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Bill > A5559


NJ A5559

"Political Donation Transparency Act;" prohibits automatic enrollment in recurring political contributions and establishes penalties for violators.


summary

Introduced
04/10/2025
In Committee
06/26/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill is designated as the "Political Donation Transparency Act." This bill prohibits any candidate, political committee, continuing political committee, candidate committee, joint candidates committee, legislative leadership committee, independent expenditure committee, or political party committee, or any person or entity acting on behalf of such candidate or comittee, from using automatic or recurring political contributions in solicitations for political contributions, unless certain standards are met. These standards will include that: (1) a contribution must not be made automatic or recurring by default; (2) a contribution must only be made automatic or recurring upon the affirmative consent of the person making the contribution; and (3) a clear and conspicuous description of the nature, frequency, and amount of the automatic or recurring contribution must be provided alongside the option to make a contribution automatic or recurring. The bill also empowers the Election Law Enforcement Commission to establish such rules as may be necessary to enforce its provisions, and makes it a crime of the fourth degree to violate any of the provisions of the bill or associated rules. A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by imprisonment for up to 18 months, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.

AI Summary

This bill, known as the "Political Donation Transparency Act," aims to regulate automatic and recurring political contributions in New Jersey by establishing clear guidelines for how such contributions can be solicited. Specifically, the bill prohibits political candidates, committees, and other political entities from automatically enrolling donors in recurring contributions without their explicit consent. To comply with the law, any automatic or recurring contribution must: (1) not be set as a default option, (2) only be established with the donor's affirmative consent, and (3) include a clear and prominent explanation of the contribution's details such as amount and frequency. The Election Law Enforcement Commission is authorized to create rules to enforce these provisions, and any violation is classified as a fourth-degree crime, which can result in up to 18 months of imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. The primary goal of this legislation is to increase transparency and protect donors from unintended or unauthorized recurring political donations by ensuring they have full knowledge and control over their financial contributions to political campaigns.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Reported out of Assembly Committee, 2nd Reading (on 06/26/2025)

bill text


bill summary

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bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5559
Fiscal Note - Fiscal Estimate 7/1/25; as introduced https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A6000/5559_E1.PDF
Analysis - Statement ABU 6/26/25 https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A6000/5559_S1.PDF
BillText https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A6000/5559_I1.HTM
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