ARTICLE · 12 JANUARY 2026

Contributor Beware: State-Level Contribution Bans May Apply During Legislative Sessions

Wiley Rein

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With a new year comes new legislative sessions. Between back-to-back meetings in state capitols and a steady stream of fundraisers to attend as primary season grows closer, government affairs professionals...

United StatesGovernment, Public Sector

With a new year comes new legislative sessions. Between back-to-back meetings in state capitols and a steady stream of fundraisers to attend as primary season grows closer, government affairs professionals have a lot on their minds. Even so, organizations must be extra careful not to run afoul of so-called "blackout" periods where political contributions are prohibited during legislative sessions. These bans vary widely. Some laws apply only to lobbyists, while others encompass all contributors. Some prohibit only contributions to incumbents, while others include candidates. And some cover only the regular legislative session, while others apply during special sessions as well.

In Kansas, lobbyists, corporations, and political committees are barred from making contributions to statewide office holders, legislators, candidates, and certain political committees from January 1 until adjournment sine die of the legislative session, as well as during any period when the

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