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MaineLD 9132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)Senate

An Act Regarding Campaign Finance Disclosure

Sponsored By: Craig V. Hickman (Democratic)

Became Law

ELECTIONSELECTIONS - CAMPAIGN FINANCE

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 3 mixed.

Faster notices, bigger late‑report fines

If a required report is late, staff sends notice within 3 business days. If a report is missing at 11:59 p.m. on the deadline, the filer gets a notice and has 14 days to ask the commission to decide the case. A second notice goes out if the report stays unfiled after 10 days. Penalties can be the greater of $10,000 or the amount of unreported activity. Not filing after two notices is a Class E crime, but if the commission collects a civil penalty, the State cannot also prosecute that same violation. Decisions can be appealed to Superior Court.

Stronger disclosures on candidate and digital ads

The law treats paid online boosts and promoted posts as public communications. Ads that name or show a candidate near an election must say who paid and if a candidate authorized them. Authorized ads must name the payer; unauthorized ads must clearly say they are not authorized and name the payer. Independent‑expenditure ads must list the top three funders by name; very short or small ads may list only the top funder, and donors under $1,000 are not listed. Radio ads may use only the city and state. PACs that fund these ads must follow these disclosure rules.

Tougher penalties for straw donors and data sales

Giving in someone else’s name, allowing your name to be used, or knowingly taking such a gift can be fined up to 500% of the amount. Using or selling contributor data for business purposes is banned. That civil fine can be up to $5,000, and a knowing violation is a Class E crime. Parties and campaigns may share donor data with members for party and campaign activities.

Easier filings for some local candidates

A county or municipal candidate may swear that they and their agents will not take contributions or spend money. If true, they do not need a treasurer and do not file campaign reports. A legislative candidate in an uncontested primary may swear the same through the 35th day after the primary. If they do, they do not need a treasurer and do not file certain primary reports.

Ballot ad rules and small‑item exceptions

If someone spends over $500 on an ad for or against a ballot question, the ad must name who paid for it and give the address. Telephone calls must state only the name. Some telephone surveys that meet polling standards are exempt. Very small or impracticable items, like buttons or some small digital formats, do not need the name and address. The law also covers signature‑gathering and other steps to start a ballot measure.

Campaigns can repay loans and keep records

Campaign funds may repay loans and other debts taken on to cover campaign expenses. Treasurers must keep account statements for deposits into the campaign account. This clarifies allowed uses of campaign money and adds a recordkeeping duty for committees.

New municipal filing and records rules

In cities and towns of 15,000 or more people, candidates and committees file with the municipal clerk, not the state commission. Towns under 15,000 people may vote to opt in to state reporting, or later opt out, if they act at least 90 days before an election. Municipal campaign records must be kept for 8 years. Ballot‑question committees in smaller towns must register and e‑file with the state if they get or spend over $5,000, and also give a copy to the clerk. Any PAC or ballot‑question committee that must register cannot operate in Maine unless it is registered.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Craig V. Hickman

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 224

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    6/3/2025Senate

  3. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/3/2025House

  4. CONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-219).In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/2/2025House

  5. Report READ and ACCEPTED.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (S-219) READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-219).Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence.

    6/2/2025Senate

  6. CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.

    3/21/2025Senate

  7. Received by the Secretary of the Senate on January 6, 2025 and REFERRED to the Committee on VETERANS AND LEGAL AFFAIRS pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2

    1/8/2025Senate

Bill Text

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