The enactment of SB491 is projected to lead to increased accountability in campaign finance practices, particularly regarding online donations. By requiring contributors to provide a CVV, the law could deter fraudulent contributions and enhance overall transparency within political funding. This requirement would directly impact political organizations, which will need to adapt their contribution systems to comply with the new regulation. The aim is to facilitate a clearer understanding of donor identities and mitigate risks related to anonymous or illegitimate contributions, thus fostering more trust in the political funding system.
Summary
SB491, known as the Codification of Verified Values Act, seeks to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 by instituting a requirement for online contributions to political organizations. Specifically, the bill mandates that any internet credit card contribution accepted by a political organization must include the disclosure of the credit verification value (CVV) by the contributor at the time of the transaction. This measure is intended to enhance the integrity of political contributions made online and to ensure that donations are made by verified individuals or entities.
Contention
Opposition to SB491 may arise from concerns regarding the potential implications on donor privacy and the operational burdens placed on political organizations. Critics might argue that the CVV requirement could deter small donors or hinder grassroots fundraising efforts due to added complexity in the donation process. Some may see it as an unnecessary regulatory burden that could limit the accessibility of political giving. The discussion surrounding the balance between transparency and donor privacy is likely to be a significant point of contention as the bill progresses.
Freedom to Vote Act Voters’ Access to Water Act Right to Vote Act Automatic Voter Registration Act of 2023 Help America Run Act Government By the People Act of 2023 Restoring Integrity to America’s Elections Act Stop Super PAC–Candidate Coordination Act Spotlight Act Honest Ads Act DISCLOSE Act of 2023 Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act of 2023 Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act of 2023 Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2023 Democracy Restoration Act of 2023 Voter Registration Modernization Act of 2023 Voter Empowerment Act of 2023
Freedom to Vote Act This bill addresses voter registration and voting access, election integrity and security, redistricting, and campaign finance. Specifically, the bill expands voter registration (e.g., automatic and same-day registration) and voting access (e.g., vote-by-mail and early voting). It also limits removing voters from voter rolls. Next, the bill establishes Election Day as a federal holiday. The bill declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence. The bill establishes certain federal criminal offenses related to voting. In particular, the bill establishes a new criminal offense for conduct (or attempted conduct) to corruptly hinder, interfere with, or prevent another person from registering to vote or helping someone register to vote. Additionally, the bill sets forth provisions related to election security, including by requiring states to conduct post-election audits for federal elections. The bill outlines criteria for congressional redistricting and generally prohibits mid-decade redistricting. The bill addresses campaign finance, including by expanding the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals, requiring additional disclosure of campaign-related fundraising and spending, requiring additional disclaimers regarding certain political advertising, and establishing an alternative campaign funding system for certain federal offices.