UPDATE: FEC Open Meeting on Donor Disclosure
At the May 16, 2024 Federal Elections Commission (FEC) open meeting, Commissioner Dickerson proposed a stop-gap measure to streamline the process for requests from donors and organizations to withhold, redact, or modify contributor information on federal campaign finance reports. The stop-gap proposal needed four out of six votes to pass, but it failed.
Prior to the meeting, several organizations across the political spectrum issued comments on the proposed stop-gap measure as well as the disclosure system itself. You can find those comments here: https://www.fec.gov/resources/cms-content/documents/Statement-Urging-Amend-FECA-to-Eliminate-Disclosure-of-Contributors-Street-Nam.pdf
During the hearing, each commissioner was able to comment on the issue. Some of the discussion surrounded the availability of information and how that has changed over the decades since disclosure regulations were first enforced. Although the Commissioners seemed to agree that regulations may need to be amended, they did not agree on the process. Some suggested that Congressional action might be necessary.
Commissioner Lindenbaum did not support the proposal, but she believes that the Federal Elections Campaign Act (FECA) needs to be amended regarding the public disclosure of donors’ addresses. You can view her complete statement here. Commissioner Trainor commented that many states already redact donors’ personal addresses from the public record.
Other Commissioners spoke on the need for a regulatory or legislative effort, with public comment and debate. Commissioner Dickerson then made a motion to direct the FEC’s Office of General Counsel to draft within 75-days a notice of proposed rulemaking concerning requests to withhold, redact, or modify contributors identifying information. It passed with five votes and one abstention. We’ll provide additional updates once the notice is posted.
Alliance for Justice Action Campaign builds the strength of progressive organizations and movements. We develop resources on the legal framework for social welfare advocacy organizations and political campaigns. Our materials explain the legal framework that 501(c)(4) organizations must operate within and practical tips for organizational staff. This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
