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LD 207

An Act To Amend The Laws Governing Qualifying Contributions Of Cash Under The Maine Clean Election Act

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Amy Arata and 6 co-sponsors

Eliminates the signature affirmation for cash qualifying contributions to the Maine Clean Election Act, easing donor paperwork while preserving the personal-funds rule.

Pursuant to Joint Rule 310.3 Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD)
#campaignfinance #elections #qualifyingcontributions
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Bill Summary · LD 207

Summary of LD 207: An Act To Amend The Laws Governing Qualifying Contributions Of Cash Under The Maine Clean Election Act

Overview

LD 207 proposes a procedural change to the Maine Clean Election Act (MCEA) related to qualifying cash contributions. The bill would eliminate a signature affirmation requirement that donors currently must complete when making qualifying cash contributions to MCEA candidates. The measure was introduced on January 14, 2025 and is currently listed as Dead (Pursuant to Joint Rule 310.3 Placed in Legislative Files).

Purpose and Intent

  • To streamline the process for donors contributing cash qualifying contributions to MCEA candidates.
  • To reduce administrative burdens on campaigns and state review processes by removing the requirement for donors to sign an affirmation that their cash contributions come from personal funds.
  • The underlying policy goal appears to be maintaining qualification standards for MCEA while easing regulatory paperwork.

Key Provisions (What the Bill Would Change)

  • Remove the form requirement: The bill eliminates the obligation for contributors to sign a form affirming that their cash contributions are from personal funds.
  • Preserve existing rules: The bill does not indicate changes to the eligibility criteria for qualifying contributions beyond the removal of the affirmation form.

Note: The summary reflects the information available in the fiscal note and bill description. The text does not indicate changes to the fundamental source-of-funds rule beyond eliminating the signing requirement.

Fiscal Impact

  • Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement indicates minor savings to the General Fund.
  • Rationale: Reducing staff time and resources needed to review the affirmation forms could yield small administrative cost savings for state agencies.

Stakeholders Affected

  • Candidates participating in the Maine Clean Election Act program.
  • Campaign staff and volunteers responsible for collecting qualifying contributions.
  • State election officials and administrators who process and review qualifying contributions.
  • Individual donors who would no longer sign an affirmation form (though the requirement to fund from personal funds remains governed by existing law).

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: January 14, 2025.
  • Committee: Veterans and Legal Affairs.
  • Legislative actions (selection):
    • Jan 14, 2025: Referred to Veterans and Legal Affairs.
    • Feb 10, 2025: Work session; divided report.
    • Feb 26, 2025: Work session reconsidered; Voted ONTP.
    • Mar 3, 2025: Reported Out ONTP.
    • Mar 4, 2025: Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD) under Joint Rule 310.3.
  • Status: Dead bill; no further movement toward enactment in this session.

Notes

  • Official sponsor: Sen. Bennett of Oxford (LR 409(01)).
  • The fiscal note indicates no requirement for a formal fiscal note, with the stated minor General Fund savings.

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

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