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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 24, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
February 24, 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"
  }
]

Progress through the legislative process

17%
In Committee

Sponsors