Minneslate Logo

HF1447 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Disclosure of contributors who contribute less than $200 who live outside the area represented by the candidate required.

Related bill: SF1774

AI Generated Summary

This bill (H.F. No. 1447) proposes amendments to Minnesota's campaign finance disclosure laws. Specifically, it requires candidates for legislative and statewide offices to disclose contributions from individuals or associations residing outside the area they represent, even if those contributions are less than $200. Currently, contributions under this threshold are not required to be itemized.

Key provisions of the bill include:

  1. Expanded Contributor Disclosure:

    • Contributions from individuals or associations residing outside a candidate’s represented area must be disclosed, even if they are below the existing $200 threshold.
    • Contributions from within the represented area only need to be disclosed if they exceed $200 in aggregate for the year.

  2. Additional Reporting Requirements:

    • The campaign finance report must include detailed identifying information (name, address, employer/occupation if self-employed, and registration number if applicable) for disclosed contributors.
    • Disclosure of expenditures, loans, and other financial activities remains largely unchanged but is adjusted to align with the new requirements for out-of-area contributions.

This bill seeks to enhance transparency in campaign financing by ensuring that small-dollar contributions from outside a candidate’s district or area are disclosed, potentially highlighting the influence of non-local donors in elections.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 23, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toElections Finance and Government Operations

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "A specification for contributor disclosure with clarifications for non-resident contributions."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "None"
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies reporting requirements for campaign finance under section 10A.20.",
      "modified": [
        "Adds a requirement to disclose contributors contributing less than 200 outside the represented area."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "10A.20"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "References earlier existing definitions for terms within the ballot question context."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "None"
      ],
      "summary": "The bill references definitions under section 10A.01 utilized within reporting terms.",
      "modified": [
        "Enhancements to use existing definitions in section 10A.01 for clarity in procedural conformity."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "10A.01"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Introduces mention of administrative assistance provided by nonprofit corporations."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "None"
      ],
      "summary": "The bill references administrative assistance as permitted under section 211B.15.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies use of administrative support under a political context."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "211B.15"
  }
]

Sponsors