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Bill

S 515

An Act reforming campaign finance laws

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Barry Finegold

Massachusetts campaign finance reform bill modifies political donation regulations and disclosure rules to address funding influence on state elections.

Reporting date extended to Friday, January 30, 2026
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Bill Summary · S 515

Legislative bill overview

S 515 is a Massachusetts campaign finance reform bill introduced by Senator Barry Finegold that aims to modify how political campaigns are funded and regulated in the state. The bill has been referred to the Election Laws Committee and underwent a public hearing in October 2025, with the committee's reporting deadline extended to January 30, 2026.

Why is this important

Campaign finance laws directly shape political competition, candidate access to funding, and the influence of donors on elected officials. Massachusetts' approach to regulating contributions, expenditures, and disclosure requirements affects how state legislative and statewide races operate and can influence public trust in the political process.

Potential points of contention

  • Contribution limits vs. free speech: Any changes to donation caps may face arguments that they either restrict constitutionally-protected political speech or fail to adequately limit wealthy donors' influence
  • Donor disclosure requirements: Proposals to increase transparency could conflict with privacy concerns, while reduced disclosure might limit voters' ability to trace funding sources
  • Public financing provisions: If the bill includes public funding for campaigns, debates will likely center on cost-effectiveness, who qualifies, and whether taxpayer funding is appropriate

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

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