Virginia House Bill HB1302

Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/22
• Refer: 1/21/22

Caption

Campaign finance; prohibits contributions from persons that are not individuals.

Impact

The implementation of HB 1302 is expected to tighten the regulations surrounding campaign financing in Virginia. The prescribed limits on contributions are designed to promote transparency and restrict the potential for undue influence by larger entities in political campaigns. This bill represents an effort to reinforce the integrity of the electoral process by limiting the sources of large contributions to candidates and committees, thus fostering a fairer competitive environment in political races.

Summary

House Bill 1302 introduces amendments to various sections of the Virginia Code concerning campaign finance. The bill specifically prohibits contributions from entities that are not individuals to candidates, campaign committees, political committees, or political party committees in excess of $20,000 unless such contributions are categorized as bundled contributions. This reflects a significant regulatory shift aimed at restraining the influence of large donations from non-individual entities in the electoral process.

Contention

Notably, the bill may face contention regarding its implications for political committees and organizations that may rely on contributions from larger entities for campaign financing. Opponents of HB 1302 might argue that the legislation could hinder grassroots movements or smaller organizations from effectively competing against more established candidates with access to individual donor networks. The debates may center around the balance between promoting fair campaign practices and ensuring opportunities for diverse political voices to be heard.