Bill > S0322

This bill, effective January 1, 2027, aims to prevent Vermont corporations and other artificial legal persons, such as limited liability companies and partnerships, from spending money on political activities by defining "election activity" (spending to support or oppose candidates, parties, or political committees) and "ballot-issue activity" (spending to support or oppose questions on the ballot) and explicitly revoking any existing corporate power to engage in these activities, with certain exceptions for bona fide news reporting, de minimis endorsements communicated to the public, and administrative support for political committees. The bill clarifies that any such political spending by these entities is void and ultra vires, meaning it is beyond their legal power, and may result in financial penalties, while preserving the rights of natural persons and legitimate political organizations.