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HF1447 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Disclosure of contributors who contribute less than $200 who live outside the area represented by the candidate required.

Related bill: SF1774

AI Generated Summary

This bill, H.F. No. 1447, seeks to amend Minnesota's campaign finance disclosure laws by requiring additional transparency for contributions made by individuals residing outside a candidate's represented area.

Key Provisions:

  1. Expanded Disclosure Requirements:

    • Currently, contributions exceeding $200 must be reported with identifying details (name, address, employer, or occupation if self-employed).
    • This bill mandates the disclosure of all contributors, even those contributing less than $200, if they reside outside the candidate's represented district.

  2. Applies to Legislative and Statewide Candidates:

    • Additional disclosure requirements apply specifically to legislative and statewide candidates.

  3. Maintains Anonymity for Local Contributors Below Threshold:

    • If a contributor resides within the candidate’s district, disclosure is only required if their aggregate contributions exceed $200.

  4. Clarifications on Reporting:

    • Contributions must be reported in alphabetical order by donor name.
    • Donations in-kind must be reported at fair market value.
    • Loan forgiveness or repayments by third parties must be disclosed as contributions.

Impact:

  • Increased Transparency: Voters can identify who is funding candidates, especially from outside influences.
  • More Reporting Burden: Campaigns must gather and document more donor information.

In summary, this bill enhances financial disclosure requirements for candidates by ensuring all donations from outside contributors (including those under $200) are publicly reported, aiming to improve transparency in Minnesota’s campaign finance system.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 23, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toElections Finance and Government Operations
February 23, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toElections Finance and Government Operations

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "New criteria for independent expenditures reporting."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the disclosure requirements for campaign finance reports under section 10A.01.",
      "modified": [
        "Redefines terms related to ballot questions and expenditures."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "10A.01",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 7"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Detailing types of permissible administrative assistance."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill addresses administrative assistance provided by nonprofit corporations to political committees as laid out in section 211B.15.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies reporting requirements on fair market value assistance."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "211B.15",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 17"
  }
]

Sponsors