Bill > SB5153

This bill, titled the "dark money elimination act," aims to increase transparency in campaign contributions by requiring "incidental committees," which are nonprofit organizations that may contribute to or spend money in support of or opposition to candidates or ballot measures, to register and disclose their financial activities if they expect to contribute or spend at least $25,000 in a calendar year. This includes disclosing their officers, affiliated committees, and the candidates or ballot measures they support or oppose. The bill also mandates that these committees file regular reports detailing their contributions and expenditures, with specific reporting requirements for their largest donors and significant contributions. Additionally, it requires the state's election commission to provide a link on its website to a searchable database of organizations that are tax-exempt under section 527 of the Internal Revenue Code, which are often used for political purposes. The intent of these provisions is to close loopholes in campaign finance disclosure and enhance public confidence in the election process by making it clearer who is funding political activities.