In 2018, the District of Columbia Council adopted a “pay-to-play” law banning political contributions from contractors and their senior officers that was scheduled to take effect on November 4, 2020. But like many other things in 2020, the rollout of
Political Law Briefing
Developments in Federal and State Campaign Finance, Lobbying, and Ethics Laws
Political Law Briefing, published by Venable LLP, focuses on legal developments and regulatory issues related to political law and campaign finance. The blog covers topics such as federal and state campaign contribution limits, Federal Election Commission regulations, political advocacy and online communications, Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) compliance, pay-to-play laws, and political giving strategies for high-net-worth individuals and family offices. It addresses the intersection of election law, lobbying, public affairs, and compliance risks for political actors, nonprofits, and contractors involved in government-related political activities. The blog provides updates on enforcement trends, legislative changes, and practical guidance for navigating complex political law requirements.
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Interacting with the Biden-Harris Transition Team and Inaugural Committee
As states across the country finalize and certify the results of the 2020 general election, President-elect Joseph R. Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala D. Harris have begun preparing to assume control of the executive branch on January 20. The Biden-Harris…
Political Digital Ads: Disclosure, Free Speech, and Legislation
On September 1, Ron Jacobs participated in a webinar, “Political Digital Ads: Disclosure, Free Speech and Legislation,” hosted by the National Conference of State Legislatures. Along with fellow panelists David Voorman from Americans for Prosperity and Jared de Marinis from…
Foreign Agent Registration Act Advisory Opinion Update
The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA) continues to get attention as the Department of Justice (DOJ) issues more advisory opinions. FARA is the U.S. statute that requires a person to register with the Department of Justice when engaged on behalf…
Is There an Excise Tax on Compensation for PAC Management? How the IRS Has Solved a Potential Problem for Connected PACs
When the 2017 tax reform bill passed, it included a provision that imposed an excise tax on compensation above $1 million for certain kinds of entities—including political action committees (PACs)—even if paid by the connected organization and not the PAC…
Federal Election Commission to Lose Quorum Again as Commissioner Resigns
“It’s déjà vu all over again”
With the announcement last week that Commissioner Caroline Hunter (R) plans to resign her seat on the Federal Election Commission (FEC), effective July 3, 2020, the agency finds itself yet again without the minimum…
IRS Issues Final Regulations on Nonprofit Donor Disclosure; States Likely to Take Action
After a great deal of whipsawing as the rules flipped back and forth, politically-active nonprofits now have certainty from the IRS: section 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(6) organizations will not have to disclose the identity of their donors on their annual Form…
Federal Election Commission is Back in Business
The Senate today confirmed James E. “Trey” Trainor III as a member of the Federal Election Commission, reestablishing a quorum just months ahead of the 2020 general election. Since August 2019, when one of the commissioners resigned, the Commission has…
When CEOs Lobby: Implications for Lobbying Law Compliance As Business Leaders Help Set COVID-19 Policy
As federal and state governments grapple with the health and economic implications of the coronavirus pandemic, business leaders are at the center of the discussion. The White House holds frequent roundtables with CEOs and business owners. State governors have formed…
Regulators Continue to Modify Lobbying and Campaign Finance Reporting and Enforcement Practices and Requirements
Federal and state regulators continue to modify their lobbying and campaign finance reporting and enforcement practices and requirements in response to the ongoing upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As states postpone primaries to prevent the spread of coronavirus, agencies…