Bill > HF1168

This bill modifies Minnesota's political contribution refund (PCR) program by establishing an electronic system for claiming refunds and improving data sharing between the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board and the Department of Revenue. Specifically, the bill requires the commissioner of revenue to create an online filing system for political contribution refunds, effective January 1, 2027, which will allow taxpayers to claim refunds electronically instead of using paper forms. The maximum refund remains $75 for individuals and $150 for married couples filing jointly, and contributions must be at least $10 to qualify. The bill introduces unique receipt validation numbers for electronic receipts and mandates that the Campaign Finance Board provide weekly reports to the revenue commissioner with contribution details. All data related to these refunds will be classified as nonpublic and private, protecting individual contributors' information. The bill also appropriates funding to develop the electronic filing system, with allocations in fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to support the implementation of this new electronic process. Contributions will still only be eligible for refunds from candidates who have agreed to campaign spending limits, and the overall goal is to modernize and streamline the political contribution refund process.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF1168&ssn=0&y=2025