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HB 336

Campaigns and Campaign Finance - As introduced, increases from 4 percent to 5 percent the percentage of general assembly candidates and their committees who will be selected for an audit by the registry of election finance. - Amends TCA Title 2; Title 3 and Title 8.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by John Crawford

Tennessee increases mandatory campaign finance audits of legislative candidates from 4% to 5% of selected campaigns to enhance financial disclosure oversight.

P2C, caption bill, held on desk - pending amdt.
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Bill Summary · HB 336

Legislative bill overview

HB 336 increases the mandatory audit rate for Tennessee state legislative candidates from 4% to 5% of those selected by the Registry of Election Finance. This modest increase means more campaign finance disclosures will be randomly audited to verify compliance with state finance laws.

Why is this important

Campaign finance audits serve as a transparency and accountability mechanism to detect potential violations of contribution limits, spending requirements, and disclosure obligations. Increasing the audit rate expands oversight capacity, though the impact depends on whether audit resources are increased proportionally and how findings are enforced.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost vs. benefit: Whether the 25% increase in audit workload is justified by the modest one percentage point change, and if the Registry has adequate staffing and funding to conduct thorough audits
  • Effectiveness debate: Whether random audits of 5% (versus 4%) meaningfully deters violations or if a higher percentage or risk-based targeting would be more effective
  • Burden on campaigns: Increased likelihood that candidates' committees face audits could create operational burdens, particularly for smaller or grassroots campaigns with limited compliance infrastructure

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

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