Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB760

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/6/23
• Refer: 12/6/23
• Report Pass: 2/14/24
• Refer: 2/14/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Recommendations from the Ethics Commission regarding campaign finance, lobbying, open records, and closed sessions. (FE)

Impact

Should AB760 be enacted, it would result in significant changes to the state’s campaign finance landscape. By imposing annual fees on committees and requiring detailed reporting of contributions and expenditures, the bill is expected to enhance oversight and reduce instances of undisclosed financial dealings in politics. This could lead to increased public trust in political systems as transparency improves, but some stakeholders worry it may place undue financial burdens on smaller committees and candidates.

Summary

Assembly Bill 760 addresses various recommendations from the Ethics Commission regarding campaign finance and lobbying laws. It aims to modernize and enforce regulations related to political contributions, requiring greater transparency and accountability from political action committees (PACs) and contributors. The bill proposes annual filing fees for conduits and committees, alongside stricter reporting requirements for expenditures related to express advocacy during election cycles. Additionally, the bill outlines new procedures for the termination of committees that have been dormant for over three years.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding the bill include the balance between necessary regulation and the potential stifling of political engagement due to additional costs and reporting requirements. Critics argue that while transparency is crucial, the financial implications for smaller political entities could inhibit their ability to compete effectively. The changes regarding the closed sessions of the commission also raise concerns about the accessibility and transparency of investigations, as critics point out that decisions to meet in closed sessions for potential violations could limit public scrutiny.