SF3459

SF3459 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Campaign public subsidy program repeal

Related bill: HF3285

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to make significant changes to campaign finance laws in Minnesota. It seeks to repeal the public subsidy program and make conforming amendments to existing statutes related to campaign finance and disclosure.

Main Provisions

Repeal of the Public Subsidy Program: The bill eliminates various sections of Minnesota Statutes related to campaign finance, specifically targeting the public subsidy program that provides financial support to political campaigns.
Transfer of Funds: Any remaining balances in state election campaign accounts, both for political parties and for special elections, will be transferred to the general fund.
Investigation Amendments: The bill modifies investigation procedures related to campaign finance violations. It emphasizes investigation uniformity for complaints and details how the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board can proceed with investigations and findings.
Adjustment of Contribution Handling: It clarifies the timing and handling of contributions, especially those made electronically, outlining when contributions are considered received for reporting purposes.
Regulation of Refund Receipt Forms: A civil penalty will be imposed for the inappropriate issuance of refund receipt forms to contributors. These forms are used by taxpayers to claim refunds on political contributions.
Court Petitions for Filing Compliance: It provides a mechanism for candidates to petition district courts for immediate relief if opponents fail to file certain campaign finance reports on time.

Significant Changes

Statutory Repeals: The bill repeals numerous sections and subdivisions of Minnesota’s campaign finance statutes. This includes the removal of sections detailing limits on campaign contributions and expenditures, requirements for public subsidy eligibility, and specific procedures for handling contributions.
Reallocation of Funds: Funds allocated for state elections campaigns are redirected to the general fund, effectively ceasing the special designation for these political purposes.

Relevant Terms

campaign finance, public subsidy program, political contribution, campaign fund, election, refund receipt forms, campaign finance board, statutory repeal, general fund transfer, compliance, investigation procedures.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
April 27, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
April 27, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
April 27, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Referred to	Elections

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section pertains to the investigation authority and complaint process of the board.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies the process for investigating allegations and establishing probable cause."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "10A.022",
    "subdivision": "3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section is about the time of receipt for monetary contributions.",
      "modified": [
        "Specifies when contributions are considered received for reporting and limit purposes."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "10A.15",
    "subdivision": "2a"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section addresses equitable relief in reporting violations.",
      "modified": [
        "Allows candidates to seek equitable relief if opponents fail to timely file required reports."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "10A.20",
    "subdivision": "15"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section lists exceptions regarding expenditures by party units.",
      "modified": [
        "Outlines specific expenditures not considered contributions or expenditures on behalf of candidates."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "10A.275",
    "subdivision": "1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section covers conciliation agreements for excess expenditures.",
      "modified": [
        "Details process for entering into conciliation agreements and their public record status."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "10A.28",
    "subdivision": "3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section involves civil actions for unresolved excess expenditure issues.",
      "modified": [
        "Specifies the board's ability to seek civil remedies if informal correction fails."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "10A.28",
    "subdivision": "4"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [
        "Redundant paragraphs regarding penalties for misuse of refund forms."
      ],
      "summary": "This section provides guidelines for refund receipt forms and associated penalties.",
      "modified": [
        "Simplifies penalties associated with the misuse of refund receipt forms."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "10A.322",
    "subdivision": "4"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section describes the refund of contributions to political parties and candidates.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies refund process and conditions for tax contributions to political parties and candidates."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "290.06",
    "subdivision": "23"
  }
]