351—8.11(68A) Campaign contributions by lobbyists during the regular legislative session.

1. 8.11(1)  Prohibition. 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 legislative session.
2. 8.11(2)  Mailed contributions prohibited. This prohibition includes a contribution that is mailed during the legislative session but received by the candidate after adjournment sine die.
3. 8.11(3)  Application to governor, lieutenant governor, and candidates. The prohibition on contributions to the governor, lieutenant governor, or candidates for either office during the legislative session extends for 30 days following the adjournment sine die of a regular legislative session.

4. 8.11(4)  Exceptions. The prohibition on contributions during the legislative session does not apply to any of the following:

   1. 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.
   2. b. Contributions to a candidate for state office who filed nomination papers for a special election called or held during the 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 legislative session.
   3. c. Contributions made during a special legislative session. In the case of the governor, lieutenant governor, and candidates for either office, 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.
   4. d. Contributions from a lobbyist’s personal funds made to the lobbyist’s own campaign for public office.
5. 8.11(5)  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 will be filed with the board.
6. 8.11(6)  Date of session. For purposes of Iowa Code section 68A.504 and this rule, a legislative session commences at 12 a.m. on the first day of the legislative session through 11:59:59 p.m. on the day that the legislative session adjourns sine die.

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

[ARC 0239D, IAB 4/29/26, effective 6/3/26]