Connecticut House Bill HB05051

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/7/15
• Refer: 1/7/15

Caption

An Act Concerning Individual Contributions To State Central Committees.

Impact

By limiting the contribution amounts, HB 05051 intends to create a more level playing field in campaign financing. Supporters argue that lower contribution limits can help curb potential corruption and mitigate the disproportionate impact of wealthier individuals on political agendas. This bill could lead to a shift in how political campaigns are funded, potentially encouraging a greater number of smaller contributions from a broader base of individuals, rather than relying on large sums from a limited number of donors.

Summary

House Bill 05051 aims to amend existing legislation concerning individual contributions to state central committees for political parties. Specifically, the bill seeks to reduce the maximum donation an individual may make to a state central committee from ten thousand dollars to five thousand dollars. This legislative change is positioned as a move to enhance the integrity of the electoral process by reducing the influence of large individual contributions in political party funding.

Contention

Despite its intentions, the bill may face opposition from those who argue that strict limits on contributions could impede the ability of political parties to effectively fund their operations and outreach efforts. Critics might contend that it limits free speech, as contributions can often be viewed as a form of political expression. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding how these changes might affect the competitiveness of political races, particularly for parties that rely heavily on significant contributions to finance their activities and engage with voters.