The definition of political action committee for campaign finance purposes.
Impact
The legislation aims to enhance voter transparency and campaign finance accountability by capturing a broader range of organizations as PACs, thereby imposing requirements on entities that engage in significant political spending. By lowering the threshold for what defines a PAC, the bill could lead to increased regulation and oversight of political expenditures, which proponents argue is necessary to prevent excess influence from anonymous donations and to ensure fair electoral competition. This could reshape the campaign funding landscape in Wisconsin, as more organizations will be required to disclose their financial activities.
Summary
Assembly Bill 635 (AB635) seeks to redefine the criteria for what constitutes a political action committee (PAC) in the context of campaign finance in Wisconsin. Under this bill, a PAC includes any organization or entity (excluding individuals) that spends over $1,000 within a 12-month period on expenditures related to express advocacy, supporting or opposing referendums, or contributing to candidate committees or political parties. This proposed changes are significant as they shift the baseline for identifying PACs from an existing standard that considered not only spending on advocacy but also the primary purpose of the organization.
Contention
Despite its intentions, AB635 has sparked debates among lawmakers and advocacy groups. Supporters advocate for the bill as a means to mitigate the risks associated with large sums of undisclosed money influencing politics. However, opponents raise concerns that the new definition could overly restrict or burden smaller organizations or community groups that may not have the substantial funding capacity to meet the reporting requirements. Critics suggest that these changes could inadvertently discourage political participation at a grassroots level, which is contrary to the bill's goals of promoting transparent and equitable elections.
Includes political action committees that register with the Federal Election Commission within the definition of political action committees for the Rhode Island elections.
Local candidate financial report requirements amended; Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board required to oversee campaign finance reporting requirements for political committees, political funds, and party units engaged in campaign activity; definition of committee amended for purposes of chapter 211A; and technical and conforming changes made.
Fair Campaign Practices Act; definitions of electioneering communications, expenditures, and political action committee revised; reporting requirements for electioneering communications revised
Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; provision related to officeholders raising funds when facing a recall; modify, and require candidate to establish a separate account used for recall purposes. Amends secs. 3, 11, 12, 21, 24 & 52 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.203 et seq.) & adds sec. 21b.
Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; funds donated to a candidate for recall efforts; require candidate to establish a separate account used for recall purposes. Amends secs. 3, 11, 12, 21, 24 & 52 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.203 et seq.) & adds sec. 21b.
A concurrent resolution recognizing wild rice as sacred and central to the culture and health of Indigenous Peoples in Minnesota and critical to the health and identity of all Minnesota citizens and ecosystems and establishing a commitment to passing legislation to protect wild rice and the freshwater resources upon which it depends.