Bill > SB423

This bill, effective January 1, 2027, aims to increase transparency in campaign finance by limiting the amount of money that candidates, campaign committees, independent committees, political action committees, and leadership committees can accept from individuals or entities not considered "non-Georgia persons." A "non-Georgia person" is defined as an individual who doesn't vote in Georgia or pay Georgia income taxes, or a business entity not registered to do business in Georgia, not paying Georgia income taxes, or not having a sufficient economic presence in the state. The bill stipulates that contributions from these "non-Georgia persons" cannot exceed 50 percent of a committee's total contributions received during a reporting period. If this limit is exceeded, the excess funds must be returned to the donors within 45 days, or they will be forfeited to the state. Exceptions are made for transfers between national and state party committees and for contributions from a candidate's immediate family. The bill also prohibits "strawman transactions," where a non-Georgia person compensates someone else to make contributions on their behalf to circumvent these limits, and imposes felony penalties for violations. The Attorney General or any Georgia resident can seek court orders to prevent the expenditure of excess funds or to ensure their return or forfeiture.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72392