Rep. Page introduces bill to cap campaign contributions for state lawmakers

Rep. Page introduced H.116, “An act relating to limiting campaign contributions for state representatives and state senators,” during a Government Operations & Military Affairs bill-introduction session. "I think there's too much money in our campaigns right now," Page said, citing recent races in which some candidates raised sums in the tens of thousands.

The bill would cap the total contributions a candidate may raise at roughly $30,000 per two-year term (Page described the ceiling as about $29,000–$30,000), a figure Page said roughly equals two years of legislative pay. "It just seems like a number," one committee member said during discussion, noting that district size and campaign costs vary widely between House and Senate contests.

Why it matters: Page and several colleagues said high spending creates barriers for prospective candidates—particularly in rural districts and among younger or lower-income residents—by making campaigns expensive and favoring outside money. Page told the committee that in the last election cycle some candidates raised about $78,000 and another $41,000, and she argued that such totals are disproportionate for part-time legislators who receive roughly $15,000 per year in pay.

Discussion in committee focused on three main areas: whether a single cap should apply to both House and Senate candidates despite different geographic and voter populations; how to enforce contribution limits and reporting; and whether limiting contributions from parties and outside groups should be treated differently. Members said a flat cap may disadvantage Senate campaigns, which can require broader mailings and outreach; one member noted a districtwide mailer for a Senate race can cost about $10,000.

On enforcement and reporting, committee members flagged gaps in current disclosure and enforcement tools. Page said the secretary of state's office would be responsible for enforcement; a committee member said draft language from the secretary of state's recommendations is expected to address some reporting gaps. A representative also suggested reviewing how other states handle limits—the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) was cited by a member as a potential source of comparative information.

No formal vote was taken. Committee leadership said H.116 would be placed in the "active consideration" file for further development; Page noted Representative Labor had signed on as a cosponsor. The committee then moved on to other bill introductions; H.117 (Government Operations & Military Affairs) was announced but not discussed.

The session record shows the bill introduction and committee discussion but no referral or floor action was recorded in this meeting excerpt.