March 27, 2026 •
News You Can Use Digest – March 27, 2026
National/Federal Super PAC Spending Passes $200M, with Some Groups Hiding Their Cause MSN – Clara Ence Morse and Dan Merica (Washington Post) | Published: 3/21/2026 The political arm of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee funneled over $5 million to […]
National/Federal
Super PAC Spending Passes $200M, with Some Groups Hiding Their Cause
MSN – Clara Ence Morse and Dan Merica (Washington Post) | Published: 3/21/2026
The political arm of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee funneled over $5 million to other groups as part of its work to defeat Illinois Democrats critical of Israel in recent U.S. House primaries. The secretive giving is the latest example of how outside groups are obscuring their spending in competitive campaigns. Special interest groups have sometimes tried to veil their spending by using affiliated organizations that appear unrelated to the parent organization’s stated policy goals.
Rubio Testifies Against Friend Accused of Secretly Working for Maduro
MSN – Teo Arnus (Washington Post) | Published: 3/24/2026
Marco Rubio and David Rivera charted a rise in Miami’s famously scrappy politics together. They befriended each other as campaign volunteers in the 1990s and climbed the ranks of local politics side-by-side. As young state legislators they bought a house together near Tallahassee, where they orchestrated Rubio’s rise to Florida House speaker and then launched winning bids to Congress. But the two long-time friends faced each other recently in a different setting: a federal courtroom. Rubio, now the secretary of state, testified as a witness against Rivera, who is accused of serving as an unregistered foreign agent for Venezuela’s socialist government.
The Well-Timed Trades Made Moments Before Trump’s Policy Surprises
MSN – Alexander Osipovich and Jack Pitcher (Wall Street Journal) | Published: 3/25/2026
President Trump has moved markets with sudden shifts in policy, from tariff U-turns to military strikes. On several occasions, unusual trades hit the tape ahead of his announcements. Most recently, there was a mysterious flurry of trading activity in oil and S&P 500 futures about 15 minutes before Trump de-escalated tensions with Iran with a post on Truth Social, which sent oil prices tumbling and stocks rallying.
From the States and Municipalities
Canada – Doug Ford’s Records-Secrecy Plan Would Hide Top Lawmakers’ Meetings with Lobbyists
Toronto Today – Charlie Pinkerton (The Trillium) | Published: 3/25/2026
Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s plan to eliminate the public’s ability to access certain records of the province’s top lawmakers would eliminate the main way to know which lobbyists they met with, and when. The Ford government is planning to introduce legislation to amend the law shaping Ontario’s freedom of information system to end the public’s ability to request the records of the premier, cabinet ministers, parliamentary assistants, and their offices.
California – Pebble Beach Golf, Maui Resorts, European Tours: How special interests woo California lawmakers
MSN – Yue Stella Yu and Jeremia Kimelman (CalMatters) | Published: 3/20/2026
State lawmakers in California took dozens of free trips last year, most sponsored and attended by special interest groups with business before the Legislature. Nearly 120 organizations – including nonprofits, corporations, foreign governments, state agencies, tribes, and campaigns – spent at least $1.2 million on travel for legislators in 2025. The bulk of the tab, $1.1 million, was picked up by nonprofits that are largely allowed to keep their donors secret, leaving the true source of the funding murky.
Florida – Democrat Scores Upset Win in Trump’s Backyard for Florida State House Seat
MSN – Dan Merica (Washington Post) | Published: 3/24/2026
Democrat Emily Gregory won the special election to represent a state House district in Florida that includes President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home, a stunning upset that signals Democratic momentum ahead of the 2026 midterms. Gregory, a first-time candidate and fitness business owner, defeated Jon Maples, a Republican endorsed by Trump and aligned with his policies. Mike Caruso, the Republican who vacated the seat to become Palm Beach County clerk and comptroller, won the district by 19 percentage points in 2024.
Mississippi – Supreme Court Appears Ready to Limit Mail-In Balloting Ahead of Midterms
MSN – Justin Jouvenal (Washington Post) | Published: 3/23/2026
The Supreme Court appeared likely to embrace a conservative challenge to tallying mail-in ballots that arrive after Election Day, a move that could upend election procedures in states across the country as voters prepare to cast ballots in the midterm elections. A majority of justices seemed ready to side with arguments by Republicans and Libertarians who told the court that federal election law preempts Mississippi from counting ballots that arrive up to five days after polls close as long as they are postmarked by Election Day.
New York – Hundreds of Nonprofits Made Illegal Campaign Contributions in New York
Yahoo News – Emilie Munson (Albany Times Union) | Published: 3/22/2026
In the past decade, hundreds of New York nonprofits, which often are formed to provide integral services to underserved communities, have donated to political campaigns despite federal and state laws that prohibit it, an Albany Times Union investigation found. Roughly two-thirds of those institutions have filed detailed tax documents with the Internal Revenue Service in which they claimed under penalty of perjury they were not involved in politics, an assertion that routinely appears to be left unverified by the government.
Ohio – FirstEnergy Bribery Trial Deliberations Are in Day Six. Experts Say That’s Normal
MSN – Adam Ferrise (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 3/26/2026
The jury entered its sixth day of deliberations in the high-profile bribery trial of two former FirstEnergy executives, a timeline that experts say is not unusual for complex cases. The trial began with jury selection on January 27. Testimony lasted six weeks. The jury so far has asked the judge three questions. Former FirstEnergy Chief Executive Chuck Jones and ex-top lobbyist Michael Dowling are accused of bribing state regulator Sam Randazzo with $4.3 million.
Vermont – Bench Press: Judges seeking reappointment turn to lobbyists
Seven Days Vermont – Hannah Bassett | Published: 3/24/2026
Lobbyists are nearly omnipresent at the Vermont Legislature, where they press lawmakers on everything from housing policy to health care. Even judges seeking to keep their seats rely on lobbying, but typically less for persuasion than for explanation, according to people familiar with the process. That distinction is in focus as six Superior Court judges face a retention vote before the full Legislature that will decide whether they can keep their seats on the bench.
March 25, 2026 •
Georgia Special Election Scheduled
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger called for a special election in state Senate District 7 due to the resignation of Rep. Nabilah Parkes. The special election is set for May 19, with a runoff election scheduled for June 16 if […]
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger called for a special election in state Senate District 7 due to the resignation of Rep. Nabilah Parkes. The special election is set for May 19, with a runoff election scheduled for June 16 if necessary.
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March 25, 2026 •
North Bay, Ontario to Consider Lobbyist Registry
On April 7, the North Bay City Council will discuss the possible implementation of a formal registry of lobbyists. The interest in a potential authorization of a registry was driven by Integrity Commissioner Guy Giorno’s letter to council written last […]
On April 7, the North Bay City Council will discuss the possible implementation of a formal registry of lobbyists. The interest in a potential authorization of a registry was driven by Integrity Commissioner Guy Giorno’s letter to council written last fall concerning some of the mayor’s expenses, according to the North Bay Nugget. While an existing council code of conduct already limits gifts from lobbyists, Giorno emphasized the city has no method for determining whether lobbying of public officials is even occurring. The code of conduct defines a lobbyist as a person communicating with a councilmember for the purpose of influencing or attempting to influence them respecting an issue that is or may be pending before council or one of its standing Committees.
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March 23, 2026 •
Connecticut Bill Expands Session Ban on Lobbyist Contributions
The Connecticut House of Representatives introduced a bill to expand the ban on lobbyist contributions during legislative sessions. Under current law, lobbyists are prohibited from giving to state and legislative candidates and incumbents while the General Assembly is in session. […]
The Connecticut House of Representatives introduced a bill to expand the ban on lobbyist contributions during legislative sessions. Under current law, lobbyists are prohibited from giving to state and legislative candidates and incumbents while the General Assembly is in session. House Bill 5547 expands this prohibition to include municipal candidates and probate judges.
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March 23, 2026 •
From Stethoscopes to Storytelling: Meet JoJo Moore
For many, the transition from high school to the professional world is a period of exploration. For JoJo Moore, our new Marketing and Communications Assistant, that exploration started earlier than most. By the time JoJo walked across his high school graduation […]
For many, the transition from high school to the professional world is a period of exploration. For JoJo Moore, our new Marketing and Communications Assistant, that exploration started earlier than most. By the time JoJo walked across his high school graduation stage, he wasn’t just holding a diploma—he already had two Associate degrees in hand: one in science and one in arts.
While his early academic success in the sciences initially pointed him toward a career in medicine, JoJo eventually followed a different calling. He decided to trade the clinic for the camera, pivoting toward his true passion: media and communications.
Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice
During his studies in media production at The University of Mount Union, JoJo discovered a natural affinity for the strategic side of the industry—public relations and marketing. Now, as he settles into his role here, he is eager to put those years of study to the test.
“The position is exactly what I was looking for coming out of college,” JoJo says. “To be able to actually transfer what I have learned but also grow in the position as well.”
JoJo is the first to admit that entering a completely new industry comes with a “tall learning curve.” However, he views the company’s vast network as a major advantage. Because State and Federal Communications is connected to so many diverse fields, JoJo sees this as the perfect environment to apply his skills while exploring new interests.
Looking Ahead: Education and Entrepreneurship
JoJo’s ambition doesn’t stop at the entry-level. He is already eyeing a master’s degree and eventually a PhD to further sharpen his expertise. His long-term vision, however, is rooted in community and accessibility.
JoJo dreams of founding his own production company, which doubles as an educational hub. His goal? Hosting workshops where aspiring creators can learn the intricacies of media production firsthand, providing a high-quality alternative for those who might not have the means or desire to pursue a traditional four-year degree.
Life in the Fast Lane
When he isn’t drafting communications or planning media strategies, you’ll likely find JoJo around anything with an engine. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather, JoJo has also become quite the motorhead.
If you see him in the breakroom or at a community event, feel free to test his knowledge. Whether it is a vintage classic or a modern daily driver, JoJo can likely tell you more about a car than you ever thought possible.
The team at State and Federal Communications, Inc. is made up of professionals you can trust. Learn more about how we support your compliance needs at https://stateandfed.com/services/.
March 20, 2026 •
News You Can Use Digest – March 20, 2026
National/Federal AI Money Is Already Influencing the Midterms. And More Is Coming. MSN – Dan Merica and Clara Ence Morse (Washington Post) | Published: 3/12/2026 Money from artificial intelligence (AI) companies is flooding into the 2026 midterms. AI giants like […]
National/Federal
AI Money Is Already Influencing the Midterms. And More Is Coming.
MSN – Dan Merica and Clara Ence Morse (Washington Post) | Published: 3/12/2026
Money from artificial intelligence (AI) companies is flooding into the 2026 midterms. AI giants like OpenAI and Anthropic have already collectively contributed over $185 million to contests around the country as tech leaders work to influence how, and how much, AI will be regulated, with Democrats and Republicans preparing for an onslaught of campaign spending that could remake key elections.
What’s in the Voting Bill That Republicans Are Pushing to the Senate Floor
MSN – Mary Clare Jalonick (Associated Press) | Published: 3/17/2026
Legislation that would require proof of U.S. citizenship for new voters has become a rallying cry for President Trump, who claims that passage of the bill will “guarantee the midterms” for his Republican Party in November. The bill would require voters to provide proof of citizenship when they register and to present approved identification when they go to the polls, among other new rules that Trump and his most loyal supporters are pushing as part of an effort to assert more federal control over elections.
From the States and Municipalities
Hawaii – The Most Influential People at the State Capitol Are Out in the Hallway
Honolulu Civil Beat – Chad Blair | Published: 3/6/2026
Lobbying is a word that can carry negative connotations, especially in this age of political corruption. Some lobbyists in Hawaii expressed resentment that their entire profession has been tainted by recent headlines about bad legislators and the people who bought them off. In fact, they argue the key to successfully lobbying is relationships, which are already central in a small island state.
North Carolina – NC Senator Asks for Investigation of Ties Between His Colleague and a Lobbyist
MSN – Dan Kane (Raleigh News & Observer) | Published: 3/18/2026
North Carolina Sen. Terence Everitt wants the State Board of Elections to investigate the nearly $59,000 paid by state Sen. Dave Craven’s campaign to a company owned by the wife of lobbyist Kevin Wilkinson for consulting services. The News & Observer reported that the spending appears to be the only campaign work the business has done. A review of Craven’s campaign reports shows more than 20 percent of the money Craven raised in the last election came from people with ties to Wilkinson’s clients. Some of the campaign donors have been successful in winning favorable law changes or state appropriations.
Ohio – What the Jury Will Be Deciding in the FirstEnergy Corruption Trial
Yahoo News – Morgan Trau (WEWS) | Published: 3/18/2026
The jury has begun deliberating whether two former FirstEnergy executives are guilty of bribery for their role in the largest public corruption scheme in Ohio history. Former FirstEnergy Chief Executive Officer Chuck Jones and ex-lobbyist Mike Dowling are charged with bribing former Public Utilities Commission Chair Sam Randazzo with $4.3 million to get beneficial rulings. The defendants have also been accused of spending $61 million to help create and pass legislation to provide a billion-dollar bailout for the struggling company.
Pennsylvania – Treasurer Garrity Bought Israel Bonds. Candidate Garrity Then Campaigned at the Firm’s Gala.
Spotlight PA – Stephen Caruso | Published: 3/16/2026
Ethics experts are raising concerns after state Treasurer Stacy Garrity campaigned at a gala hosted by a firm from which she purchased millions in bonds in her official state role. Garrity has invested $45 million in taxpayer money into Israel Bonds since the October 7, 2023, attacks in Gaza, a move that overrode earlier concerns within the Treasury Department that the bonds could be a risky investment. In gratitude, the firm behind the bonds invited her, in her capacity as state treasurer alongside an unknown number of other Pennsylvania investors, to a thank-you event.
Rhode Island – From Vegan Cheese to Ethics Scandal: Jim Thorsen says he was lied to in Philly
MSN – Eli Sherman (WPRI) | Published: 3/17/2026
Former Rhode Island Director of Administration Jim Thorsen testified at an administrative trial, defending his conduct during a 2023 trip to Philadelphia that has since become the center of a state ethics scandal. The state Ethics Commission previously found probable cause that Thorsen violated the ethics law. It is now weighing whether Thorsen accepted a free lunch on the trip and failed to intervene as his then-subordinate allegedly solicited vendors for free food and luxury items.
Texas – ‘The Public Should Know’: City Hall changes how lobbying is reported
MSN – Chaya Tong (Austin American-Statesman) | Published: 3/12/2026
The Austin City Council approved changes to the city’s lobbying rules, shifting the reporting of lobbyists’ interactions with city officials away from departments to the lobbyists themselves, a move some council members warn could make it harder for the public to track influence at City Hall. The changes come after the city auditor noted issues with transparency and accessibility in lobbyist compliance and recommended changes to the lobbying rules in September.
West Virginia – West Virginia Voters Will Lose Access to Donor Employer Data Under New Campaign Finance Law
Mountain State Spotlight – Duncan Slade | Published: 3/18/2026
At the beginning of next year, voters will no longer be able to see if groups of people who work for the same company are contributing to a campaign. West Virginia lawmakers passed legislation this year redacting employer information from political donations of more than $250. Democrats said that not having this information would reduce transparency about who is funding politicians and how they might stand to benefit.
Wyoming – Wyomingites Call for Lobbying Investigation in Response to ‘Checkgate’ Controversy
MSN – Jasmine Hall (Jackson Hole News&Guide) | Published: 3/18/2026
At least two Wyoming residents have asked state and law enforcement agencies to investigate whether laws about lobbying and other political activity were broken after check-passing on the floor of the House of Representatives. Stephanie Kessler, a Lander resident, asked the attorney general’s office to investigate whether Bextel was lobbying “on behalf of a corporation without registering as required under Wyoming law.” The law requires anyone who attempts to influence legislation on behalf of a corporation or certain organizations to register as a lobbyist within 48 hours of doing so.
March 19, 2026 •
Montana Initiates New Lobbying Audit Program
The Office of the Commissioner of Political Practices is initiating a lobbying compliance audit program. The program will be focused on reviewing principal lobbying financial reports (Form L-5 filings) as a result of recommendations by the Montana Legislative Audit Division. […]
The Office of the Commissioner of Political Practices is initiating a lobbying compliance audit program. The program will be focused on reviewing principal lobbying financial reports (Form L-5 filings) as a result of recommendations by the Montana Legislative Audit Division. Last year, the Legislature passed House Bill 2, which funds a compliance auditor position tasked with implementing the compliance audit program. The purpose of the program is to evaluate the effectiveness and consistency of the lobbying reporting process and to assess overall compliance with the applicable statutory reporting requirements. As part of this program, a sample of principals will be selected through a random selection process for review of Form L-5 filings. Principals who are selected will receive a separate notification with additional information regarding the audit process.
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March 19, 2026 •
West Virginia Legislative Session Adjourns Sine Die
The West Virginia Legislature adjourned sine die on March 14. Out of the 2,100 bills introduced between both houses, only 303 managed to pass. Passed bills include a cut to personal income tax, a raise in teacher and state police […]
The West Virginia Legislature adjourned sine die on March 14. Out of the 2,100 bills introduced between both houses, only 303 managed to pass. Passed bills include a cut to personal income tax, a raise in teacher and state police salaries, and energy stabilization plans that will more than double the state’s electricity output by 2050.
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March 19, 2026 •
Virginia Special Session Scheduled Following Adjournment
Following adjournment of the Virginia Legislature on March 14, a special session was necessitated by a disagreement in the Democratic party regarding tax breaks for data centers. Senate Democrats wish to slash the tax breaks, while House Democrats wish to […]
Following adjournment of the Virginia Legislature on March 14, a special session was necessitated by a disagreement in the Democratic party regarding tax breaks for data centers. Senate Democrats wish to slash the tax breaks, while House Democrats wish to keep them in the budget. This disagreement has caused the budget for the state to not pass during the regular session. Lawmakers will return to the Legislature on April 23 to finish the budget. During the regular session, lawmakers passed a bill to limit gifts to state and local electoral boards to $1,000 unless approved by a two-thirds vote of the board.
Invite them out for coffee or a steak? Make sure you know the gift restrictions of your state or municipality. Request a demo of our online guidebooks today.
March 19, 2026 •
Florida Special Sessions Scheduled Following Adjournment
Following the end of the regular session on March 13, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a special session to complete the state budget and to potentially address medical freedom and an AI bill of rights. The special session is speculated for […]
Following the end of the regular session on March 13, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a special session to complete the state budget and to potentially address medical freedom and an AI bill of rights. The special session is speculated for the week of April 6 and another special session has been set for April 20 to address redistricting efforts. During the regular session, lawmakers passed Senate Bill 572 to establish a $50 limit on vendor gifts to school board members and House Bill 905 to require registration for agents of foreign countries and political organizations. Both bills are await DeSantis’ signature to become law.
Stay up to date with all state and federal lobbying law. Sign up for our online guidebooks and never miss a compliance law change.
March 19, 2026 •
Thursday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance West Virginia: “West Virginia Voters Will Lose Access to Donor Employer Data Under New Campaign Finance Law” by Duncan Slade for Mountain State Spotlight Elections Illinois: “Stratton Wins Illinois Senate Primary in Victory for Pritzker” by Theodoric Meyer […]
Campaign Finance
West Virginia: “West Virginia Voters Will Lose Access to Donor Employer Data Under New Campaign Finance Law” by Duncan Slade for Mountain State Spotlight
Elections
Illinois: “Stratton Wins Illinois Senate Primary in Victory for Pritzker” by Theodoric Meyer (Washington Post) for MSN
Ethics
Rhode Island: “From Vegan Cheese to Ethics Scandal: Jim Thorsen says he was lied to in Philly” by Eli Sherman (WPRI) for MSN
Lobbying
Wyoming: “Wyomingites Call for Lobbying Investigation in Response to ‘Checkgate’ Controversy” by Jasmine Hall (Jackson Hole News&Guide) for MSN
March 18, 2026 •
South Dakota Passes Campaign Finance Bills and Adjourns
Before adjourning earlier in March, lawmakers passed bills regulating campaign contributions and reporting. Senate Bill 17, effective immediately, prohibits a candidate or political committee from accepting any contribution or loan from a foreign national. House Bill 1201 amends the rules […]
Before adjourning earlier in March, lawmakers passed bills regulating campaign contributions and reporting. Senate Bill 17, effective immediately, prohibits a candidate or political committee from accepting any contribution or loan from a foreign national. House Bill 1201 amends the rules for bingo games and lotteries conducted by PACs and political committees. Senate Bill 142, awaiting the governor’s approval, revises political committee reporting to require an annual year-end statement in both odd and even numbered years. Lawmakers will reconvene for Veto Day on March 30.
Invite them out for coffee or a steak? Make sure you know the gift restrictions of your state or municipality. Request a demo of our online guidebooks today.
March 18, 2026 •
Salt Lake City, Utah Contribution Limits Increased
The campaign contribution limits for city elections have been adjusted. The amount that may be contributed to mayoral candidates increased from $3,980 to $4,200 per election cycle. The amount for City Council candidates increased from $850 to $900 per election […]
The campaign contribution limits for city elections have been adjusted. The amount that may be contributed to mayoral candidates increased from $3,980 to $4,200 per election cycle. The amount for City Council candidates increased from $850 to $900 per election cycle.
Stay up to date with all state and federal lobbying law. Sign up for our online guidebooks and never miss a compliance law change.
March 18, 2026 •
Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup
Campaign Finance Hawaii: “Should Tax Dollars Be Used for Campaigns? These Election Reform Bills Are Still Alive” by Ashley Mizuo for Hawai’i Public Radio Elections National: “What’s in the Voting Bill That Republicans Are Pushing to the Senate Floor” by […]
Campaign Finance
Hawaii: “Should Tax Dollars Be Used for Campaigns? These Election Reform Bills Are Still Alive” by Ashley Mizuo for Hawai’i Public Radio
Elections
National: “What’s in the Voting Bill That Republicans Are Pushing to the Senate Floor” by Mary Clare Jalonick (Associated Press) for MSN
Ethics
Ohio: “‘No Smoking Gun’: Defense slams prosecution in FirstEnergy bribery trial” by Adam Ferrise (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN
Pennsylvania: “Treasurer Garrity Bought Israel Bonds. Candidate Garrity Then Campaigned at the Firm’s Gala.” by Stephen Caruso for Spotlight PA
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