House passes third‑substitute campaign finance bill after floor debate over limits and reporting rules

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah House of Representatives passed the third substitute of House Bill 329, a package of campaign finance amendments, on March 2 after extended floor debate that touched on disclosure timing, cash‑reporting practice and whether numeric contribution limits violate free‑speech protections.

Representative Ben Ferry, the bill sponsor, told the House the substitute was needed to correct a drafting omission and to improve transparency. "We picked up one section of the code and I can't amend in a section of the code," he said, explaining the substitute restores a penalty section that had been left out. Ferry also described substantive changes to reporting deadlines and contribution reporting that he characterized as practical fixes: "…we would actually, if we had not caught that, we'd be authorizing you to make your political contribution reports after the election."

Why it matters: The bill alters how and when contributions are disclosed and how small cash donations are reported. Proponents said the changes increase transparency and reduce the appearance that money buys access; opponents warned some proposed limits could impinge on First Amendment rights and that practical reporting problems remain.

Key provisions and sponsor…