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CS/CS/SB 1890 — Campaign Financing
by Rules Committee; Ethics and Elections Committee; and Senator Rodrigues
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Ethics and Elections Committee (EE)
CS/CS/SB 1890 adds political committees sponsoring or in opposition to constitutional amendments proposed by initiative to the list of entities subject to a $3,000 contribution limit from a person or political committee. The contribution limit will no longer apply to such a political committee once the Secretary of State has issued a certificate of ballot position and a designating number for the proposed constitutional amendment.
The bill preempts local governments from enacting or adopting:
• Contribution limits that differ from existing limits specified in statute;
• Any limitation or restriction involving contributions to a political committee or an electioneering communications organization; or
• Any limitation or restriction on expenditures for an electioneering communication or an independent expenditure.
The bill also revises the authorized methods for disposing of surplus campaign funds to:
• Prohibit a candidate from donating such funds to a charitable organization by which he or she is employed; and
• Eliminate restrictions on which candidates may donate to which government funds to allow all candidates for state and local office to deposit surplus funds in the general revenue fund of a political subdivision, the state General Revenue Fund, or the Election Campaign Financing Trust Fund.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2021.
Vote: Senate 23-17; House 75-40