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Committee approves modernization amendment and lays over PCR increase bill for omnibus consideration
Summary
The committee adopted an amendment to modernize the Political Contribution Refund (PCR) process and laid over House File 73, which would raise the PCR refund and allow electronic filing, for possible inclusion in an omnibus bill.
The House Elections and Government Operations Committee approved an amendment to modernize Minnesota's Political Contribution Refund (PCR) program and laid over House File 73 for possible inclusion in later omnibus legislation.
Representative Freiberg led discussion of changes to the PCR, a public-financing mechanism that refunds small contributions to participating candidates. The committee adopted an A1 amendment that would allow donors to file refund requests electronically, require candidate receipts to include unique identifiers for verification by the Department of Revenue, and make other administrative updates. The amendment passed by voice vote with no audible opposition.
Eli Ibbiso of Clean Elections Minnesota testified in support of increasing the refund amount and modernizing the program. "Increasing the amount to $100 for individuals and $200 for households would increase the voice of everyday voters regardless of political affiliation," Ibbiso said, referencing the group’s support letter in the committee packet.
Representative Greenman suggested working with the Campaign Finance Board on implementation details. Nonpartisan staff and committee members discussed technical coordination between the Campaign Finance Board and the Department of Revenue to enable electronic filing and verification. Representative Freiberg and others said the modernization amendment should be workable and asked to continue technical conversations with the Campaign Finance Board.
With the A1 amendment adopted, Representative Lee moved House File 73 be laid over for possible inclusion in omnibus legislation. The committee laid the bill over.
The PCR increase and modernization remain subject to fiscal considerations and potential inclusion in a later bill; committee members noted the modernization amendment has bipartisan support and minimal cost, while the requested increase in the refund amount would have budget implications depending on revenue targets.
