This bill amends various sections of Minnesota Statutes concerning campaign finance, with a primary focus on increasing fees and civil penalties for violations. It introduces the term "enhanced penalty," which refers to mandatory late fees or civil penalties triggered when specific thresholds are exceeded. The campaign finance and public disclosure board is prohibited from waiving any part of an enhanced penalty, and penalties for false statements and record-keeping violations are significantly increased to four times the amount of total contributions or disbursements that were inaccurately reported or omitted. Additionally, the board is required to impose stricter penalties for late filings, including a daily late fee of ten percent of total contributions or disbursements exceeding $25,000.

The bill also addresses contributions from unregistered associations, imposing civil penalties on treasurers of political committees who accept contributions over $200 without the necessary disclosure statement, with penalties reaching up to four times the excess amount. It clarifies exceptions for certain contributions and modifies penalties for individuals or associations attempting to circumvent campaign finance regulations by redirecting contributions, replacing the previous maximum penalty of $3,000 with a new structure that allows for a civil penalty equal to four times the contribution amount involved. The changes outlined in the bill will take effect on January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 10A.01, 10A.02, 10A.025, 10A.12, 10A.14, 10A.20, 10A.244, 10A.27, 10A.29