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LD 390

An Act To Raise The Contribution Cap For Unenrolled Candidates

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Stacy Brenner and 1 co-sponsor

Enacts primary-period parity by raising the contribution cap for unenrolled candidates to match enrolled candidates during a defined primary period.

Became Law without Governor's Signature
#campaignfinance #elections #unenrolledcandidates
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Bill Summary · LD 390

Summary — LD 390: An Act To Raise The Contribution Cap For Unenrolled Candidates

Purpose

LD 390 changes Maine campaign finance rules to increase the amount that unenrolled (independent) candidates may receive from individual donors by aligning certain contribution limits and time periods for unenrolled candidates with those that apply to enrolled (party) candidates.

Key provisions

  • Raises the contribution cap for unenrolled candidates. (The bill text raises the allowable contribution amounts for unenrolled candidates; the fiscal documents do not include specific dollar amounts.)
  • Establishes a “primary election period” for unenrolled candidates during which they may receive campaign contributions in amounts equal to those allowed for enrolled candidates during the same period. This creates parity in contribution limits across candidate types for the comparable period around primaries.
  • Enforcement and administration of the revised limits remain with the Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices.

Note: The enacted version includes Committee Amendment “A” (S‑117), which implements the primary‑period parity described above.

Who is affected

  • Primary beneficiaries: unenrolled (independent) candidates running for state office — they can accept larger contributions during the designated primary period, matching what party candidates may receive.
  • Donors to unenrolled candidates: may lawfully contribute larger sums in the established period.
  • Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices: will administer and enforce the revised contribution limits and reporting requirements.
  • Political parties and enrolled candidates: experience parity in contribution treatment for the primary period (though overall contribution regimes for enrolled candidates are unchanged).

Fiscal impact and administration

  • Fiscal note(s) (approved 04/10/25 and 05/22/25) estimate a minor General Fund cost increase to the Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices. The costs are expected to be minor and absorbable within existing budgeted resources.

Legislative timeline / status

  • Introduced: February 4, 2025
  • Committee review and amendment: Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee recommended OTP‑AM; Committee Amendment “A” (S‑117) adopted May 21, 2025.
  • Passed by Legislature: May 27, 2025 (enacted)
  • Final status: Became law without the Governor’s signature on June 8, 2025.

Practical implications

Enacting LD 390 narrows a fundraising gap between unenrolled and enrolled candidates by allowing unenrolled candidates to receive higher contributions during a defined primary period, potentially improving their ability to raise funds competitively. Administrative impact on the ethics commission is expected to be minimal.

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

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