Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB2484

Introduced
4/6/23  

Caption

Honest Elections and Campaign, No Gain Act

Impact

If passed, HB2484 will significantly alter the financial landscape for political campaigns. Candidates will be required to disburse remaining funds either to pay obligations incurred during the campaign or to return contributions to donors, contribute to nonprofit organizations, or transfer funds to party committees. The bill includes a specific provision prohibiting disbursements to a candidate's relatives unless it pertains to fulfilling campaign-related obligations. This could prevent potential abuses in the use of campaign funds for personal gain.

Summary

House Bill 2484, titled the 'Honest Elections and Campaign, No Gain Act', aims to amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971. The primary objective of the bill is to mandate that authorized committees and leadership PACs (Political Action Committees) of candidates for federal office disburse any unspent funds after an election. This requirement is designed to promote transparency in campaign finance by ensuring that leftover campaign contributions are returned or repurposed rather than kept indefinitely by candidates or their committees.

Contention

While supporters advocate that the bill enhances accountability and reduces corruption, critics may argue about the feasibility and implications of such regulations. There may be concerns regarding the unintended consequences that could affect smaller candidates or those reliant on ongoing fundraising. The legislation could prompt a heated debate over the balance between regulating campaign finance and allowing candidates the flexibility to manage their financial resources efficiently. Furthermore, the requirement that former candidates who become registered lobbyists must certify compliance with these disbursement rules introduces another layer of accountability that could be contentious in legislative discussions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US SB1849

Zeroing Out Money for Buying Influence after Elections (ZOMBIE) Act

US HB11

Freedom to Vote Act This bill addresses voter registration and voting access, election integrity and security, redistricting, and campaign finance. Specifically, the bill expands voter registration (e.g., automatic and same-day registration) and voting access (e.g., vote-by-mail and early voting). It also limits removing voters from voter rolls. Next, the bill establishes Election Day as a federal holiday. The bill declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence. The bill establishes certain federal criminal offenses related to voting. In particular, the bill establishes a new criminal offense for conduct (or attempted conduct) to corruptly hinder, interfere with, or prevent another person from registering to vote or helping someone register to vote. Additionally, the bill sets forth provisions related to election security, including by requiring states to conduct post-election audits for federal elections. The bill outlines criteria for congressional redistricting and generally prohibits mid-decade redistricting. The bill addresses campaign finance, including by expanding the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals, requiring additional disclosure of campaign-related fundraising and spending, requiring additional disclaimers regarding certain political advertising, and establishing an alternative campaign funding system for certain federal offices.

US SB1

Freedom to Vote Act This bill addresses voter registration and voting access, election integrity and security, redistricting, and campaign finance. Specifically, the bill expands voter registration (e.g., automatic and same-day registration) and voting access (e.g., vote-by-mail and early voting). It also limits removing voters from voter rolls. Next, the bill establishes Election Day as a federal holiday. The bill declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence. The bill establishes certain federal criminal offenses related to voting. In particular, the bill establishes a new criminal offense for conduct (or attempted conduct) to corruptly hinder, interfere with, or prevent another person from registering to vote or helping someone register to vote. Additionally, the bill sets forth provisions related to election security, including by requiring states to conduct post-election audits for federal elections. The bill outlines criteria for congressional redistricting and generally prohibits mid-decade redistricting. The bill addresses campaign finance, including by expanding the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals, requiring additional disclosure of campaign-related fundraising and spending, requiring additional disclaimers regarding certain political advertising, and establishing an alternative campaign funding system for certain federal offices.

US HB4563

ACE Act End Zuckerbucks Act of 2023 Solving an Overlooked Loophole in Votes for Executives (SOLVE) Act Promoting Free and Fair Elections Act Don't Weaponize the IRS Act American Confidence in Elections Act

US SB2344

Freedom to Vote Act Voters’ Access to Water Act Right to Vote Act Automatic Voter Registration Act of 2023 Help America Run Act Government By the People Act of 2023 Restoring Integrity to America’s Elections Act Stop Super PAC–Candidate Coordination Act Spotlight Act Honest Ads Act DISCLOSE Act of 2023 Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act of 2023 Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act of 2023 Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2023 Democracy Restoration Act of 2023 Voter Registration Modernization Act of 2023 Voter Empowerment Act of 2023

US SB512

DISCLOSE Act of 2023 Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act of 2023 Stand By Every Ad Act

US HB2522

Campaign Spending Integrity Act

US HB2599

Honest Ads Act

US SB138

Elections; Voter Reg.; Campaigns

US HJR78

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to set limits on Federal campaign contributions and spending, prohibit corporate spending in the political process, require Congress to develop a system of public campaign financing for all Federal candidates who qualify for the ballot, and allow the States to set reasonable limits on campaign contributions and spending in State and local elections, and for other purposes.

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