New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S4329

Introduced
5/12/25  

Caption

"Political Donation Transparency Act;" prohibits automatic enrollment in recurring political contributions and establishes penalties for violators.

Impact

If enacted, S4329 could significantly alter the dynamics of political fundraising in New Jersey. By restricting the use of automatic contribution setups, the law seeks to enhance transparency and ensure that donors understand their financial commitments to political candidates. The bill empowers the Election Law Enforcement Commission to create rules necessary for its implementation, which indicates that a regulatory framework will be established to oversee compliance and enforcement.

Summary

Senate Bill S4329, known as the 'Political Donation Transparency Act,' aims to regulate political contributions by prohibiting automatic enrollment in recurring donations. The bill establishes specific guidelines that must be followed for recurring contributions, emphasizing the necessity for affirmative consent from contributors. Candidates and political committees will be required to provide clear information regarding the nature, frequency, and amount of these contributions, ensuring that donors are fully informed before consenting to recurring withdrawals.

Contention

While the proponents of S4329 argue that it is a necessary step towards cleaner political financing and increased donor awareness, opponents may view it as a limitation on fundraising practices. There are concerns about how this legislation could impact small donations and the ability of candidates to efficiently manage their campaigns. The imposition of penalties for violations is also noteworthy, as it elevates the importance of adherence to the new regulations and underscores the intent to prevent any unethical practices regarding political donations.

Companion Bills

NJ A5559

Same As "Political Donation Transparency Act;" prohibits automatic enrollment in recurring political contributions and establishes penalties for violators.

Previously Filed As

NJ A5559

"Political Donation Transparency Act;" prohibits automatic enrollment in recurring political contributions and establishes penalties for violators.

NJ HB07128

An Act Concerning Online Political Donation Platforms And Limiting Automatically Recurring Contributions.

NJ SB01168

An Act Concerning Online Political Fundraising Platforms And Restricting Automatically Recurring Contributions.

NJ A3396

Clarifies and strengthens disclosure requirements for certain complimentary tickets received by candidates, officeholders, political party officials, political committees and continuing political committees.

NJ A2545

Clarifies and strengthens disclosure requirements for certain complimentary tickets received by candidates, officeholders, political party officials, political committees and continuing political committees.

NJ S853

Increases disclosure of political contributions by business entities with public contracts; creates uniform law for contributions by such entities; repeals local option to set contribution limits for business entities.

NJ S1398

Increases disclosure of political contributions by business entities with public contracts; creates uniform law for contributions by such entities; repeals local option to set contribution limits for business entities.

NJ S2866

Establishes "Elections Transparency Act;" requires reporting of campaign contributions in excess of $200; increases contribution limits; concerns independent expenditure committees, certain business entity contributions, and certain local provisions; requires appropriation.

NJ A4372

Establishes "Elections Transparency Act;" requires reporting of campaign contributions in excess of $200; increases contribution limits; concerns independent expenditure committees, certain business entity contributions, and certain local provisions; requires appropriation.

NJ S3748

Prohibits legislative aide who works, or worked, directly for legislator in district office from making political contribution greater than $30 per election to that legislator; prohibits receipt of such contribution.

Similar Bills

CA SB794

Political Reform Act of 1974: contribution limits.

CA AB2882

Campaign contributions.

AZ HB2443

Campaign finance; contributions limits

CA AB775

Contribution requirements: recurring contributions.

AZ HB2623

Campaign finance; candidate committee transfers

MI SB0458

Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; acceptance of certain contributions by judge or justice; prohibit. Amends 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.201 - 169.282) by adding sec. 30a.

AZ SB1129

Campaign finance; transfers; candidate committee

MI SB0655

Campaign finance: other; certain campaign contribution limits; reduce. Amends secs. 52, 52a & 69 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.252 et seq.) & repeals sec. 46 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.246).