Wisconsin Senate Bill SB600

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/30/23
• Refer: 10/30/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Reporting a contributor's place of employment.

Impact

If enacted, SB600 would impact the current framework governing campaign finance in Wisconsin by requiring more comprehensive disclosure of contributor information. The adjustment in the reporting threshold might result in increased transparency regarding the sources of campaign funds. Such transparency is expected to provide voters with better insights into the potential influences on their elected officials. However, the bill could affect the willingness of smaller contributors to participate in political donations due to concerns about privacy and the additional scrutiny associated with reporting their employment details.

Summary

Senate Bill 600, introduced in the 2023-2024 legislative session, aims to enhance transparency in campaign finance by amending state statutes related to the reporting requirements for political contributions. Specifically, the bill seeks to lower the threshold for reporting from over $200 to over $100 in cumulative contributions made by an individual. This change requires any committee receiving contributions above this new threshold to disclose not only the contributor's name and total contribution amount but also their principal place of employment and occupation. Supporters of the bill argue that this will improve transparency in the political financing process and help voters make more informed choices about the influences behind their representatives. 

Contention

Despite its intended goals, SB600 has drawn some contention among various stakeholders. Critics, including certain political groups and interests, argue that lowering the contribution reporting threshold could deter individuals from contributing due to privacy concerns regarding their employment details. They suggest that the original threshold allowed for adequate transparency without discouraging political engagement among average citizens. Additionally, there are concerns that the bill may place undue administrative burdens on campaign committees that now must track and report more contributors. The discussions around the bill will likely highlight the ongoing balance between fostering transparency in politics and protecting individual privacy rights.