Campaign Reform Is Forcing Lawmakers To Raise More Cash In Non

Joint fundraisers in odd-numbered years are more prevalent than they used to be.

Two new laws intended to slow the easy flow of money to lawmakers while they’re in session significantly crimped incumbents’ cash-raising abilities during the 2025 session.

But the new restrictions have not stopped special interest money from finding its way to state legislators at other times. Many legislators are simply holding more fundraisers during non-election years, a Civil Beat review of fundraising records shows.

The main idea of both laws was to help restore the public’s trust in their elected officials by preventing the flow of cash to legislators while they were making decisions about bills. The reform came after two lawmakers pleaded guilty in 2022 to taking bribes to steer legislation.

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