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SF1774 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

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

Related bill: HF1447

AI Generated Summary

This bill, S.F. No. 1774, proposes amendments to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.20, subdivision 3, concerning campaign finance disclosure requirements.

Key Provisions:

  1. Disclosure of Small Contributors from Outside the Represented Area:

    • Candidates must report identifying information (name, address, employer/occupation) for all contributors, including those who contribute less than $200, but only if they reside outside the district or area the candidate is running to represent.
    • If the contributor resides within the candidate's represented area, disclosure is only required if their total contributions exceed $200 within a year.

  2. General Campaign Finance Reporting Requirements:

    • Continues the requirement that candidates, political committees, or entities report contributors who give more than $200 (for legislative and statewide candidates) or more than $500 (for ballot measures).
    • Mandates reports include details of donations, loans, expenditures, and in-kind contributions, listing names of individuals or associations making these contributions.
    • Expenditures must be disclosed if over $200, with details on the recipient and purpose.
    • Requires itemization of receipts, loans, expenditures, and non-campaign disbursements when they exceed disclosure thresholds.

Impact of the Bill:

  • Increases transparency in campaign financing by identifying small-dollar contributors who reside outside a candidate’s district.
  • Could discourage outside influence in local elections by providing more public awareness about donors from outside a candidate’s constituency.
  • Adds additional reporting requirements for candidates and political entities, which could create a greater administrative burden.

If passed, this bill will enhance public scrutiny of campaign fundraising, particularly regarding out-of-district contributions to candidates.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 23, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
February 23, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
February 23, 2025HouseFloorActionReferred toElections
February 23, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toElections

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Requirement for disclosing contributors who donate less than $200 from outside the candidate's represented area."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill amends the reporting requirements for campaign contributions and expenditures under section 10A.20, subdivision 3.",
      "modified": [
        "Detailed reporting structure for campaign contributions above threshold amounts.",
        "Clarification of reportable contributors' information including employment and registration."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "10A.20",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill references section 10A.01, subdivision 7, for definitions related to ballot question expenditures.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarification of expenditure reports for ballot questions as per existing definitions."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "10A.01",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 7"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill references section 211B.15, subdivision 17, regarding nonprofit corporation assistance to political funds.",
      "modified": [
        "Disclosures related to administrative assistance provided by non-profits to political funds."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "211B.15",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 17"
  }
]

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