Iowa Admin. Code r. 351-8.15

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 6, September 18, 2024

Rule 351-8.15 - Campaign contributions by lobbyists during the regular legislative session prohibited

Pursuant to Iowa Code section 68A.504, individuals who are registered in Iowa as either executive branch or legislative branch lobbyists are prohibited from contributing to, acting as an agent or intermediary for contributions to, or arranging for the making of monetary or in-kind contributions to the campaign of an elected state official, member of the general assembly, or candidate for state office on any day during the regular legislative session. This prohibition includes a contribution that is mailed during the legislative session but received by the candidate after the legislative session has adjourned.

(1)Application to governor. The prohibition on contributions to the governor or a gubernatorial candidate during session extends for an additional 30 days following the adjournment of a regular legislative session allowed for the signing of bills.

(2)Exceptions. The prohibition on contributions during the regular legislative session does not apply to any of the following:

a. Contributions to an elected state official, member of the general assembly, or other state official who has taken affirmative action to seek nomination or election to a federal elective office so long as the lobbyist's contribution is placed into the candidate's federal account.

b. Contributions to a candidate for state office who filed nomination papers for a special election called or held during the regular legislative session if the candidate receives the contribution at any time during the period commencing on the date on which at least two candidates have been nominated for the office and ending on the date on which the election is held. However, elected state officials are prohibited from soliciting lobbyists for contributions to another candidate for state office when a special election is held during the regular legislative session.

c. Contributions made during a special legislative session. In the case of the governor and a gubernatorial candidate, this exception also includes the 30 days following a special legislative session unless that time period falls within 30 days of adjournment of the regular legislative session.

d. Contributions from a lobbyist's personal funds that a lobbyist makes to the lobbyist's own campaign for public office.

(3)Complaints. Complaints or information provided to the board alleging a violation of Iowa Code section 68A.504 involving either executive branch lobbyists or legislative branch lobbyists shall be filed with the board and governed by the procedures in Iowa Code sections 68B.32B through 68B.32D.

(4)Date of session. For purposes of Iowa Code section 68A.504 and this rule, a legislative session commences at 12 a.m. of the first day of the legislative session through 11:59:59 p.m. of the day that the legislative session adjourns sine die.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code section 68A.504.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 351-8.15

ARC 7651B, lAB 3/25/09, effective 4/29/09; Editorial change: lAC Supplement 4/8/09