Committee backs bill letting local registrars accept small gifts up to $1,000
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Summary
A bill to allow registrars to accept small gifts and funding (set at a $1,000 threshold) to cover routine operations advanced after supporters said it would help under-resourced local election offices while preserving oversight for larger donations.
A bill to let local general registrars accept limited gifts and funding up to a $1,000 threshold advanced out of the Senate committee on Tuesday.
Delegate Delica Crease told the committee HB639 would permit registrars to accept small donations for routine operational support while ensuring anything with substantial financial weight triggers oversight. "We've picked $1,000. The threshold is enough to cover routine operational support," he said.
Tram Nguyen of New Virginia Majority testified in support, saying election administrators “are increasingly having to do more with less” and may need assistance as equipment ages and new federal standards are implemented. Liz White, executive director of Upvote Virginia, also supported the bill as a commonsense adjustment that helps registrars coordinate with voter-education organizations while remaining compliant with law.
The committee moved to report the bill and the motion passed per the committee roll call recorded in the transcript.
Next steps: the bill was reported out of committee.
