Tennessee House Bill HB0388

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/23
• Refer: 2/1/23
• Failed: 3/15/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2, Chapter 10, Part 3, relative to campaign finance.

Impact

The introduction of HB0388 aims to impact the financial structure of political campaigns by placing a cap on contributions from out-of-state sources. This bill is significant as it could potentially alter the dynamics of campaign funding in Tennessee, compelling candidates to rely more heavily on local donors. Supporters of the bill argue that it will help mitigate the influence of outside interests in Tennessee elections, promoting a political landscape that is more representative of the state's electorate. Conversely, critics may view this as a restriction that could limit the financial resources available to candidates, particularly those who may rely on broader networks for funding.

Summary

House Bill 388 (HB0388) seeks to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 2, Chapter 10, Part 3, which pertains to campaign finance laws. The bill introduces a limitation on the amount of contributions that candidates or political campaign committees can accept from non-residents of Tennessee. Specifically, it prohibits these contributions from exceeding 30% of the total contributions received by a candidate or campaign committee. This legislative change is intended to ensure that political campaigns remain primarily funded by residents of the state, thereby reinforcing local electoral integrity.

Contention

Key points of contention surrounding HB0388 include the balance between ensuring local control of elections and the accessibility of campaign financing. Proponents assert that limiting out-of-state contributions is a necessary safeguard against excessive external influence, particularly in tight races. Opponents, however, may argue that such a restriction could inadvertently disadvantage candidates who may not have strong local networks or support, particularly in a state that seeks diverse representation in its political arena. The bill's stipulations raise fundamental questions about the role of money in politics and the rights of candidates to seek financial support without geographic limitations.