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HF 376

A bill for an act limiting campaign contributions to certain candidates, and making penalties applicable.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Austin Baeth and 8 co-sponsors

Bill HF 376 limits campaign contributions for statewide and legislative candidates, promoting fairness and transparency while encouraging diverse electoral participation.

Introduced, referred to State Government.
#campaignfinance #candidates
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 376

Summary of Bill HF 376

Bill Number: HF 376
Title: A bill for an act limiting campaign contributions to certain candidates, and making penalties applicable.
Status: Introduced, referred to State Government.
Introduced Date: February 13, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Campaign Finance, Candidates

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill HF 376 is to establish limits on campaign contributions to candidates for statewide and legislative offices. The bill aims to promote fairness in the electoral process by reducing the influence of large donations on political campaigns, thereby enhancing transparency and accountability in campaign financing.

Key Provisions

Contribution Limits

The bill introduces specific contribution limits for candidates during an election campaign cycle, defined as the period between elections for a particular office. The limits vary based on the type of election and the source of the contributions:

For Statewide Elected Officials:

  • From a Political Committee: $4,000
  • From a National Political Party, State Statutory Political Committee, or County Statutory Political Committee: $40,000
  • From Any Other Natural Person: $4,000

For State Senators and State Representatives:

  • From a Political Committee: $1,000
  • From a National Political Party, State Statutory Political Committee, or County Statutory Political Committee: $10,000
  • From Any Other Natural Person: $1,000

Applicability of Limits

The contribution limits apply separately for each type of election (primary, general, and special elections) within an election campaign cycle. This means that candidates will have distinct limits for each election type, allowing for tailored fundraising strategies.

Impact

Who Would Be Affected

  • Candidates: Individuals running for statewide office, state senate, or state representative positions will be directly impacted by the new contribution limits.
  • Contributors: Political committees, political parties, and individual donors will need to adhere to the specified limits when making contributions to candidates.
  • Political Landscape: The bill aims to level the playing field for candidates, particularly those who may not have access to large financial backers, potentially leading to a more diverse range of candidates in elections.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: The bill was introduced on February 13, 2025, and has been referred to the State Government committee for further consideration.
  • Next Steps: The bill will undergo discussions and potential amendments in the committee before it can be brought to the floor for a vote.

Conclusion

Bill HF 376 seeks to regulate campaign financing by imposing contribution limits on candidates for statewide and legislative offices. By establishing clear financial boundaries, the bill aims to foster a more equitable electoral environment, encouraging broader participation and reducing the potential for undue influence in political campaigns.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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