Minneslate Logo

SF1911 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Minnesota Civic Fund program establishment

Related bill: HF1750

AI Generated Summary

This bill proposes the establishment of the Minnesota Civic Fund Program, which would replace the existing Political Contribution Refund Program. Key aspects of the bill include:

  1. Creation of the Minnesota Civic Fund Program:

    • Provides eligible Minnesota residents with a non-transferable civic fund credit (up to $100 per individual) that can be assigned to participating candidates or political parties in $25 increments.
    • Credits must be assigned before the next general election and expire if not used.
    • Credits have no cash value and cannot be sold, transferred, or given as gifts.

  2. Eligibility & Participation:

    • Automatic participation for registered voters, with optional participation for Minnesota residents who are citizens or lawful permanent residents but not registered to vote.
    • Candidates must agree to spending limits and meet certain small-dollar contribution thresholds to qualify.
    • Political party units must be recognized as major or minor political party units under Minnesota law.

  3. Redemption & Fund Distribution:

    • Qualified candidates and political parties submit assigned credits to the state for redemption, up to a capped total amount each year.
    • The state verifies eligibility and distributes funds to the designated recipients.
    • Contributions through this fund count toward standard campaign finance reporting and contribution limits.

  4. Repeal of the Political Contribution Refund Program:

    • Eliminates Minnesota Statutes Section 290.06, Subd. 23, which currently allows state income tax refunds for political donations.
    • Ends the issuance of refund receipt forms after December 31, 2027.

  5. Penalties & Enforcement:

    • Prohibits the sale, transfer, or unauthorized use of civic fund credits, with penalties for violations.
    • The Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board is given enforcement authority, including audits and investigations.

  6. Appropriations & Fiscal Management:

    • Allocates funds annually from the state general fund for credit redemptions and program administration.
    • Caps the total amount of funds available each year, with provisions for future increases based on program demand.

This bill aims to modernize Minnesota’s public financing of elections while eliminating direct refunds for political contributions through the tax system.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 26, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
February 26, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
February 26, 2025HouseFloorActionReferred toElections
February 26, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toElections
March 02, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
March 02, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Includes Minnesota Civic Fund credit redemption under chapter 10B as a contribution."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Amends the definition of 'Contribution' in campaign finance reporting.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "10A.01",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 11"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Rules for the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board.",
      "modified": [
        "Added requirements for board notification to certain legislative committees."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "10A.02",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 13"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Outlines handling of anonymous contributions.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarified anonymous contributions are not eligible for Minnesota Civic Fund credits."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "10A.15",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Requires disclosure of Minnesota Civic Fund credits redeemed."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Specifies content requirements for campaign finance reports.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjusted the organization and requirements around reported contributions."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "10A.20",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [
        "Repeal of this specific subdivision."
      ],
      "summary": "Requirements for refund receipt forms related to political contributions.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "10A.322",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 4"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Penalties for violations of campaign finance regulations.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjustments on the penalty amounts for campaign finance violations."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "10A.34",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 4"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Addresses recovery of erroneous tax refunds.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies what constitutes an erroneous refund and the recovery process."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "289A.37",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  }
]

Sponsors