Oregon lawmakers OK bill limiting campaign contributions
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The Oregon Senate passed a political campaign finance reform bill on Thursday that could mark the state’s first changes to campaign spending limits in decades, lawmakers announced.
Among the bill’s provisions, House Bill 4024 establishes campaign contribution and spending limits and directs the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office to create a website listing contributions that pay for campaign expenditures.
The bill comes as Oregon is one of five states without campaign contribution limits, Oregon lawmakers noted.
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“Oregonians deserve a campaign finance system that is transparent and accountable,” said Senate Democratic Leader Kate Lieber (D – Beaverton & SW Portland). “As evidenced by the bipartisan support and compromise that brought this bill through the House and the Senate Committee on Rules, this measure reflects a true Oregon Way solution to a complex issue.”
Under the bill, candidates for state Senate, and House seats, along with those running for district attorney or circuit court judge positions cannot accept contributions upwards of $3,300 per person per election and cannot accept more than $2,000 from political action committees.
Additionally, those candidates cannot accept over $5,000 from multi-candidate committees or $15,000 from political party committees and legislative caucus committees.
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“The Oregon legislature for its 150 year history has never once put a cap on a political contribution. And suddenly, within a matter of weeks, bipartisan, came together,” Jason Kafoury, with Honest Elections Oregon, said.
The bill also allows local governments to establish lower limits for local elections and allows nonprofits and community organizations to make contributions if they are a 501C organization that has existed for at least 18 months and is made up of members who volunteer their time or donate money.
“For two decades, Oregonians have demanded campaign finance reform. In 2003, as House Majority Leader, I proposed reasonable campaign finance reform and worked across the aisle on the issue. I’m glad this Legislature could achieve a bipartisan solution that will increase transparency for voters while ratcheting down uncontrolled contributions,” Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R – Bend) said.
The bill now heads to the governor’s desk for signature. Following the sine die of the legislative session and the bill’s passage, she issued a statement, saying, “I applaud all those who came to the table to find compromise and deliver a policy that will strengthen transparency and confidence in Oregon’s elections.”
If signed into law, these campaign finance limits would not go into effect until Jan. 1, 2027.
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