Several bills related to campaign finance reform will be heard in the House Privileges and Elections Subcommittee #2 meeting tomorrow, January 26th, at 7:00 a.m. Some of the bills are part of VaOurWay’s 2022 legislative agenda and there are many more we support.
Here are the bills that will be discussed:
HB 71 would prohibit state candidates, campaign committees, and political committees from accepting contributions from investor-owned utilities, such as Dominion Energy. (VaOurWay agenda)
HB 86 would direct the Department of Elections to create a searchable, online database that allows users to view information included in campaign finance reports. Users would also be able to access information on late filings and other violations.
HB 125 would subject political advertisement sponsors who violate disclosure laws with advertisements that attack opponents to a $10,000 fine. (VaOurWay agenda)
HB 174 would prohibit candidates from receiving more than 75% of total campaign contributions from individuals or committees residing outside of the candidate’s district. (VaOurWay agenda)
HB 205 would prohibit state and local elections officials from using money from nongovernmental entities to fund voter education outreach programs, voter registration programs, or other election expenses.
HB 489 would broaden the scope of disclaimer requirements to include any messages appearing in print media, on television or radio, or on online platforms within 30 days of a primary or 60 days of a general election. The bill would also require advertisements funded by independent expenditures to include a disclaimer listing the names of the three largest contributors. (VaOurWay agenda)
HB 492 would require campaigns to retain all records of expenditures greater than $500. The bill would also allow the Department of Elections to review these records within 180 days of Election Day and post the results of the review on the Department’s website. (VaOurWay agenda)
HB 495 would require all campaign finance reports to be filed electronically with the Department of Elections. Currently, campaign finance reports can be filed either electronically or in writing. (VaOurWay agenda)
HB 500, similar to HB 489, would broaden the scope of disclaimer requirements to include any messages appearing in print media, on television or radio, on online platforms within 30 days of a primary or 60 days of a general election. (VaOurWay agenda)
HB 524 would prohibit candidates from accepting contributions from public service corporations, which include gas, heat, water supply, and other companies. (VaOurWay agenda)
HB 575 would prohibit any individual from contributing more than $40,000 to any gubernatorial candidate, $30,000 to any state Senate candidates, $20,000 to any House of Delegates candidates, $20,000 to any political action committee, and $40,000 to any party committee in a single election cycle. The bill also limits the contributions of political action committees and party committees. The bill would establish a civil penalty for those contributing over the specified limits. (VaOurWay agenda)
HB 973 would prohibit state candidates from using campaign contributions for their own personal use. (VaOurWay agenda)
HB 1101, similar to HB 205, would prevent state and local election officials from using money from nongovernmental entities to fund voter education outreach programs, voter registration programs, or other election expenses.
An overwhelming majority of Virginians support campaign finance reform. With the passage of the legislation listed above, the voice of average voters will no longer come second to the interests of big donors.
Contact members of the House Privileges and Elections Subcommittee #2 before Wednesday’s hearing and tell them to vote for campaign finance reform!
Del. Israel O’Quinn
Pocahontas Building, Room W230
900 East Main Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
(804) 698-1005
DelIOQuinn@house.virginia.gov
Del. Robert Bloxom
Pocahontas Building, Room E403
900 East Main Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
(804) 698-1000
email: DelRBloxom@house.virginia.gov
Del. Wren Williams
Pocahontas Building
900 East Main Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
(804) 698-1009
email: delwwilliams@house.virginia.gov
Del. Kim Taylor
Pocahontas Building
900 East Main Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
(804) 698-1063
email: delktaylor@house.virginia.gov
Del. Otto Wachsmann
Pocahontas Building
900 East Main Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
(804) 698-1075
email: delowachsmann@house.virginia.gov
Del. Mark Sickles
Pocahontas Building, Room W1312
900 East Main Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
(804) 698-1043
email: DelMSickles@house.virginia.gov
Del. Candi Mundon King
Pocahontas Building
900 East Main Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
(804) 698-1002
email: DelCMundonKing@house.virginia.gov
Del. Michelle Maldonado
Pocahontas Building
900 East Main Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
(804) 698-1050
email: delmmaldonado@house.virginia.gov
Del. Margaret Ransone
Pocahontas Building, Room E412
900 East Main Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
(804) 698-1099
email: DelMRansone@house.virginia.gov
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