US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal Senate Bill SB512

Introduced
2/16/23  

Caption

DISCLOSE Act of 2023 Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act of 2023 Stand By Every Ad Act

Extra

In summary, SB512 represents a significant shift toward improved disclosure and accountability in campaign finance, aiming to mitigate the influence of foreign money and dark money in elections. As it moves through legislative channels, the debate surrounding its implications for free speech and political advocacy will continue to unfold.

Impact

The enactment of SB512 would significantly affect the landscape of campaign finance law in the United States. Its provisions would ensure that any organization making substantial contributions—aggregating more than $10,000 in a reporting cycle—would be required to declare all campaign-related expenditures and disclose their top funders. This means increased accountability and a reduction in the use of anonymous funding in political campaigns, which has become a prominent concern in recent electoral cycles. It particularly targets dark money, which has been identified as a formidable force in shaping political agendas without public oversight.

Summary

SB512, known as the 'Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act of 2023' or the 'DISCLOSE Act of 2023', aims to amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 by enhancing transparency in campaign financing. This bill seeks to impose stricter disclosure requirements on corporations, labor organizations, Super PACs, and other entities involved in campaign-related disbursements. By closing loopholes that allow foreign nationals to indirectly influence U.S. elections, the bill bolsters the integrity of electoral processes by mandating that covered organizations reveal their donors and the amounts they contribute towards campaign-related activities.

Contention

While supporters argue that SB512 protects democratic processes and enhances transparency, opponents raise concerns about the bill's potential to infringe on free speech and the ability of organizations to advocate for their causes without undue scrutiny. Critics suggest that the stringent disclosure rules might discourage legitimate grassroots movements or limit the efficacy of certain advocacy groups that rely on privacy for their funding. Further contention arises around how these requirements might impact the overall flow of campaign donations, with fears that larger organizations could dominate the political space at the expense of smaller ones.

Companion Bills

US HB1118

Same As DISCLOSE Act of 2023 Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act of 2023 Stand By Every Ad Act

US HB988

Related Shell Company Abuse Act

US HB11

Related 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.

US SB2344

Related 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

US SB1

Related 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.

Previously Filed As

US HB7802

DISCLOSE Act of 2026 Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act of 2026 Stand By Every Ad Act

US SB3991

DISCLOSE Act of 2026 Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act of 2026 Stand By Every Ad Act

US SB4065

STAND with Taiwan Act of 2026 Sanctions Targeting Aggressors of Neighboring Democracies with Taiwan Act of 2026

US SB840

Digital Integrity in Democracy Act

US HB2356

Dual Loyalty Disclosure Act

US HB2441

Improving Disclosure for Investors Act of 2025

US HB3225

Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2025

US HB3201

Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2025

US HB3694

VALID Act of 2025 VA Loan Informed Disclosure Act of 2025

US SB186

No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act of 2025

Similar Bills

HI SB1555

Relating To Fair Campaign Practices.

HI SB1555

Relating To Fair Campaign Practices.

TX HB5111

Relating to the regulation of campaign treasurer appointments and related matters and the content of and posting of information contained in a campaign treasurer appointment; providing a civil penalty.

MD SB153

Election Law - Campaign Finance Entities - Oversight and Control of Campaign Funds

VA HB1761

Public campaign financing; counties and cities may establish for certain offices.

MD HB267

Election Law - Campaign Finance Entities - Oversight and Control of Campaign Funds

VA HB162

Public campaign financing; counties and cities may establish for certain offices.

FL S0414

Use of Campaign Funds for Campaign-related Child Care Expenses