Latest Developments:
- The North Dakota Ethics Commission is seeking an opinion from the state’s Attorney General concerning the extent of its authority over gifts. The commission is in the process of adopting proposed gift rules. The Bismarck Tribune reports that gift rules adopted by the legislature don’t cover all the individuals over whom the commission has jurisdiction. The Commission seeks clarity as to its “authority to expand on the definition of ‘lobbyist’ as it relates to gifts.”
- The United States Attorney in Chicago announced that Commonwealth Edison (“ComEd”), the largest electric utility in Illinois, “agreed to pay $200 million to resolve a federal criminal investigation into a years-long bribery scheme.” The CEO of ComEd subsequently apologized for his company’s part in the matter. According to WGNTV, ComEd “admitted ‘wrongful conduct’ in an alleged bribery scheme involving Illinois House Speaker Rep. Michael Madigan.”
- The California Fair Political Practices Commission appointed Galena West as its new Executive Director. Ms. West has served as the Chief of the Enforcement Division for the past five years.
Reminders:
The Practising Law Institute presents Basics of the Federal Election Campaign Act 2020 on Tuesday, August 4 at 1 p.m. Eastern (10 a.m. Pacific). The one-hour update covers federal candidate and PAC campaign law including issues with contributions, the Federal Election Commission, disclosure matters, and tax issues for political organizations. The program is an introduction to and includes the three co-chairs of the Corporate Political Activities program, including Jason Kaune of Nielsen Merksamer. Register here.
In Case You Missed It:
- Developers’ Dilemma: The Los Angeles Times poses the question of what happens to the plans of developers who are alleged to have bribed a Los Angeles City Council Member? None of the developers have been charged by investigators. While none of the projects identified has been completed, city officials have taken steps to “obstruct one of those projects.”
- Fast Moves: The Speaker of the Ohio House was unanimously ousted following his indictment on federal corruption charges. The Toledo Blade reports that the former speaker has not resigned and retains his house seat. AP reports that a former Supreme Court Justice, Representative Bob Cupp, has been chosen as the new speaker. He is described as “a man of integrity” who can bring unity to the chamber.
- Smokin’ Election Crime: The Los Angeles County District Attorney announced a plea deal in a “scheme where money and cigarettes were offered to homeless people on Skid Row in exchange for false and forged signatures on ballot petitions and voter registration forms.” KTLA reports that the group were given suspended state prison sentences; one person in the scheme remains at-large.