Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB853

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/22/23
• Refer: 12/22/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Local candidates filing campaign finance reports and making an appropriation. (FE)

Impact

The provisions of AB853 will amend several existing statutes, effectively repealing local financial oversight elements. By transferring the registration and reporting responsibilities to the Ethics Commission, the bill promises to create a more consistent and efficient process for following campaign finance laws throughout the state. This approach may help reduce confusion among candidates regarding where and how to file, ensuring they adhere to regulatory requirements more effectively.

Summary

Assembly Bill 853 aims to streamline the campaign finance reporting process for local candidates and political parties in Wisconsin. The bill mandates that all committees and political parties must register with and submit their campaign finance reports to the Ethics Commission rather than local clerks. This is designed to centralize the oversight of campaign finance and enhance transparency by making reports more uniformly accessible to the public through the commission's platform.

Contention

Some concerns have been raised regarding the potential overreach of state authority into local governance. Critics argue that local control over campaign finance matters is essential, particularly in smaller municipalities where local conditions may require tailored approaches to reporting and accountability. There is also apprehension about the added administrative burden that local committees may face in adapting to the new centralized system and ensuring compliance with state-level regulations.