SCS CSHB 157(FIN) - Campaign Finance and Disclosure Requirements

• Requires disclosure of identity of persons, groups, and entities spending money on referendum and recall applications filed with the lieutenant governor under AS 15.45.260 and AS 15.45.480

• Increases individual contribution limits from $500 per year to $2,000 per campaign period for candidates and nongroup entities; increases group contribution limits from $1,000 per year to $4,000 per campaign period

• Establishes contribution limit exemption for independent expenditure-only groups and institutes automatic adjustment of contribution limits beginning in 2031 based on Consumer Price Index increases

• Extends Alaska Public Offices Commission advisory opinion response time from seven to seven business days and reduces campaign finance violation complaint statute of limitations from five to two years

• Permits temporary political campaign signs up to 32 square feet on private property without compensation to property owner, outside highway rights-of-way

• Requires legislators to file campaign contribution reports 15 days after legislative session adjournment and report post-election contributions exceeding $500 within seven days

• Takes effect January 1, 2023, with certain contribution limit and retroactivity provisions effective immediately