California recently passed a series of new regulations affecting its “pay-to-play” laws that limit political contributions by state and local government contractors and others involved in proceedings on contracts, licenses, permits, and other “entitlements for use” in the state. These regulations implement changes to the law that took effect this
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What You Need to Know about the FEC’s New Internet Communications Disclaimer Rules
Political committees, advertisers, and advertising platforms have operated under a cloud of uncertainty regarding which disclaimers, if any, must appear on internet-based advertisements. Existing Federal Election Commission (“FEC”) regulations and guidance left many unanswered questions about the disclaimers required for these increasingly important internet ads. The FEC has finally offered
Continue Reading What You Need to Know about the FEC’s New Internet Communications Disclaimer RulesWhen is a Treasurer Personally Liable for PAC Violations?
The Federal Election Commission (“FEC”) recently answered a common question for those involved in operating a federal PAC: When is the treasurer personally liable for violations of the rules on recordkeeping and reporting? In doing so, the FEC highlighted the importance of external oversight of PAC operations, and the value
Continue Reading When is a Treasurer Personally Liable for PAC Violations?California Raises Campaign Contribution and Gift Limits for 2023-2024
The California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) adopted on Thursday higher political contribution limits and public officer gift limits for the 2023-2024 political cycle. The new limits take effect on January 1, 2023.
Contribution Limits
Under the new limits, an individual, business entity, or committee/PAC can contribute $5,500 per election
Continue Reading California Raises Campaign Contribution and Gift Limits for 2023-2024New York Commission on Ethics in Lobbying and Government Takes Over as State’s Lobbying and Ethics Regulator
The newly-established New York Commission on Ethics in Lobbying and Government recently took over as the state’s regulator of lobbying and government ethics, replacing the old Joint Commission on Public Ethics. This change in the enforcer and a new group of commissioners could spell more rigorous enforcement of the state’s
Continue Reading New York Commission on Ethics in Lobbying and Government Takes Over as State’s Lobbying and Ethics RegulatorFEC Commissioners Issue New Guidance on Donor Disclosure for Groups Paying for Political Advertisements
Trade associations, 501(c)(4) social welfare organizations, other outside groups that pay for political advertisements, and their donors now have more answers to long-running questions regarding when donations to these groups are publicly reportable. After postponing consideration of the issue during its previous meeting, the Federal Election Commission (“FEC”) approved Wednesday
Continue Reading FEC Commissioners Issue New Guidance on Donor Disclosure for Groups Paying for Political AdvertisementsGAO Report Highlights Trends in Lobbying Disclosure Act Compliance and Enforcement
The 2021 report from the Government Accountability Office (“GAO”) offers new details on the landscape of Lobbying Disclosure Act (“LDA”) compliance and enforcement. The report is based on random audits of lobbyists’ filings and analysis of enforcement by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia (“USAO”).
The report
Continue Reading GAO Report Highlights Trends in Lobbying Disclosure Act Compliance and Enforcement
New California Rules Target Amplification of Online Advertising
In the digital age, it has become common to accuse opponents of propping up their online presence through paying influencers, buying followers or likes, or of being supported by bots. A California law new this year is looking to shed light on at least some of that activity.
The California
Continue Reading New California Rules Target Amplification of Online Advertising