The U.S. Supreme Court this week left in place a lower court ruling that expands donor disclosure for advocacy groups that fund independent expenditures. While the full effect of the ruling may not be known for some time, groups in the throes
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.
Latest from Political Law Briefing - Page 6
Transparency Coming to a Campaign Ad Near You!
The Federal Election Commission recently held a public hearing to discuss its March 2018 proposed rule aimed at providing voters with more information about who pays for or sponsors online political advertisements. The private sector has adopted a solution to…
The Federal Election Commission Proposes Rules for Online Political Advertising
The Federal Election Commission (FEC) this week issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, asking for public comment on proposals for requiring “disclaimers” on online ads and fundraising. Under each of two similar proposals, paid Internet ads that expressly advocate for…
Paying More in Tax to Lobby
A little-noticed provision tucked away in the recently enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TJCA) will have an effect on businesses that lobby at the local level. Under the TJCA, expenses incurred in connection with attempting to influence legislation at…
Pre-Election Year Housekeeping to Boost Your Government Affairs Program and Help You Stay out of Trouble
With an election year just weeks away, there are steps you can take now to boost the effectiveness of your government affairs program, and help your organization and its principals avoid legal trouble. This is a particularly good time to…
Federal Government Contractor Fined for Super PAC Contribution
The Federal Election Commission has fined a federal contractor for making $200,000 in contributions to a Super PAC that supported a candidate in the 2016 presidential election. This is the first time the FEC has fined a government contractor for…
Massachusetts Cracks Down on Dark Money: Obtains Big Penalty from Advocacy Group and Unmasks Donors
The rise of politically-active nonprofits – deemed “dark money” groups by their critics – has been a hot-button issue in the last few election cycles. Election laws generally do not require groups operating under section 501(c)(4) of the tax code,…
Don’t Reimburse Contributions. Period.
But, there are a lot of ways to improve PAC fundraising.
A Florida-based trade association voluntarily came forward to the FEC to disclose that it had reimbursed travel expenses for PAC contributors and was fined $9,000. The FEC found that…
Trump Asks IRS to Keep Hands Off Religious Nonprofits: Will It Have Any Effect?
At the National Prayer Breakfast earlier this year, President Trump vowed: “I will get rid of and totally destroy the Johnson Amendment.” The Johnson Amendment, named after former President Lyndon Johnson, refers to language in the Internal Revenue Code…
Chicago Crackdown on Unregistered Lobbying May Expand to Dozens of Individuals, Companies
Last month the Chicago Board of Ethics made headlines when it fined former Obama administration official David Plouffe $90,000 for failing to register as a lobbyist after communicating with city officials by email.
But the story did not end there.…