VT S0158

Independent expenditure-only political committees would be limited to accepting no more than $5,000.00 per election cycle from any single source, political committee, or political party

The bill defines independent expenditure-only political committees as those operating entirely independent of candidates, making no contributions to candidates or parties, and having no close relationship with parties or other political committees

Legislative findings cite concerns that the Citizens United decision has shifted electoral influence from ordinary citizens to wealthy donors and third-party groups, creating potential for corruption even through uncoordinated campaign activities

The bill acknowledges that while Citizens United bars restrictions on independent expenditures, contribution limits to such committees remain unsettled law in the Second Circuit and U.S. Supreme Court

Effective date: January 1, 2026