This bill seeks to modernize and clarify Minnesota's campaign finance laws by redefining key terms and updating reporting and disclaimer requirements. Notably, it changes the term "expressly advocating" to "expressly advocates," which expands the definition of advocacy in campaign communications. The legislation introduces new disclaimer requirements for digital campaign advertisements and modifies existing rules for electioneering communications. It also establishes clearer standards for categorizing coordinated and non-coordinated expenditures, ensuring accurate reporting of disbursements. Additionally, candidates are now required to report any contributions or loans exceeding a specified threshold to their principal campaign committees within one business day.

The bill further amends various sections of the Minnesota Statutes, particularly concerning electioneering communications and independent expenditures. It mandates that electioneering communications include disclaimers as per section 211B.04, subdivision 2a, and specifies that candidates and committees must report contributions or disbursements over $750 within 14 days, continuing until a final report is submitted. The legislation clarifies the information required in these reports, including the contact details of the filer and total contributions and disbursements. It also streamlines disclaimer requirements for certain materials, allowing exemptions for small items and online advertisements when including a disclaimer is impractical. Overall, these changes aim to enhance transparency and accountability in campaign financing, particularly in the digital landscape.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 211B.04, 10A.01, 10A.09, 10A.175, 10A.176, 10A.177, 10A.20, 10A.201, 10A.202, 211A.02