Controversial Campaign Finance Legislation Passed

Liz Gullett

Dec 07, 2018

On Thursday, the Senate passed a five-bill package creating an independent commission charged with campaign finance oversight. Currently, the Secretary of State provides the oversight. Controversy has surround the package as those opposed see this as a way for a Republican-led legislature to remove powers from the Secretary of State, who come January will be a Democrat. While those in support see this as a good move forward to bring more bipartisanship to the political process.

The legislation would create the Fair Political Practices Commission, modeled after the Federal Election Commission. The commission would be comprised of six members, three Democrats and three Republicans. The Governor would appoint the members using a list submitted by the two parties. While serving, commissioners couldn’t make political contributions or solicit contributions. Additionally,the commission would meet quarterly, and the legislature would be tasked with setting a per diem rate for the commission.

The bills have been referred to the House Elections and Ethics Committee for consideration.

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