Sponsor Statement for CSSB 275(STA)

Senate Bill 275 amends Alaska law to place all candidates for state office under the same campaign financing rules.

AS 15.13.072 currently allows candidates who are the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor to raise funds during sessions, while legislators are prohibited. With the passage of SB275, all candidates for state office will be under the same campaign financing rules: prohibition on raising funds during regular and special legislative sessions.

AS 15.13.074 currently allows candidates for the office of governor or lieutenant governor to receive campaign funds during regular legislative sessions, while candidates for legislative office are prohibited. With the passage of SB275, all candidates for state office will be under the same campaign financing rules: prohibition on contributing funds to candidates for state office during regular and special legislative sessions.

There is an exemption from these fundraising restrictions during the 90 days immediately preceding an election in which the person is a candidate for state office.

This change will help level the playing field among candidates and will make the system more fair and equitable for all candidates seeking public office in Alaska.