Virginia Senate Bill SB803

Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/8/22
• Refer: 12/8/22

Caption

Campaign finance; campaign contribution limits, civil penalty.

Impact

The implementation of SB803 will significantly alter the landscape of campaign financing within the state. It will enforce guidelines that reduce the potential for large-scale funding from wealthy individuals or groups that can overshadow smaller campaigns. Additionally, the bill lays down rules about indirect contributions and aggregation of family contributions, thereby closing loopholes that could be exploited to bypass the established limits. The intention is to ensure transparency and equity in candidates’ financial backing, making political races more accessible to a wider range of candidates.

Summary

SB803 proposes to introduce strict regulations concerning campaign finance in Virginia by establishing contribution limits for candidates running for statewide office and the General Assembly. The bill specifies that no individual or committee can contribute more than $20,000 to any campaign committee for candidates like the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, or members of the General Assembly during one election cycle. This aims to mitigate excessive financial influence in politics and promote fairness in the electoral process.

Contention

There are notable points of contention regarding SB803, particularly concerning the balance between regulating campaign contributions and the freedom of individuals to support candidates financially. Critics may argue that such stringent limits could inhibit the ability of candidates to effectively fund their campaigns, particularly those in competitive districts. Furthermore, the enforcement mechanisms, including civil penalties for violations of contribution limits, may raise concerns regarding the resources required to monitor compliance and the repercussions for candidate committees operating under tight financial constraints. The bill's passage may face resistance from political factions who advocate for less regulation in campaign financing.