Bill > HB16

This bill updates campaign finance regulations in Alaska by modifying contribution limits, registration requirements, and investigative processes. The legislation increases the maximum amount individuals and organizations can contribute to political candidates, political parties, and campaign entities, changing the previous annual limits to per "election cycle" limits. For example, individual contributors can now give up to $2,000 per election cycle to a candidate (up from $500 per year), and groups can contribute up to $4,000 per election cycle to a candidate (up from $1,000 per year). The bill requires political groups and non-group entities to register with the Alaska Public Offices Commission and provide a physical address in the state, and mandates that an agent be registered if the entity does not have a physical address in Alaska. Additionally, the bill introduces a new requirement for the commission to adjust contribution limits every 10 years beginning in 2031, based on the Consumer Price Index for urban Alaska. The legislation also improves complaint investigation procedures by requiring the commission to provide status updates to complainants every 10 days and complete investigations within 90 days, unless an extension is granted for good cause. The bill's underlying principle, as stated in the legislative findings, is to prevent political influence from being based solely on wealth and to preserve the integrity of elections.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=HB16