SF 1233

as introduced - 87th Legislature (2011 - 2012) Posted on 02/23/2012 10:08am

A bill for an act
relating to campaign finance; broadening the definition of "corporation";
prohibiting certain government contributions; imposing a penalty; amending
Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 211B.15, subdivision 1; proposing coding for
new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 211B.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 211B.15, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

For purposes of this section, "corporation" means:

(1) a corporation organized for profit that does business in this state;

(2) a nonprofit corporation that carries out activities in this state; or

(3) a limited liability company formed under chapter 322B, or under similar laws of
another state, that does business in this state; or

(4) a business entity established or operated by a foreign government or by an entity
or subdivision of an entity that exercises governmental functions for purposes of Public
Law 97-473, Title II.

Sec. 2.

[211B.153] CONTRIBUTIONS FROM GOVERNMENTAL UNITS.

A candidate or the treasurer of a candidate's principal campaign committee must
not accept a contribution from any foreign government or any state or local governmental
unit in this state or in any other state. For purposes of this subdivision, "governmental
unit" means any state agency, board, commission, or department; or any county, statutory
or home rule charter city, town, school district, special district, or any local board,
commission, district, or authority created pursuant to law or local ordinance. A candidate
or treasurer who accepts a contribution prohibited by this section or a governmental unit
that makes a contribution prohibited by this section is subject to a civil penalty not greater
than $40,000.