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Massachusetts
Existing Laws
Massachusetts Office of Campaign & Political Finance
Massachusetts Campaign Finance Law
Scn 55:6A limits Political Action Committee contributions to candidates as follows:
- governor $150,000;
- lieutenant governor $31,250;
- attorney general $62,500;
- state secretary, treasurer or auditor $37,500;
- state senator & various others $18,750;
- state representative $7,500.
Scn 55:7 puts similar restrictions on loans that a candidate may make to his/her candidate committee. It also limits donations by individuals to $500/year to each candidate (or $25/year for a donor less than 18 years old.)
Proposed Laws
Bill S.305 “Massachusetts Corporate Accountability Act of 2011" was referred to Joint Committee on Election Laws in January, 2011. The bill requires a corporation to provide a "written report to its shareholders" and posted on its website for a year, detailing money spent for candidates to state or local offices. It also requires board or executive approval for campaign contributions exceeding $5,000. The punishment for violation is up to $1,000 and/or a year in prison.