Essential Ethics

Latest Developments: The Federal Election Commission met this week and considered an agenda laden with draft advisory opinions.  The Commission approved three opinions, including Opinion 2019-01 for It Starts Now, which permits a new form of funds that consist of earmarked funds solicited…

Latest Developments: S. Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals – update:  We previously reported that the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals decided that Missouri’s requirement that all lobbyists register and report their activity even if not receiving compensation is…

Latest Developments: The Governor of Arkansas signed B. 256 (Act 342) to prohibit state constitutional officers and legislators from registering as a lobbyist in any jurisdiction while serving as an elected official in the state.  The measure takes effect 90…

Latest Developments: The Hawaii State Ethics Commission announced that its new Lobbying Electronic Filing System is now available.  The new system permits e-filing of lobbyist registrations and expenditure reports. The New York State Senate unanimously passed S 3167, which would ban procurement…

Latest Developments: The New York Joint Commission on Public Ethics held its monthly meeting this week.  Among the items on its agenda, was a discussion on the state’s lobby application.  The Commission plans to have its new filing…

Latest Developments: The Governor of Wyoming signed Senate File 18 (Chapter 1, 2019 Statutes) which, among other things, increases the frequency of campaign reporting for PACs and candidates, and requires reporting of independent expenditures and electioneering communications.  The measure takes effect…

Latest Developments: The New Mexico Legislature finally introduced a bill to implement a state ethics commission.  Following adoption at the November election of a state constitutional amendment that required creation of an independent ethics commission, a 49-page…

Latest Developments: The Federal Election Commission announced revised contribution limits for the 2019-2020 election cycle based on changes to the consumer price index.  For example, under the new contribution limits, individuals may contribute up to $2,800 to federal…

Latest Developments: The Governor of New York has signed A 776 and S 1101, which make clear that limited liability companies are subject to the prohibition on corporate contributions and require LLCs to file annual disclosure reports with the…

Latest Developments: The Mayor of Washington, D.C. signed a major campaign finance measure, Bill 22-107 (now C. Act 22-578).  Among other things, the measure enacts pay-to-play restrictions on contractors, prohibits lobbyists from bundling contributions, and moves the Office of…