Oregon 2025 Regular Session

Oregon Senate Bill SB224

Introduced
1/13/25  
Refer
1/17/25  
Report Pass
4/8/25  
Engrossed
4/10/25  
Refer
4/15/25  
Report Pass
6/11/25  
Enrolled
6/13/25  
Passed
6/24/25  
Chaptered
7/2/25  

Caption

Relating to addresses of individuals associated with candidate campaign committees.

Impact

The enactment of SB224 is expected to bring significant improvements to the current processes of filing and accessing campaign finance data. By mandating that electronic submissions be easily accessible and made free of charge by the Secretary of State, the bill aims to facilitate greater public engagement and scrutiny over the financing of political campaigns. Furthermore, it introduces specific provisions that protect the personal addresses of individuals associated with campaign committees, thereby balancing the need for transparency with privacy.

Summary

Senate Bill 224, also known as SB224, primarily addresses the electronic filing of financial disclosures by candidates and political committees associated with elections in Oregon. The bill requires the Secretary of State to adopt an electronic filing system that allows candidates and political committees to submit statements of contributions and expenditures. This system aims to enhance transparency in campaign finance by making such records publicly available, thus enabling better public oversight of campaign contributions and spending.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around SB224 has been largely positive among supporters who view it as a necessary reform to campaign finance operations. Proponents believe that the move toward electronic filing will modernize the system and increase accountability among candidates and political groups. However, there are concerns raised regarding the balance between transparency and privacy, particularly about how personal information of campaign committee members is handled. This tension reflects broader debates on privacy rights in the context of political engagement.

Contention

Notable points of contention during discussions of SB224 include the provisions that allow certain individuals' addresses to remain confidential unless disclosed by the individual themselves, which some critics argue could obstruct full public access to vital candidate information. Additionally, while the bill seeks to simplify the filing process and promote transparency, opponents express concern that it may inadvertently create a more complicated framework if critical data remains accessible only under specific conditions. The debate over these issues underscores the ongoing challenges in reforming campaign finance laws in a way that satisfies both public interest and individual rights.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OR SB500

Relating to campaign finance; declaring an emergency.

OR HB4024

Relating to campaign finance; prescribing an effective date.

OR HB3455

Relating to campaign finance.

OR SB162

Relating to campaign finance; declaring an emergency.

OR HB2695

Relating to campaign finance disclosure requirements.

OR SB167

Relating to elections; declaring an emergency.

OR HB2003

Relating to campaign finance; providing that this Act shall be referred to the people for their approval or rejection.

OR SB166

Relating to elections; and declaring an emergency.

OR SB1538

Relating to election law; declaring an emergency.

OR HB2896

Relating to candidate filings.

Similar Bills

CA AB808

Campaign statements and registrations: filing online or electronically.

CA AB1367

Political Reform Act of 1974: committee accounts and campaign funds.

ND SB2156

Campaign disclosure statements; to provide a penalty; to provide for application; and to provide an effective date.

ND HB1377

Campaign disclosure statements; to provide a penalty; to provide for application; and to provide an effective date.

MS HB1375

Campaign finance law; revise.

MS SB2658

Campaign finance; comprehensive reform of laws pertaining to.

CA AB1511

Political Reform Act of 1974: refunding and transferring contributions: voter information guide.

CA SB423

November 3, 2020, statewide general election.