ARA-13.05 - Campaign Finance: Contribution Limits

Background:

These rules are based on a voter-approved Charter amendment, related City Code, and subsequent court rulings.

1. The following are the only contributions permitted to be made to and received by candidates during an election cycle:
   1. For any individual or political committee, up to the corresponding amount listed in Appendix A; and
   2. For a qualified small donor committee as defined in Code Section 2.10.080 P., contributions in any amount.
   3. For contributions to participants in the Small Donor Elections program, as specified in Subsection (C).
2. A contribution refunded or declined within 14 calendar days of receipt by the candidate or candidate committee (the “Return Period”) will not be considered in determining whether a contributor, candidate, or candidate committee has exceeded the acceptable contribution limits set forth in Code Section 2.10.010 B. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Auditor’s Office will accept and investigate complaints about contributions even if the Return Period has not yet elapsed.
3. Candidates participating in the Small Donor Election program:
   1. May accept contributions under the limits prescribed by that program.
   2. A candidate who departs from the program voluntarily or involuntarily is subject to the campaign finance contribution limits defined in Code Chapter 2.10, as adjusted for inflation in Appendix A.