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S 322

An act relating to removing the power of Vermont corporations to spend money on election activities

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Wendy Harrison and 1 co-sponsor

S.322 would prohibit or severely restrict Vermont corporations from spending money on election-related activities.

Committee on Government Operations relieved; bill committed to Committee on Judiciary on motion of Senator Collamore
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 322

Bill Overview

S.322 (2025-2026 Session, Vermont) is an act titled “An act relating to removing the power of Vermont corporations to spend money on election activities.” The bill aims to restrict or prohibit corporations headquartered or organized under Vermont law from spending money on political or election-related activities. The sponsors include Senator Collamore (and co-sponsors Wendy Harrison and Anne Watson). The bill was read for the first time on January 27, 2026, referred to the Government Operations Committee, and as of February 18, 2026, was committed to the Judiciary Committee.

Primary Purpose and Intent

  • To prohibit or significantly limit the ability of Vermont corporations to spend money on election-related activities.
  • To centralize or shift control of political spending away from corporate entities to other actors (e.g., individuals, political action committees, or other permissible entities under state law).
  • To address concerns about corporate influence in elections by reducing corporate political expenditures originating within Vermont.

Key Provisions and Changes (as implied by title and history)

  • Prohibition or substantial restriction on corporate expenditures for election activities by Vermont corporations. This could include campaign contributions, independent expenditures, political advertising, or other election-related spending.
  • Clarification of what constitutes “election activities” in the Vermont context and which corporate entities are subject to the restriction.
  • Possible exemptions or transitional provisions for existing corporate political programs, if any, and for governmental or nonpartisan activities not deemed influenced by elections.
  • Mechanisms for enforcement and penalties for violations, potentially including fines, civil penalties, or other administrative remedies.
  • Effective dates outlining when the prohibition or restrictions take effect (e.g., upon enactment, with a phase-in period, or from a specific election cycle).

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Affected Entities: Vermont corporations (as defined under Vermont law) and potentially entities organized under Vermont corporate statutes.
  • Indirect Effects: Corporate political spending dynamics within Vermont could shift toward individuals, employee groups, or other permissible donors; political committees or PACs may experience changes in fundraising patterns if corporate channels are narrowed.
  • Other Stakeholders: Campaigns, political committees, and election officials who track funding sources may experience changes in disclosure needs or reporting, depending on the bill’s reporting requirements.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • January 27, 2026: Read the bill for the first time and referred to the Committee on Government Operations.
  • February 18, 2026: Committee on Government Operations relieved; bill committed to the Judiciary Committee on motion of Senator Collamore.
  • No specific date provided for enactment or implementation; typical Vermont process would require committee hearings, potential amendments, and a floor vote in both chambers, followed by signature or veto by the governor.

Potential Considerations and Questions

  • What specific activities are covered (independent expenditures, direct contributions, political advertising, etc.)?
  • Are there exemptions (e.g., for corporate political action committees, limited liability companies, or non-corporate entities)?
  • How will enforcement be handled (agency authority, penalties, private right of action)?
  • How does this interact with federal constitutional considerations and case law on corporate political spending?
  • What are the fiscal and administrative costs to state agencies for monitoring and enforcement?

Summary

S.322 seeks to remove or substantially curtail the ability of Vermont corporations to spend money on election-related activities, signaling a shift in how corporate political influence is regulated at the state level. The bill’s progression through the Judiciary Committee will clarify the scope, enforcement, and practical implications, including any exemptions and reporting requirements, and determine its ultimate impact on corporate political spending within Vermont.

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

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