Are You Keeping Up with State Campaign Finance Law Changes?
State campaign finance laws are evolving faster than ever, creating new compliance challenges for PACs and organizations that engage in political activity across multiple jurisdictions. From increased contribution limits and new registration requirements to expanding restrictions on foreign participation in elections, staying compliant requires constant monitoring of state legislative and regulatory changes.
Contribution Limits Continue to Rise
Some states have recently increased campaign contribution limits, often as a result of inflation-indexing provisions built into their campaign finance laws. These adjustments reflect the rising costs associated with modern political campaigns and can significantly impact fundraising strategies and compliance obligations.
Some states have enacted even more substantial changes. In Louisiana, for example, the legislature effectively doubled many campaign contribution limits last year. The state also revised its definition of an “out-of-state” committee, raising the threshold for registration and reporting requirements.
Under the updated law, a Federal PAC is exempt from Louisiana registration and reporting requirements if it:
- Receives less than 50% of its total receipts from Louisiana residents;
- Spends less than 50% of its funds in Louisiana; and
- Does not spend more than $50,000 annually in the state.
These changes may reduce regulatory burdens for some organizations while creating new compliance considerations for others.
New Registration and Reporting Requirements
States are also revising registration and reporting rules, requiring organizations to reassess their compliance processes.
Oregon, long known for having no statutory contribution limits, enacted campaign contribution limits in 2024 with an effective date of January 1, 2027. Organizations active in Oregon elections should be preparing now for the upcoming changes.
Georgia has implemented significant changes to its campaign finance registration and reporting requirements as well. Effective January 1, 2026, PACs participating in Georgia non-federal elections through candidate contributions must register and report from the outset of their activity. The state’s previous $25,000 activity threshold has been eliminated.
Additional Georgia changes include:
- A requirement to maintain a separate bank account for Georgia political activity;
- A revised reporting schedule requiring quarterly filings for all PACs; and
- The elimination of activity-triggered reports.
Organizations that previously relied on threshold-based registration or activity-driven reporting schedules will need to update their compliance procedures accordingly.
States Continue Expanding Foreign National Restrictions
Another growing trend is the expansion of state laws restricting foreign participation in elections. While federal law already regulates foreign national involvement in candidate elections, many states have recently focused on ballot measures and independent expenditures—areas where federal law provides less specific guidance.
This year, Alabama and Iowa enacted laws prohibiting foreign nationals from making contributions or expenditures related to ballot measures.
Nebraska strengthened its existing requirements by:
- Requiring ballot question committees to certify they have not received contributions from foreign nationals; and
- Prohibiting foreign nationals from making independent expenditures related to ballot measures.
Ohio’s foreign national ban took effect in 2024, but state guidance was not issued until late 2025. The law applies to both candidate contributions and ballot measures and includes lawful permanent residents (green card holders) within its prohibition. As a result, many Federal PACs had to suspend contributions in Ohio because they accepted donations from green card holders—a practice permitted under federal law.
These developments highlight the importance of understanding each state’s unique requirements. Keeping up with state campaign finance law changes is a full-time job. From contribution limit increases and registration requirements to evolving foreign-national restrictions, compliance obligations vary widely from state to state and can change with little notice.
PASS helps organizations stay ahead of these developments. Our Compliance Managers work closely with our Director of Campaign Finance Law to monitor legislative and regulatory changes nationwide, ensuring our clients receive timely guidance and remain compliant as requirements evolve.
Having PASS as your compliance firm allows you to focus on your advocacy and political objectives without worrying about the compliance risks. For more information about PASS’ federal and non-federal compliance services, reach out to Megan Allen at mallen@pass1.com.