Wyoming 2023 Regular Session

Wyoming Senate Bill SF0040

Introduced
1/10/23  
Report Pass
1/19/23  
Engrossed
1/24/23  
Refer
2/8/23  
Report Pass
2/13/23  
Enrolled
2/16/23  

Caption

Federal political action committees-reports.

Impact

The legislation will modify existing state laws regarding campaign finance, specifically W.S. 22-25-106(g), to ensure that committees focused on federal candidates are not subjected to dual reporting requirements. This change is expected to lead to a more streamlined process for PACs, which can help encourage political participation by easing the compliance process for contributors and organizations that support federal campaigns. With this bill, the state legislature hopes to encourage increased funding for federal election campaigns, while simultaneously aligning state laws with federal statutes, facilitating better governance in political financing.

Summary

SF0040 is a legislative act that aims to clarify the campaign finance reporting requirements for federal political action committees (PACs). Specifically, the bill states that federal PACs are not obliged to file contribution and expenditure reports if their financial activities are solely related to federal candidates or federal issues. This is intended to simplify the reporting process for these committees by aligning the state's regulations with federal election laws, thereby reducing the administrative burden on political organizations that engage exclusively in federal electoral matters.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SF0040 appears to be supportive among legislators who prioritize reducing regulatory complexity regarding campaign finance. Proponents argue that the bill will eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy and provide clarity on the obligations of PACs, thus promoting a healthier political environment. However, concerns may arise among advocacy groups and critics who fear that lowering reporting requirements could lead to less transparency in campaign financing, potentially allowing for greater influence of money in politics without adequate oversight.

Contention

The primary point of contention regarding SF0040 stems from the balance between regulatory oversight and the facilitation of political engagement through simpler processes. While supporters emphasize the need for efficient functioning of PACs and stress that the bill preserves accountability for federal campaigns by adhering to federal standards, opponents may argue that any reduction in reporting requirements poses risks to transparency. The broader implications of this bill highlight the ongoing debate about the role of money in politics and the extent to which state legislation should intervene in the federal electoral process.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WY H7847

Includes political action committees that register with the Federal Election Commission within the definition of political action committees for the Rhode Island elections.

WY HB0049

Election reporting requirements.

WY HB0258

Political Action Committee Amendments

WY LD1811

An Act to Clarify Required Political Committees 24-hour Reports

WY SB302

Fair Campaign Practices Act; definitions of electioneering communications, expenditures, and political action committee revised; reporting requirements for electioneering communications revised

WY SB279

Amending the campaign finance act and the state governmental ethics laws regarding the qualifications of members of the governmental ethics commission, actions of the commission, formation of political committees, reporting requirements and requirements for "paid for" attributions.

WY SB503

Generally revise political party committee laws

WY HB2817

To require that political action committees (“PACs”) have the same reporting requirement as candidates for public office.

WY HB6893

SCAM PAC Act Stopping Corrupt Actors from Making Political Action Committees Act

WY HB1379

Relating to the reporting of political contributions and political expenditures by out-of-state political committees.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.