Recently, a bipartisan coalition of Oregon State Senators passed House Bill 4024 to establish practical limits on campaign contributions. Oregon is currently one of only five states with no limits on political campaign contributions.
HB 4024 enacts reasonable campaign contribution limits that will level the playing field for regular Oregonians and protect campaigns from the undue influence of special interests. The measure enables everyday donors to participate meaningfully through Small Donor Committees – which allow the grouping of contributions less than $250. Additionally, the measure provides for the participation of nonprofit, community based organizations – which are (1) required to be 501(c) organizations that have been in existence for at least 18-months and (2) be composed of members who volunteer their time or donate money.
“Oregonians deserve a campaign finance system that is transparent and accountable,” said Senate Democratic Leader Kate Lieber (D – Beaverton & SW Portland), who co-carried the bill on the floor. “As evidenced by the bipartisan support and compromise that brought this bill through the House and the Senate Committee on Rules, this measure reflects a true Oregon Way solution to a complex issue.”
The measure contains strong anti-proliferation language and prohibits the creation of sham organizations to avoid campaign finance limits or skirt the transparency and disclosure requirements of the bill. It also enacts greater disclosure requirements so that voters are better informed about who is paying for campaign advertisements.
“For two decades, Oregonians have demanded campaign finance reform. In 2003, as House Majority Leader, I proposed reasonable campaign finance reform and worked across the aisle on the issue. I’m glad this Legislature could achieve a bipartisan solution that will increase transparency for voters while ratcheting down uncontrolled contributions,” said Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R – Bend), who co-carried the bill on the floor.
HB 4024 creates a new campaign finance dashboard within the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office and requires entities to report the original sources of contributions that pay for independent expenditures. Furthermore, it strengthens investigation and enforcement of campaign finance violations and allows for complainants to appeal decisions to an Administrative Law Judge.
House Bill 4024 now heads to the Governor’s desk for her signature.
