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SF1851 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Misrepresentation of campaign authority prohibition

AI Generated Summary

This bill, S.F. No. 1851, seeks to prohibit misrepresentation of campaign authority in Minnesota elections. It introduces criminal penalties and civil remedies for violations.

Key Provisions:

  1. Misrepresentation Prohibited

    • It is illegal for a person or organization to falsely claim to speak, write, or act on behalf of a candidate, political party, or campaign-related organization with intent to defraud.
    • It is also illegal to solicit money or anything of value using such false representations.
    • It prohibits knowingly participating in or conspiring to participate in such schemes.

  2. Penalties and Remedies

    • Violators can be charged with a gross misdemeanor.
    • The attorney general, a county attorney, or an injured party can file a civil lawsuit under Minnesota law to seek damages, attorney fees, and other relief.
    • Courts may impose civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation.
    • The bill clarifies that these civil remedies are cumulative and do not limit other available legal remedies.
    • Complaints related to this violation cannot be processed under the existing complaint procedures in sections 211B.31 to 211B.36.

Conclusion:

This bill aims to prevent fraudulent campaign activities and strengthen enforcement mechanisms against deceptive political misrepresentation in Minnesota.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 23, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
February 23, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toElections
February 26, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor added
March 02, 2025SenateFloorActionComm report: To pass as amended and re-refer toJudiciary and Public Safety
March 31, 2025SenateFloorActionComm report: To pass and re-referred toElections

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "References to section 8.31 for civil actions and damages recovery."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill references section 8.31 regarding civil actions for violations involving misrepresentation of campaign authority.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "8.31"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill proposes amendments to the existing section 211B.32 subdivision 1, related to elections and campaign regulation.",
      "modified": [
        "Amends existing language to clarify prohibitions and penalties related to misrepresentation of campaign authority."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "211B.32 subdivision 1"
  }
]

Sponsors