Missouri House Bill HB1964

Missouri 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/5/22
• Refer: 5/13/22

Caption

Requires campaign finance disclosure reports to include bank statements

Impact

The introduction of HB 1964 is expected to have significant implications for state laws governing campaign finance. By enforcing stricter disclosure requirements, it could lead to a decrease in covert political contributions and a more informed electorate. The requirement for bank statements means candidates and political organizations must maintain accurate records of their financial activities, potentially fostering a culture of accountability and transparency in political financing practices.

Summary

House Bill 1964 mandates that campaign finance disclosure reports must include bank statements. This legislation aims to enhance the transparency of political financing by providing a clearer view of the financial transactions that underpin campaign contributions. Advocates for the bill argue that requiring such disclosures will help prevent corruption and ensure that voters have access to critical information about where campaign funds are coming from and how they are being utilized.

Contention

Despite its intended purpose of increasing transparency, HB 1964 has faced criticism from certain groups who argue that the additional requirements could burden candidates, especially those running for local offices or grassroots campaigns. Opponents contend that the extra paperwork and scrutiny might deter individuals from participating in the political process or maintaining their campaigns due to increased administrative overhead. This has raised concerns about whether the bill might unintentionally hinder political engagement among small or independent candidates.