This bill amends various sections of Minnesota Statutes concerning campaign finance, lobbying, and disclosure requirements. It introduces new definitions, such as "Address" and "Street address," and expands the definition of "Noncampaign disbursement" to encompass a broader range of expenses, including security services and costs related to recount participation. The bill increases the allowable payments for security-related expenses from $3,000 to $5,000 and specifies the types of security services eligible for funding. Additionally, it mandates that sensitive information, such as street addresses and financial details, must not be posted on the board's website. The complaint process is also modified, allowing the board chair to dismiss frivolous complaints and clarifying the board's investigation authority.

Moreover, the bill establishes new reporting obligations for lobbyists and principals, requiring detailed disclosures of lobbying activities and expenditures, including those related to finance professionals. It removes the requirement for principals to report disbursements over $2,000 for paid advertising aimed at influencing public officials. The bill mandates disclaimers for paid advertisements urging public contact with officials, specifying requirements for visibility and penalties for non-compliance. It also enhances privacy protections for individuals' addresses in economic interest statements and modifies the requirements for affidavits of candidacy, ensuring candidates can classify their addresses as private data under certain conditions. Overall, the bill aims to improve transparency in campaign finance while safeguarding sensitive information.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 10A.04, 211B.04
1st Engrossment: 10A.01, 10A.022, 10A.027, 10A.04, 10A.09, 10A.20, 10A.27, 10A.275, 204B.07, 211A.01, 211B.04