by Timothy Page
A Senate bill introduced on March 3 would bar business entities from making contributions in State elections.
S.121 would “prohibit business entities from making contributions to candidates, political parties, or political committees for the purpose of aiding, promoting, or preventing the nomination or election of any person to public office or of aiding, promoting, or antagonizing the interest of any political party in State elections.” It also would ban candidates, political parties, and political committees from soliciting, accepting any funds from the aforementioned business entities. No such restrictions have been placed with regard to the owners of said entities, however.
The bill was lead-sponsored by Sen. Nader Hashim (D-Dummerston) and referred to the Senate Committee on Government Operations. The act, if passed, would take effect on July 1, 2023.