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HF1750 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Minnesota Civic Fund program established, political contribution refund program repealed, rulemaking authorized, and money appropriated.

Related bill: SF1911

AI Generated Summary

This bill proposes the establishment of the Minnesota Civic Fund Program, which would replace the existing Political Contribution Refund Program. The new program aims to provide Minnesota residents with Civic Fund Credits that they can allocate to qualified political candidates or parties.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

  1. Creation of Civic Fund Credits:

    • Residents will automatically be assigned credits or can opt in if they are not registered voters.
    • Credits may be assigned in $25 increments to qualified candidates or political parties.

  2. Qualifications for Candidates and Parties:

    • Candidates must meet fundraising thresholds and agree to campaign spending limits to be eligible.
    • Political parties must meet certain criteria to participate.

  3. Redemption and Funding:

    • The credits will be redeemed by the state, converting them into direct campaign contributions.
    • The total funds available for redemption will be capped and adjusted over time.

  4. Regulations and Oversight:

    • Assigned credits must be used for campaign-related expenses.
    • Prohibited activities: Selling or transferring Civic Fund Credits for cash or other benefits.
    • Penalties for violations and enforcement by the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board.

  5. Repeal of the Political Contribution Refund Program:

    • The existing refund system for political donations will end in 2027, transitioning to the Civic Fund model.

  6. Appropriations & Administration:

    • The program will be funded through state appropriations, and the necessary funds will be capped to avoid excessive spending.

Policy Impact:

  • Shifts Minnesota campaign financing from a tax refund model to a direct state-funded system.
  • Could increase public participation in campaign funding by making it more accessible.
  • Imposes stricter qualifications for candidates and parties to receive funding.
  • Provides greater oversight and transparency in how campaign contributions are allocated and used.

This bill represents a major reform in Minnesota's campaign finance system by decentralizing personal contributions and implementing a state-administered public financing mechanism.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 02, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toElections Finance and Government Operations
March 02, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toElections Finance and Government Operations
March 04, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthors added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Inclusion of Minnesota Civic Fund credit redemption."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the definition of contribution under section 10A.01, subdivision 11.",
      "modified": [
        "Expansion to include allocations by associations for political funds."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "10A.01",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 11"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Additional notification requirements for certain actions to chairs and ranking minority members."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This legislation amends the rules under section 10A.02, subdivision 13.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "10A.02",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 13"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This change relates to anonymous contributions under section 10A.15, subdivision 1.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarification that anonymous contributions are not eligible for the Minnesota Civic Fund credit program."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "10A.15",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Disclosure requirement for the aggregate value of redeemed Minnesota Civic Fund credits."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This legislation modifies report content requirements under section 10A.20, subdivision 3.",
      "modified": [
        "Reorganization of report contents."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "10A.20",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [
        "Provisions related to the political contribution refund."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill addresses refund receipt forms under section 10A.322, subdivision 4.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "10A.322",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 4"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section discusses penalties for certain violations.",
      "modified": [
        "Includes violations related to chapter 10B and jurisdictional adjustments."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "10A.34",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 4"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This modifies treatment of erroneous refunds under section 289A.37, subdivision 2.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarification on what constitutes an erroneous refund regarding taxpayer claims."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "289A.37",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  }
]

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