The Alaska House of Representatives passed House Bill 16 in a 22-18 vote, advancing legislation to reinstate campaign contribution limits for state and local elections. The bill addresses a 2021 federal court ruling that struck down previous limits, which left Alaska’s elections open to unlimited financial influence.
Sponsored by Representative Calvin Schrage, the bill seeks to restore transparency and fairness in campaign financing. “This bill ensures the voices of average citizens aren’t drowned out by unlimited spending,” Schrage said.
Under HB 16, individuals can contribute up to $2,000 per candidate per election cycle, while groups are limited to $4,000. It also limits contributions to political parties and includes a provision for adjusting limits for inflation every ten years, beginning in 2031.
Representative Alyse Galvin called the vote “a major step toward protecting the voice of every Alaskan.”
HB 16 has now been moved to the Senate for consideration.
