SF3459 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Campaign public subsidy program repeal
Related bill: HF3285
AI Generated Summary
Purpose of the Bill
The Minnesota legislative proposal aims to repeal the state's public subsidy program related to campaign finance. The bill is designed to make several amendments and conforming changes to existing statutes, effectively discontinuing public financial support for political campaigns.
Main Provisions
- Repeal of Public Subsidy Program: The bill seeks to eliminate the public subsidy program that provides financial assistance to political campaigns in Minnesota.
- Transfer of Funds: Any remaining funds in the state elections campaign account, including individual political party accounts and the general account, will be transferred to the state's general fund.
- Amendments to Current Laws: Specific sections of the Minnesota Statutes related to campaign finance reporting, expenditure limits, and public subsidy agreement requirements are modified to reflect the repeal of the public subsidy program.
- Investigation Process: Adjusts the details on how the board may investigate campaign finance violations and the processes involved in these investigations.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Contributions and Reporting: The bill modifies how contributions are received and reported, aligning them with the absence of public subsidies.
- Legal and Financial Proceedings: Establishes new rules for legal actions regarding campaign finance violations, including how conciliation agreements are managed.
- Equitable Relief for Missing Reports: Allows candidates to petition the court if their opponents fail to file required campaign finance reports timely.
Relevant Terms
- Campaign finance
- Public subsidy program
- Political contributions and expenditures
- Campaign finance reporting
- Investigation process
- Transfer of funds
- Minnesota Statutes adjustments
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 27, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading | |
| April 27, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading | |
| April 27, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Referred to | Elections |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Process for investigation of violations linked to candidates, treasurers, or political committees."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Amends the complaint process and investigation authority of the board.",
"modified": [
"Modifies when the board can investigate complaints."
]
},
"citation": "10A.022",
"subdivision": "subdivision 3"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Policy for contributions received via electronic means."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Clarifies time of receipt for contributions in campaign finance.",
"modified": [
"Clarifies when contributions are considered received."
]
},
"citation": "10A.15",
"subdivision": "subdivision 2a"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Allows district court petitions for equitable relief."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Discusses equitable relief for failure to file campaign finance reports.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "10A.20",
"subdivision": "subdivision 15"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Specifies types of expenditures not considered contributions."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Details exceptions to contribution and expenditure rules in campaign finance.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "10A.275",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Processes for conciliation agreements and civil actions."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Addresses handling excess campaign contributions and expenditures.",
"modified": [
"Amends periods for correcting excess contributions."
]
},
"citation": "10A.28",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Modifies tax refunds for political contributions.",
"modified": [
"Specification of maximum refunds for individuals and joint filings."
]
},
"citation": "290.06",
"subdivision": "subdivision 23"
}
]