Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
Brought by Rep. Clay Doggett (R-Pulaski-District 70), an amendment completely rewriting HB0581 could severely limit the ability of grassroots candidates from both parties to fundraise properly as part of it seeks to limit the number of online donations candidates may accrue through a campaign.
During the House Government Operations Committee meeting on Monday, April 7, Rep. Doggett stated the bill as amended would, “provide more transparency with online campaign contributions in our state elections. It will require online campaign donation platforms to register as a vendor within the Tennessee registry of elections. It will also require the CVV which is that three- or four-digit code on your credit or debit card to be used on any contribution that is made through an online platform… and it also incorporates and identity theft statute if someone uses a credit or debit card to make a political contribution through a vendor without that person’s express consent.”
Democrat Rep. John Ray Clemons raised concerns about the legislation, saying he held concerns that the legislation would not equally apply to all statewide candidates, only to the General Assembly, and that the primary amount of donations given from individuals across the state are given online. “To say that we’re going to limit individuals from donating online is really concerning. The only people who primarily donate by check are corporations, special interest groups, lobbyists, and some of their PACs, so it seems to be here that we’re giving preferential treatment to those groups and discriminating against individuals,” he objected.
Some of the bill’s proposed safeguards are intended to help eliminate smurfing, the shady practice of “breaking down large, often illegal donations into smaller amounts and funneling them through multiple straw donors—frequently unwitting individuals—to evade contribution limits and disclosure requirements.”
But the provision prohibiting candidates from accepting “contributions through an online contribution platform, respectively, that, in the aggregate, exceed more than fifty percent (50%) of the candidate’s or committee’s total contributions for a primary or general election cycle,” could be extremely damaging to conservative grassroots candidates.
As individual online small donors are a regular source of funding, grassroots candidates, who are already often hugely outspent by establishment competitors, could be severely handicapped in their ability to generate campaign funds as opposed to those who receive large contributions from Political Action Committees (PACs) or special interest groups, many of which still use checks.
The vote was 6-4 in favor, with Republican Rep. Michele Reneau marking herself Present Not Voting (PNV). Members voting “Yes” were Republicans Esther Helton-Haynes, Justin Lafferty, Aron Mayberry, Jay Reedy, Iris Rudder, and Paul Sherrell. Those voting “No” were Democrats John Ray Clemmons, Ronnie Glynn, G.A. Hardaway, and Sam McKenzie.
After passing the House Government Operations Committee, the bill will now go to the House Calendar and Rules Committee to secure a vote before the full House. However, after feedback from some conservative legislators, Rep. Doggett will reportedly amend the legislation further to remove the 50% online donation cap before it is passed through the Calendar and Rules Committee.
In a statement to The Tennessee Conservative, Rep. Reneau explained her PNV position, confirming Rep. Doggett’s intent to appropriately modify the amendment. “I spoke to Doggett before committee, and he confirmed he was going to eliminate the 50% part of the bill. I didn’t want to say yes to the bill as my PNV was in good faith that he would amend it,” she wrote.
The bill’s Senate companion, SB0627, is also awaiting a date for a full Senate vote.
To contact your representatives regarding this bill, you can use this tool to find their information: Find My Legislator
Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
