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MA S511

Bill

Status

Introduced

2/27/2025

Primary Sponsor

James Eldridge

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Origin

Senate

194th General Court

AI Summary

  • Creates a voluntary public matching funds program for Massachusetts State Senator and State Representative candidates who agree to contribution and expenditure limits
  • Requires candidates to collect qualifying contributions from registered voters in their district (450 contributions/$2,250 minimum for Senate; 200 contributions/$1,000 minimum for House) to become certified for public funding
  • Provides 400% matching funds on small-dollar contributions up to $100, with maximum public funding of $48,000 (primary) and $96,000 (general) for Senate candidates, and $16,000 (primary) and $32,000 (general) for House candidates
  • Establishes the Massachusetts Fair Elections Fund in the state treasury and creates a Special Commission on Fair Elections with legislative, executive, and public members to oversee the program
  • Participating candidates must participate in public debates (1 before primary, 2 before general election) and face decertification with repayment requirements for violations of spending limits or false reporting

Legislative Description

Relative to fair elections

Last Action

Accompanied a study order, see S2727

11/17/2025

Committee Referrals

Election Laws2/27/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available