Contribution Limits

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by John King

Raises individual contribution limits to $3,500 per candidate per election cycle in South Carolina.

Referred to Committee on Judiciary

Summary — H 4250: "Contribution Limits"

Status and procedural history
- Bill number: H 4250
- Title: Contribution Limits
- Introduced: March 27, 2025
- Legislative action: Introduced and read first time (3/27/2025); referred to Committee on Judiciary (3/27/2025)
- Related: Replaces HD 4885
- Note: The version text supplied contains an unrelated Massachusetts gubernatorial message (H4240). The substantive statutory text in this bill amends South Carolina law (S.C. Code §8-13-1314).

Purpose and intent
- To amend South Carolina campaign finance law to raise the maximum dollar amount an individual may contribute to a candidate during an election cycle — specifically increasing certain contribution limits to $3,500.

Key provisions
- Amends S.C. Code §8-13-1314(A) (contribution limits and restrictions). Major changes include:
- Raises the maximum contribution "within an election cycle" to:
- $3,500 for a candidate for statewide office; and
- $3,500 in the aggregate for statewide candidates elected jointly pursuant to Section 8, Article IV of the South Carolina Constitution (i.e., jointly elected statewide offices).
- The text as supplied also indicates raising the limit to $3,500 for candidates for “any other office” (replacing the prior $1,000 limit).
- Retains existing restrictions:
- Cash contributions must be $25 or less unless accompanied by a record of the contributor’s name and address and amount.
- Prohibits contributions from registered lobbyists who lobby the office or body for which the candidate is running.
- Prohibits contributions intended for two elective offices simultaneously (subject to §8-13-1318 exceptions).
- Effective date: Upon approval by the Governor.

Who is affected
- Candidates and campaigns in South Carolina (statewide and non‑statewide races) — they would be able to accept larger individual contributions per election cycle.
- Individual donors — may give up to $3,500 per candidate per election cycle (subject to other statutory limits and reporting).
- Registered lobbyists — continue to be barred from contributing when they lobby the specific office sought by the candidate.
- Enforcement and oversight bodies (e.g., State Ethics Commission or election authorities) — will need to monitor and enforce the new limits.

Potential impacts and considerations
- Fundraising capacity: Candidates, particularly for statewide offices, could raise larger sums from single donors, potentially reducing the number of donors needed to meet fundraising targets.
- Influence and equity concerns: Higher limits can increase the relative influence of large donors; critics may argue it advantages well‑funded candidates or special interests, while proponents may argue it modernizes limits and reduces fundraising burden.
- Administrative and compliance: Election officials and campaigns will need to update compliance processes to reflect the new dollar thresholds and continue existing reporting requirements (e.g., for cash contributions over $25).
- Timing: The change takes effect upon the Governor’s approval; until then it remains proposed legislation pending committee and floor action.

This summary focuses on the substantive amendment to S.C. Code §8-13-1314 included in the bill text.