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Bill

HF 600

Major political parties prohibited from accepting contributions during the legislative session.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Duane Quam

Minnesota bill bans major political parties from accepting donations while the legislature is in session to reduce money-for-votes appearance.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Elections Finance and Government Operations
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Bill Summary · HF 600

Legislative bill overview

HF 600 would prohibit Minnesota's major political parties from accepting financial contributions during active legislative sessions. The bill creates a temporal restriction on party fundraising that aligns donation collection periods with when the legislature is not in session.

Why is this important

Campaign finance rules shape the relationship between legislators and donors. This proposal directly addresses concerns about money flowing to parties while lawmakers are actively voting on legislation, potentially reducing the appearance that legislative decisions are influenced by concurrent fundraising activities.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional concerns: Courts have consistently protected political donations as speech; restricting when parties can fundraise may face First Amendment challenges
  • Practical enforcement: Distinguishing between "major parties" and defining session dates creates administrative complexity; determining what constitutes a prohibited "contribution" during gray periods could be litigious
  • Asymmetrical impact: The restriction could disadvantage parties relying on legislative-session momentum for fundraising while benefiting those with established donor bases who give year-round; non-party political committees and independent groups would face no such restrictions
  • Effectiveness questions: Donors may simply accelerate giving before sessions begin or shift funds to nominally independent committees, potentially reducing transparency rather than actual influence

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

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