HF3285 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Public subsidy program repealed, conforming changes made, and money transferred.
Related bill: SF3459
AI Generated Summary
Purpose of the Bill
The bill aims to repeal the public subsidy program for campaign finance in Minnesota and make necessary adjustments to related statutes.
Main Provisions
Repeal of Public Subsidy Program: The bill seeks to eliminate the current public subsidy program that provides funding for political campaigns. This includes the removal of various sections in the Minnesota Statutes that pertain to public funding and related processes for campaign finance.
Amendments to Existing Laws: The bill proposes amendments to sections of the Minnesota Statutes to reflect the absence of the public subsidy program. This involves renaming, removing, or adjusting provisions related to campaign finance limits, reporting requirements, and the handling of contribution receipts.
Investigation Authority: Clarifies the authority and process of the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board to investigate potential campaign finance violations. This includes procedures for receipt, review, and action regarding complaints.
Contribution and Reporting Adjustments: Defines how campaign contributions, especially those made electronically, are considered in terms of timing and reporting. The bill also outlines the process and timings for claiming contributions and refunds related to campaign finances.
Significant Changes
Campaign Contribution Refunds: Removal of eligibility for contribution refunds from public funds for individuals making political contributions, alongside additional repeal of related administrative processes and certifications.
Transfer of Funds: Any remaining balances in the State Elections Campaign Account and its components at the effective date of this bill are to be transferred to the state's general fund.
Repealer Effect: The repeal affects numerous subdivisions within the Minnesota campaign finance law dedicated to campaign contribution limits, use of funds, and spending agreements, effectively changing how campaign funding operates without public financial involvement.
Relevant Terms
public subsidy program, campaign finance, repeal, contributions, investigations, Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board, electronic contributions, refund receipts, general fund transfer, statutory amendments and repeals.
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 30, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Elections Finance and Government Operations |
| April 30, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Elections Finance and Government Operations |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Clarifies conditions under which the board may initiate investigations beyond a written complaint."
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "The bill clarifies the investigation authority and complaint process for potential violations under section 10A.022 subdivision 3.",
"modified": [
"Alters the procedure for board determinations on prima facie violations."
]
},
"citation": "10A.022",
"subdivision": "subdivision 3"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Clarifies receipt dates for contributions made through different means."
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Changes to the reporting times of receipt for contributions under section 10A.15, subdivision 2a.",
"modified": [
"Language adjusted to specify electronic contributions reporting timeline."
]
},
"citation": "10A.15",
"subdivision": "subdivision 2a"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Allows petition for equitable relief if opponent does not file timely reports."
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Amendments to equitable relief procedures related to campaign finance reports under section 10A.20 subdivision 15.",
"modified": [
"Potential for courts to award attorney fees and costs for prevailing parties."
]
},
"citation": "10A.20",
"subdivision": "subdivision 15"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
""
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Exceptions to contribution allocations for party units acting jointly under section 10A.275 subdivision 1.",
"modified": [
"Specifies types of communications and events not considered direct contributions."
]
},
"citation": "10A.275",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Public record for conciliation agreements specified."
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Modifications to conciliation agreement processes for campaign finance violations under section 10A.28 subdivision 3.",
"modified": [
"Efforts towards conciliation agreements before civil proceedings emphasized."
]
},
"citation": "10A.28",
"subdivision": "subdivision 3"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"References to section 10A.34 for fee recovery and injunctions."
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Civil action procedures updated for unresolved campaign finance violations under section 10A.28 subdivision 4.",
"modified": [
"Procedural steps if informal resolution fails extended."
]
},
"citation": "10A.28",
"subdivision": "subdivision 4"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Details on penalties for improper issuance of refund receipt forms."
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Amendment for refund receipt forms and associated penalties in campaign limits agreement under section 10A.322 subdivision 4.",
"modified": [
"Clarification on receipt form distribution and eligibility penalties."
]
},
"citation": "10A.322",
"subdivision": "subdivision 4"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Adjustment to refund eligibility and documentation requirements."
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Changes to tax refund processes for political contributions under section 290.06 subdivision 23.",
"modified": [
"Revised definitions for political parties and contribution terms."
]
},
"citation": "290.06",
"subdivision": "subdivision 23"
}
]