November 17, 2022
9 a.m.− 2:30 p.m. ET
Virtual
Complying with state and federal lobbying and PAC regulations is key to building a trusted and successful public affairs program. A fundamental understanding of political involvement compliance is essential for confidently leading your PAC and advocacy programs. One of the country’s most distinguished political law experts will provide a full-day, deep dive of the top legal and compliance issues affecting lobbyists, PAC professionals and grassroots practitioners.
Featured Topic & Speakers
This seminar will cover compliance concerns such as:
- Campaign finance laws affecting your organization’s involvement at the federal and state levels, including PAC solicitation rules, corporate contribution limitations and reporting considerations
- Pay-to-play restrictions and how to set up pre-clearance and training programs for employees
- Lobbying registration and reporting rules at the federal and state levels
- Engagement and gift-giving requirements for candidates, legislators and executive staff, including site visits to support your PAC and grassroots programs
Kenneth A. Gross
Senior Political Law Counsel and Consultant
Akin Gump
This program is eligible for 3 Compliance credits toward the Certificate in PAC & Grassroots Management, 3 Compliance credits toward the Certificate in Government Relations & Lobbying and 3 Compliance credits toward the Certificate in Public Affairs Management.
Agenda
9 a.m. Managing Compliant Campaign Finance Programs
It’s critical for organizations with a PAC to understand all of the strict fundraising, solicitation and reporting requirements. Election law expert Ken Gross will provide an overview of federal campaign finance rules impacting PAC activities, including:
- Rules for establishing and operating a PAC, filing requirements, contribution limits and considerations such as coercion and prior approval
- Recent campaign finance law changes and how they impact PAC operations
- Who your organization can solicit and what constitutes a solicitation
- Compliance best practices for your website, communications materials, gifts and incentives
- PAC governance – implementing guidelines for diversity and inclusion, civic integrity and ESG
10 a.m. Providing Effective Political Support
While organizations seek more opportunities to engage with candidates, it’s important to consider limits on activities in your office and political disclosure concerns. Ken will address:
- The corporate ban on fundraising and related exemptions, including how to host a fundraiser at your office
- Ground rules for political site visits at your organization’s facilities
- Bundling rules under HLOGA
- Corporate shareholder resolutions regarding disclosure of political activity
10:30 a.m. Break
10:45 a.m. Federal Lobbying Compliance, Grassroots and Gift Rules
Many lobbying and gift rules impact your organization’s activities. Ken will cover what triggers reporting requirements and rules for engaging with federal legislative and executive branch officials. Topics will include:
- A breakdown of LDA and IRC lobbying registration and reporting requirements
- Considerations for planning constituent events and hosting federal legislative and executive branch officials at your facilities
- Gift rules that apply to executive officials, federal legislators and staff
- Potential penalties for violations and ways to manage compliance
Noon Break
12:15 p.m. Coordinating Multistate Political Giving: State and Local Laws and Pay-to-Play
Each state and many localities have their own complex campaign finance rules and restrictions. In this session, Ken will help untangle state and local laws and discuss everything you need to know to manage your organization’s state-by-state political activity, such as:
- Corporate and federal PAC contribution rules
- State- and local-level campaign finance limits
- Considerations for operating multistate PACs, including laws that differ between states
- How to avoid pay-to-play violations and ways to manage internal compliance
- Recent developments in state- and local-level campaign finance law and enforcement actions
1:15 p.m. Break
1:30 p.m. State and Local Lobbying and Gift Laws
Increasingly, organizations are shifting lobbying resources to engage with state- and local-level decision-makers. Find out how to stay compliant across jurisdictions through this discussion of:
- State- and local-level definitions of lobbying, registration and filing requirements, including what grassroots activities are considered lobbying
- State and local gift rules and related exemptions for legislative and executive branch officials
- Recent state and local developments in lobbying and gift laws, as well as enforcement cases and actions that could impact your activities
- The role of social media in lobbying and compliance issues
2:30 p.m. Adjourn
Register
[vc_toggle title=”+ Click to expand” style=”text_only” size=”lg” css=”.vc_custom_1643838731312{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”]- Membership Plus: $595
- Members: $595
- Non-Members: $799
Additional discounts may apply to this meeting. These discounts may include:
For multiple registrants: A discount will apply to the standard member/non-member rate for organizations that register two or more participants for the same meeting. The first registrant will pay full price, the second participant will receive a 10% discount and each additional registrant will receive a 15% discount. To register multiple participants, you may either register online or download the print and fax registration form.
Member discounts: Discounts for members are applied to all Public Affairs Council meetings.
Non-members: Join the Council today, and save by registering at the member rate and using the $200 new-member coupon you will receive. Contact our membership team for information about joining the Council.
Questions? Contact us at 202.787.5950.[/vc_toggle]