Developments The United State Senate confirmed James E. Trainor III “to be a Member of the Federal Election Commission for a term expiring April 30, 2023.”  Politico points out that the action restores a quorum of the Commission after…

Latest Developments The Missouri Legislature approved Senate Joint Resolution 38, which places a measure on the November ballot to reduce legislative contribution limits by $100 and eliminate inflation adjustments, revise the method of redistricting the legislature, and ban gifts from…

Latest Developments The United States Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Barr v. American Association of Political Consultants, which questions whether a federal law that prohibits robocalls to cellphones violates the First Amendment.  SCOTUSblog’s analysis indicates that “most justices appeared…

Latest Developments Oregon Supreme Court Fallout:  Last week we reported that the Oregon Supreme Court, in Multnomah County v. Merhwein, upheld local campaign contribution limits.  Immediately came speculation that the case may revive Measure 47 adopted by Oregon voters in…

Latest Developments: The Oregon Supreme Court, in Multnomah County v. Merhwein, upheld campaign contribution limits in the county that includes the City of Portland.  The court found that prior cases that overturned contribution limits “were erroneous in…

Latest Developments: The Supreme Court of Washington State issued its decision on Washington v. Grocery Manufacturers Association, which reinstates an extraordinary $18 million fine.  In the trial court, the GMA was found to have violated the state’s…

Latest Developments: The United States Government Accountability Office released its report on 2019 Lobbying Disclosure.  The report to congressional committees analyzes the accuracy of a sample of lobbying reports but does not make any recommendations. COVID-19 Update:  Many…

Latest Developments: COVID-19 Update:  Many Regulatory Agencies have modified their practices in response to the COVID-19 emergency.  Some agencies have postponed hearings and are closed to the public, but available by telephone or internet.  Each…