The scope of regulated activity under the campaign finance law

What it would have done

Summary by the Legislative Reference Bureau, the Legislature's nonpartisan drafting office. It's their wording, not ours.

Currently, individuals who accept contributions, organizations that make or accept contributions, and individuals who or organizations that incur obligations or make disbursements for the purpose of influencing an election for state or local office are generally required to register with the appropriate filing officer and to file financial reports with that officer, regardless of whether they act in conjunction with or independently of any candidate who is supported or opposed.

With certain exceptions, this bill imposes registration and reporting requirements, in addition, upon any individual who and organization that, within 60 days of an election and by means of communications media, makes any communication that includes a reference to a candidate at that election, an office to be filled at that election, or a political party. The bill also requires an individual who or organization that becomes subject to a registration requirement by making such a communication to report, upon registration, the information that would have been required to be reported if the individual or organization had been registered with respect to any obligation incurred or disbursement made for the purpose of making such a communication prior to registration. The bill, however, does not require registration and reporting if the communication is made by a corporation, cooperative, or nonpolitical voluntary association and is limited to the corporation's, cooperative's, or association's members, shareholders, or subscribers. In addition, the bill exempts from registration and reporting the cost of making a communication that 1) does not mention an election, candidacy, opposing candidate, political party, or voting by the general public; and 2) does not take a position on a candidate's or officeholder's character, qualifications, or fitness for office, and either a) focuses on a legislative or executive matter or issue and urges a candidate to take a particular position or action with respect to the matter or issue or urges the public to contact a candidate with respect to the matter or issue, or b) proposes a commercial transaction, such as the purchase of a book, video, or other product or service, unless the communication is susceptible of no reasonable interpretation other than as an appeal to vote for or against a candidate for state or local office whose name is certified to appear on the ballot at the election.

Who's behind it

12 senators are its authors⁠. 9 are Democrats and 3 are Republicans.

19 more lawmakers signed on in support⁠.

Versions and amendments

Every text the Legislature printed for this bill, including proposed changes. Each opens on the Legislature's site.

• Amendment SSA1-SB43
• LC Amendment Memo