Friday, February 1, 2013

HB38 Utah House increases limit for anonymous campaign contributions


                                                 Rep. Kraig Powell, R-Heber City.
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah House of Representatives voted Thursday to approve an increase to the limit of anonymous political campaign donations.
The action, if passed by the Senate and then approved by the governor by the end of the session, would amend campaign finance provisions to allow candidates to accept up to $100 from anonymous donors.
HB38 states that the candidate must give any anonymous donations of more than $100 to the state or a political subdivision or to a nonprofit organization. Currently, candidates must give up any anonymous donations of more than $50.
Rep. Kraig Powell, R-Heber City, a co-sponsor of the bill, said sometimes cash is left on a doorstep or desk at the candidate's workplace, with a note that wishes the candidate well.
"I would hope the candidate feels that he or she needs to somehow identify the source of that," he said.
The bill allows anything under $100 to be classified as "anonymous" in financial disclosure documents filed with the state elections office.
— Wendy Leonard, Twitter: wendyleonards

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