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Electronic Disclosure in Nebraska
launched a new, online system by which corporations, unions, and industry trade and professional associations can report political contributions electronically.
These groups will have the opportunity to file their Reports of Political Contributions online rather than complete the paper form known as the B-7. The report discloses the group’s campaign contributions in connection with state elections, local elections, and ballot questions. The new system will be more efficient for both the filers and the Commission.
“The new online reporting system will save valuable time for the filers and the Commission,” said Frank Daley, Executive Director for the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission. “In an election year, the Commission typically receives more than 2,500 of these reports. By having these reports submitted electronically, the Commission can make this information available to the press and public on the day of receipt.”
CA: Lobbyist Reporting Issues
Mercurynews.com reports:
Five lobbyists failed to disclose meetings with San Jose’s elected leaders as required by the city’s lobbying regulations, according to an investigator’s report that a city commission will review today. But most of the lobbyists and council members disputed the investigator’s findings, saying the reported meetings either never happened or did not involve matters subject to disclosure.
“We take the law very seriously and make every effort to ensure that our conduct and our reports are in full compliance,” land-use consultant Gary Schoennauer, one of the accused lobbyists, said in a written response to the city clerk.
San Jose’s Elections Commission hired private investigator Roberto A. Rivera, who is working on a $40,000 retainer contract, to examine lobbyists’ compliance with the city’s disclosure rules.