Bill S.158, introduced by Senator Lyons, aims to impose contribution limits on independent expenditure-only political committees in Vermont. Specifically, the bill stipulates that these committees cannot accept contributions exceeding $5,000 from a single source, political committee, or political party. The bill includes a series of findings that highlight the evolving influence of money in politics, particularly following the U.S. Supreme Court's Citizens United ruling, which removed restrictions on independent political spending. The intent of the bill is to mitigate corruption and ensure that the political system remains accountable to the people.

In addition to the new contribution limits for independent expenditure-only political committees, the bill also amends existing definitions and provisions related to campaign finance. Notably, it modifies the definition of "contribution" to clarify that it does not include certain types of financial support, such as personal loans or volunteer services. The bill further establishes that the new contribution limits will take effect on January 1, 2026, thereby providing a timeline for implementation. Overall, S.158 seeks to enhance the integrity of Vermont's electoral process by regulating the financial contributions that can influence elections.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 17-2901, 17-2941