Campaign finance changes adopted

Lawmakers passed a bill April 18 that repeals the Campaign Finance Limitation Act.

LB79, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Bill Avery, repeals the act, recently declared unconstitutional by the Nebraska Supreme Court.

The bill also requires the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission to develop, implement and maintain an electronic filing system for campaign statements and other required reports as soon as practicable. Further, it adds limited liability company or partnership to the list of entities that must establish a separate, segregated political fund in order to receive contributions.

LB79 authorizes the transfer of all funds in the Campaign Finance Limitation Cash Fund to the Election Administration Cash Fund to pay for the electronic filing system.

The bill passed on a 45-0 vote.