WG/Strategies/Ideas/Campaign Finance Legislation
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Massachusetts
Proposed Laws
Bill S.305 “Massachusetts Corporate Accountability Act of 2011" was heard by the Joint Committee on Election Laws on October 19, after being referred to the committee in January, 2011. The next step for this bill is for the committee chairman Michael Moran (representing Brookline & Brighton) to call a vote to release it to the House floor. The Senate would also have to act in this process.
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.
Also, "An Act to strengthen the campaign finance law" was introduced to the legislature this year. It is similar to that above and also prohibits companies that are part owned by foreign entities from affecting elections.
Existing Laws
Massachusetts Office of Campaign & Political Finance
Massachusetts has a public financing system that I do not entirely understand.
Massachusetts Campaign Finance Law
A pdf of contribution limits: File:Contribution table.pdf
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,) adding up to less than $12,500 in one year to all candidates. There is no limit on an individual's contribution to ballot question committees.
Scn 55:8 prohibits campaign or political contributions by businesses or majority stockholders in listed industries that might benefit from state actions. Media offering free time to one candidate must make equivalent time available to competing candidates.
Scn 55:18G requires radio, TV or internet campaign advertising to disclose who paid for the announcement. Violation is punishable for $10,000 fine and/or a year in prison.
Scn 55:22 requires reporting of all contributions to affect the vote on "any question submitted to the voters," except by qualified political committees.