Essential Ethics

Latest Developments: Lawsuit Challenging Ohio’s Foreign Money Ban is Dismissed Opponents challenging an Ohio law banning foreign nationals from contributing to state ballot measures and candidates have agreed to dismiss their lawsuit. The one-page agreement…

Latest Developments: Ex-Aide to California Governor Indicted for Alleged Theft of Another Official’s Campaign Funds A former top aide to California Gov. Gavin Newsom has been indicted on 23 federal charges for allegedly overseeing an…

Latest Developments: “Billionaire Tax” Measure May Be Headed for California Ballot Proponents have filed papers to pursue a ballot measure that would impose a “one-time 5% tax on California billionaires” as the state addresses an…

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….