Compliance Notes - Vol. 2, Issue 4
RECENT LOBBYING, ETHICS & CAMPAIGN FINANCE UPDATES
We read the news, cut through the noise and provide you the notes.
Welcome to Compliance Notes from Nossaman’s Government Relations & Regulation Group – a periodic digest of the headlines, statutory and regulatory changes and court cases involving campaign finance, lobbying compliance, election law and government ethics issues at the federal, state and local level.
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Campaign Finance & Lobbying Compliance
New Mexico: After a federal district court dismissed a challenge to New Mexico’s ability to enforce its political committee status and reporting rules, Cowboys for Trump now faces an administrative penalty of at least $7,800 and will be required to register with the New Mexico Secretary of State, back-file campaign finance reports and disclose donors. (Nicole Maxwell, Alamogordo Daily News)
Washington: Parties submitted closing arguments to the state judge presiding over the civil trial against Tim Eyman, a perennial initiative promoter. The state Attorney General is accusing Eyman of violating state campaign finance law by failing to report funds transferred from one initiative campaign to another and receiving kickbacks for signature gathering efforts. (Jerry Cornfield, HeraldNet)
Government Ethics & Transparency
President Biden signed an Executive Order on January 20, 2021 establishing the Ethics Pledge for his administration. On the same day, President Trump rescinded the one covering officials in his administration. (Nossaman eAlert)
Following President Biden’s inauguration, the Beau Biden Foundation has expanded its ethical guidelines to include not accepting donations from lobbyists or foreign agents. It will also make public its donors of more than $2,500. (Alex Gangitano, The Hill)
The Department of Justice informed Senator Richard Burr (NC) that it will not pursue criminal charges related to the STOCK Act in connection with stock trades executed shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic. (Dan Mangan, CNBC)
Nonprofits & PACs
Democrats in the U.S. Senate have sent letters to the IRS questioning the tax-exempt status of nonprofit groups involved in the events of January 6, 2021 at the U.S. Capitol. (Brian Schwartz, CNBC)