Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB5605

Caption

A bill to amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to require disclosures to contributors regarding recurring contributions or donations.

Impact

If enacted, SB5605 could significantly alter the landscape of campaign financing by enforcing stricter regulations around how political committees solicit and manage recurring donations. By mandating that donors must actively consent to recurring contributions—rather than relying on default settings—this bill seeks to protect donors from being inadvertently subscribed to ongoing financial commitments. This change is expected to lead to better transparency and protect the rights of contributors, shifting the responsibility onto the political entities to ensure compliance with these new regulations.

Summary

SB5605, known as the 'Rescuing Every Contributor from Unwanted Recurrences (RECUR) Act', is a legislative proposal aimed at amending the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971. This bill specifically focuses on requiring clearer disclosures to contributors regarding any recurring contributions or donations they make to political entities. The central aim is to enhance donor transparency and ensure that contributors provide affirmative consent for any recurring contributions, addressing concerns that the current system may allow for passive consent which can lead to unwanted financial commitments from donors.

Contention

Critics of SB5605 may argue that additional regulations could complicate the fundraising processes for political campaigns and independent organizations, potentially hindering their ability to operate effectively in a competitive political landscape. Supporters, on the other hand, emphasize the importance of protecting donors and ensuring that consent is clearly obtained, aiming to cultivate a more easily understandable and ethical fundraising environment. The requirement for the Federal Election Commission to develop regulations within 180 days following enactment further stresses the urgency and importance of this legislative change.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB7723

To amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit the solicitation and acceptance of a recurring contribution or donation in a campaign for election for Federal office by any method which does not require the contributor or donor to give affirmative consent to making the contribution or donation on a recurring basis, and for other purposes.

US SB5606

A bill to reform the Federal Election Commission's enforcement processes and related provisions under the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971.

US HB17

Campaign Finance – Recurring Contributions and Donations – Requirements

US HB160

Restoring Faith in Elections ActThis bill establishes certain standards for voting, including voting by mail, in federal elections. It also establishes certain requirements for voter registration and maintenance of official lists of eligible voters.First, the bill establishes certain requirements for voting by mail in federal elections, including by requiring mail-in ballots to be received by the time the polls close on election day.Additionally, the bill makes it unlawful to possess or return a mail-in ballot completed by another person (commonly referred to as ballot harvesting), with exceptions. A violator is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to one year, or both.Further, the bill establishes certain requirements for reporting results of federal elections, including by requiring states to count all eligible ballots within 24 hours after the election.Next, the bill provides for the automatic registration of eligible voters. The Election Assistance Commission must make grants to states to implement these automatic voter registration programs.It also requires states and jurisdictions to use standards that apply equally to all methods of voting used in federal elections, including standards related to signature verification.Finally, the bill establishes the National Deconfliction Voting Database and Clearinghouse to serve as a database and clearinghouse for voter registration records and lists of eligible voters. Additionally, each state must certify that it has removed ineligible voters from the official list of eligible voters prior to the federal election.

US HB10532

To amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit a candidate for election to the office or Representative in Congress or Senator from accepting contributions from any political committee other than an authorized committee of the candidate and from establishing a leadership PAC.

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 HB4461

To amend section 2112 of title 44, United States Code, to appropriately limit donations to Presidential Libraries and Centers.

US HB9488

SHIELD Act Secure Handling of Internet Electronic Donations 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 HB8176

Fighting Foreign Influence Act Stop Foreign Donations Affecting Our Elections Act Congressional and Executive Foreign Lobbying Ban Act Think Tank and Nonprofit Foreign Influence Disclosure Act

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