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House passes bill to limit campaign contributions after floor amendment; bill referred to Senate
Summary
The Utah House passed House Bill 50 on Feb. 26, 1993, adopting a floor amendment and approving new limits on campaign contributions; supporters said limits are voluntary via affidavits, opponents called it a "rich man's bill." The final roll call was 57-8 and the bill was sent to the Senate.
House members approved House Bill 50, a measure to impose limits on campaign contributions, after adopting a floor amendment and closing debate.
Representative Tanner, the bill—s sponsor, told members the measure — backed by 31 cosponsors — was designed to limit contribution amounts on both individual and aggregate bases and had been negotiated with minority leadership. Tanner cited recent polling reported in the Deseret News showing broad public support for restricting campaign gifts and said the bill does not regulate campaign expenditures.
The House adopted a "pink page" amendment moved by Representative Nielsen at the request of Sarah Eubank and Mary Carlson. The amendment was described on the floor as adjusting the numerical contribution limits that appear on different pages of the bill; members raised concerns about apparent inconsistencies in the transcripted numbers for individual versus political-committee (party) limits. On the record, members cautioned that mixed figures could create enforcement confusion.
Opponents, including Representative James and Representative Rushton, said the bill would advantage wealthy candidates and incumbents. Representative Rushton said on the floor, "This is a rich man's bill," arguing it would make it harder for working people to pool resources to support candidates while leaving wealthy individuals free to spend their own money. Representative James said he did not recall a need for special-interest approval to accept contributions in past elections.
Supporters, including Representative Atkinson, urged colleagues to pass the measure. During questioning, Representative Cunningham asked whether the limits would prevent less-affluent candidates from running; the sponsor responded that the bill includes voluntary affidavits allowing candidates to limit their own and family contributions and that candidates without personal funds could still finance campaigns through PACs or other organizations.
After debate closed on a motion to move the previous question, the Clerk announced the bill had received 57 affirmative and 8 negative votes; the measure passed and was referred to the Senate for further consideration.
The next procedural step is Senate consideration; no Senate action is recorded in this transcript.
