The Campaign Finance Modernization Amendment Act of 2025 seeks to improve transparency and efficiency in the District of Columbia's campaign finance system through several key provisions. It requires political committees to provide additional reporting, revises the definition of "coordination" to include actions by unaffiliated committees, and mandates that the Office of Campaign Finance publish all investigation-related documents on its website within 24 hours. The bill also introduces a timeline for investigating complaints, promotes the disclosure of manipulated media in political communications, and establishes a customer service-oriented approach by providing guides and forming an advisory group to enhance campaign finance processes.
Moreover, the legislation proposes significant changes to the Fair Elections Program, including raising the certification threshold for certain candidates, revoking certification for candidates who switch races after losing a primary, and ensuring timely disbursement of funds to campaigns. It prohibits candidates expelled from the Council from being certified under the Fair Elections Program. The bill also introduces new regulations regarding the use of artificial media in political advertising, requiring clear disclosures and imposing penalties for violations. Overall, the Act aims to modernize campaign finance laws to ensure they remain effective and transparent amid evolving electoral challenges.