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 some clarity in this area
disclaimers
Understanding H.R. 1 (Part 1): Corporate & Trade Association Campaign Activity
Posted in Campaign Finance
With a growing chorus of support across the progressive landscape, the For the People Act of 2021 has emerged as a key legislative priority for congressional Democrats in the 117th Congress. Envisioned as a “transformational anti-corruption and clean elections reform package,” the bill would enact sweeping changes to federal election laws along with important changes…
Understanding H.R. 1 (Part 1): Corporate & Trade Association Campaign Activity
Posted in Campaign Finance
With a growing chorus of support across the progressive landscape, the For the People Act of 2021 has emerged as a key legislative priority for congressional Democrats in the 117th Congress. Envisioned as a “transformational anti-corruption and clean elections reform package,” the bill would enact sweeping changes to federal election laws along with important changes…
FEC Reconvenes: What We Learned from the First Meeting of the New FEC
By Robert Lenhard on
Posted in Campaign Finance
With a full complement of six commissioners for the first time since early 2017, the FEC met in open session yesterday. Led by FEC Chair Shana M. Broussard and Vice Chair Allen Dickerson, the first meeting addressed a number of non-controversial matters that lent themselves to consensus. That said, there were several interesting features to…
FEC Announces Internet Rulemaking
By Robert Lenhard on
Posted in Campaign Finance
The Federal Election Commission (FEC) unanimously approved a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, beginning the formal process of amending the agency’s regulations on internet political disclaimers. The proposal and the Commissioners’ comments at the hearing reflect a fair amount of consensus on how to refashion rules that have been the source of significant disputes over…
Coercing Contributions at Work: The FEC’s Latest Decision
By Robert Lenhard on
Posted in Campaign Finance
On Friday, three Federal Election Commission (FEC) Commissioners provided a clear description of their understanding of the facts and law that led them to oppose opening an investigation into whether Murray Energy coerced its employees into making political contributions. Statement of Reasons of Chairman Petersen and Commissioners Hunter and Goodman, FEC MUR 6661. While clarity…
California Regulation, Proposed Statute Add to State’s Reputation for Complex, Detailed Disclosure
By Andrew Garrahan on
California is already home to some of the most complicated and searching political regulations in the country, especially in its efforts to expose “dark money” and other undisclosed political spending. A newly-amended lobbying regulation and proposed campaign finance law will enhance that reputation. The practical effect of each is to invite deeper scrutiny of not…
The FEC Draws A Clear Line
By Robert Lenhard on
Posted in Campaign Finance
In a decision certain to receive close scrutiny by those representing potential presidential candidates, the FEC has dismissed the allegations made by Stop Hillary PAC against the Super PAC Ready for Hillary, Friends of Hillary and Senator Clinton herself. FEC MUR 6775. The FEC concluded in one part of that decision, that even if…