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Bill

HF 286

A bill for an act limiting campaign contributions to political committees, and making penalties applicable.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Josh Turek

HF 286 limits individual contributions to political committees to $5,000 per election cycle, promoting fairness and reducing wealthy influence in elections.

Introduced, referred to State Government.
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Bill Summary · HF 286

Summary of HF 286: Campaign Contribution Limits

Bill Number: HF 286
Introduced On: February 10, 2025
Current Status: Introduced, referred to State Government
Classification: Bill
Subject: Campaign Finance, Political Committees

Purpose and Intent

HF 286 aims to impose limits on campaign contributions to political committees in order to enhance transparency and fairness in the electoral process. The bill seeks to regulate the amount individuals can contribute to political committees during election campaign cycles, thereby addressing concerns about the influence of money in politics.

Key Provisions

  1. Definition of Election Campaign Cycle:

    • The bill defines an "election campaign cycle" as the period between elections for a specific office, which includes primary, general, and special elections. Each type of election is treated as a separate cycle.
  2. Contribution Limits:

    • Individuals are prohibited from contributing more than $5,000 to a political committee during an election campaign cycle.
    • Political committees are also restricted from accepting contributions exceeding $5,000 from any individual.
  3. Penalties for Violations:

    • Individuals who violate the contribution limits may face penalties as outlined in Code section 68B.32D.
    • Willful violations are classified as a serious misdemeanor, which can result in:
      • Confinement for up to one year.
      • Fines ranging from $430 to $2,560.
    • Additional civil remedies are available for violations, including reprimands and civil penalties of up to $2,000.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • This legislation primarily impacts individuals who contribute to political committees and the committees themselves. It aims to create a more equitable environment for political fundraising and campaigning.
  • Potential Outcomes:

    • By limiting contributions, the bill seeks to reduce the potential for undue influence by wealthy individuals or organizations in political processes, thereby promoting a more democratic electoral system.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced on February 10, 2025, and has been referred to the State Government committee for further consideration. The timeline for subsequent legislative actions will depend on the committee's schedule and decisions.

This summary provides an overview of HF 286, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impact on campaign finance practices.

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

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