HF71

The bill creates a group called the "Working Group on Local Candidate Campaign Finance Reporting" to evaluate and possibly change how local election campaign finances are reported in Minnesota. This working group will consider whether local candidates should file their campaign finance reports with the state-level Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board instead of local filing officers.

The group will be made up of various members from political, municipal, county, township, and school board organizations, along with appointed senators and representatives. They are tasked with reviewing current practices, assessing the support capability of local filing officers, and considering any needed changes to campaign finance reporting laws for local candidates, especially if filing responsibilities are transferred to the state board.

The group is also tasked with studying the potential impact this change would have on the board’s budget and staff, exploring the feasibility, and drafting proposed legislation if changes are advised. The group is to submit a report with their findings and recommendations by January 15, 2026. The work of this group will be supported administratively by the Legislative Coordinating Commission, and specific funds are designated for this purpose, available until June 30, 2026. The group will dissolve after submitting their report or by January 16, 2026, whichever is later.