1. Ratification of the Minutes of the February 28, 2024 Meeting
Motion: To accept the Minutes as amended
Made by: Commissioner Marble
Seconded by: Commissioner Hastings
Vote: 4-0
2. Lobbyist Registrations - Harassment Prevention TrainingLegislators, legislative staff, and lobbyists are required to take an annual harassment prevention training at the beginning of each session. Trainings are conducted by the Legislature. Lobbyists certify they have taken the training when they register with the Commission or ask for an extension or an exemption. The Commission will consider whether the registrations of three lobbyists should be considered incomplete because the lobbyists did not take the trainings offered during the 2024 session. Penalties of up to $200 or $300 may be assessed. The three lobbyists request a waiver of any penalties due to work and personal circumstances.
Motion: To reduce Mr. Nicholas Bennett's fine to $100
Made by: Commissioner Schneider
Motion failed for lack of a second
Motion: To reduce Mr. Nicholas Bennett's fine to $25
Made by: Commissioner LeClaire
Seconded by: Commission Marble
Vote: 4-0
Motion: To reduce Ms. Jennifer DeChant's fine to $25
Made by: Commissioner Marble
Seconded by: Commissioner LeClaire
Vote: 4-0
Motion: To reduce Mr. Myles Smith's fine to $25
Made by: Commissioner LeClaire
Seconded by: Commissioner Marble
Vote: 4-0
3. Rulemaking - Election Spending by Foreign Governments
Through March 11, 2024, the Commission accepted comments on proposed rule amendments to implement a new law that would prohibit foreign governments from making expenditures to influence Maine elections. The Commission will consider the comments received, revisions recommended by staff in consultation with counsel, and whether to invite a second round of comments.
Motion: To proceed with the Rulemaking
Made by: Commissioner Schneider
Seconded by: Commissioner Marble
Vote: 4-0
Motion: To consider making changes to the Rules
Made by: Commissioner Schneider
Seconded by: Commissioner Marble
Vote: 4-0
Motion: To proceed to make the changes recommended by the staff to our proposed Rules
Made by: Commissioner Schneider
Seconded by: Commissioner Marble
Vote: 4-0
Motion: To reopen the comment period for an additional month
Made by: Commissioner Schneider
Seconded by: Commissioner Marble
Vote: 4-0
Executive Session (if necessary)
Other Business - Qualifying Contribution Acceptance Criteria
ADJOURNMENT