SF1996

This Minnesota Senate bill (S.F. No. 1996) proposes modifications to state campaign finance laws, including definitions, disclaimer requirements, and regulations related to coordinated expenditures. Specifically, it:

1. Clarifies Key Definitions:

   • Expands the definition of "expressly advocating" to include communications that clearly indicate an election outcome without explicitly stating so.
   • Broadens the definition of "independent expenditure" to include communications promoting, supporting, attacking, or opposing a candidate, even if they do not use express advocacy.

2. Revises Campaign Disclaimer Requirements:

   • Establishes stricter guidelines for disclaimers on digital campaign advertisements.
   • Requires clearer identification of the entity responsible for electioneering communications and independent expenditures.
   • Mandates disclaimer font size for different communication formats.

3. Imposes New Requirements for Digital Political Ads:

   • Requires electronic and broadcast electioneering communications to include specific disclaimers.
   • Provides exemptions for certain types of digital materials where disclaimers are technologically infeasible.

4. Strengthens Regulations on Coordinated and Non-Coordinated Expenditures:

   • Specifies criteria for determining when expenditures are deemed "coordinated" and thus not "independent."
   • Defines standards for candidate participation, fundraising, consulting services, and exchange of non-public campaign information.

5. Requires Additional Reporting:

   • Mandates personal contribution reporting by candidates who contribute or loan money to their own campaign exceeding certain limits.
   • Requires transparency in campaign disbursements to vendors exceeding $100.

6. Repeals Certain Provisions:

   • Eliminates an existing statute allowing websites to comply with disclaimer rules by only placing a disclaimer on the homepage.
   • Repeals a Minnesota rule concerning disclaimer-linked materials.

Overall, the bill aims to enhance campaign finance transparency, regulate digital political advertising, strengthen coordination rules, and ensure clearer public disclosure of campaign-related expenditures in Minnesota.