New Hampshire House Bill HB1394

New Hampshire 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/1/21
• Refer: 12/1/21
• Report DNP: 3/9/22
• Report Pass: 3/9/22

Caption

Relative to the reporting of certain campaign contributions and relative to political contributions made by limited liability companies.

Impact

The proposed changes would affect New Hampshire's campaign finance laws by redefining how contributions from LLCs are treated in terms of contribution limits. It emphasizes that contributions from LLCs should be treated as if they are made by the individual members based on their ownership percentages. This approach could significantly alter the landscape of political contributions by ensuring members of LLCs are accountable for contributions made through their business entities, potentially leading to a more regulated environment around political financing.

Summary

House Bill 1394 seeks to enhance transparency in political financing by introducing additional reporting requirements for political contributions, particularly those made by limited liability companies (LLCs). It mandates that any political contribution exceeding $1,000 must include detailed information about the source of the funds and how they are allocated among the members of the LLC. This aims to ensure that contributions are transparently accounted for, thereby enhancing accountability among political committees and candidates.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1394 is mixed. Supporters argue that the bill is a necessary step toward ensuring fairness and transparency in political funding, contending that it will prevent circumvention of contribution limits that could occur through the use of LLCs. Conversely, opponents express concerns that it may overly complicate the political contribution process and could hinder the ability of legitimate political advocacy organizations to fundraise effectively.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding the bill revolve around the implications of the new reporting requirements for LLCs. Critics argue that this may unduly burden small businesses and limit the participation of many individuals in political contributions due to the additional administrative work required to comply with these regulations. The debate highlights the ongoing tension between ensuring transparency in political financing and allowing for the effective mobilization of resources by political actors.