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Bill

HB 61

Use of Campaign Funds for Child Care Expenses

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Daryl Campbell and 3 co-sponsors

Florida bill would have allowed candidates to use campaign donations for child care expenses tied to campaign activities, but died in committee without a vote.

Died in Government Operations Subcommittee
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Bill Summary · HB 61

Legislative bill overview

HB 61 would have permitted Florida candidates and elected officials to use campaign funds to pay for child care expenses related to campaign activities. The bill died in the Government Operations Subcommittee after being indefinitely postponed in May 2025, never advancing to a full floor vote.

Why is this important

Campaign finance rules directly affect who can afford to run for office. Allowing child care expenses could reduce financial barriers for parents—particularly women—seeking elected positions. However, it also raises questions about how broadly "campaign-related" child care could be defined and whether it represents appropriate use of political donations.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition ambiguity: What qualifies as "campaign-related" child care? Care during campaign events only, or during any time a candidate is campaigning, potentially including routine care?
  • Donor intent concerns: Supporters donate to advance a candidate's policy platform, not necessarily to subsidize personal family expenses, even if indirectly campaign-related.
  • Equity and access: While potentially helping parent-candidates, it may disproportionately benefit higher-income campaigns that can afford quality child care and better track expenses.

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

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