SALEM, OR -- Oregon Governor Tina Kotek signed a bill into law Wednesday, limiting campaign contributions. 

"For many years, Oregon has been one of a handful of states that don’t have any limits on how much people can give to political campaigns," House Speaker Julie Fahey said at the bill signing ceremony, noting Oregon is now one of 46 states where donations to political candidates are limited. "Our goal with this bill was to meet the need for reasonable contribution limits, better transparency and accountability, but without simply shifting contributions into dark money independent expenditures. And, without shutting out the grassroots organizations that are doing the kind of pro-democracy campaigning that we want to see more of - things like door-to-door campaigning and community organizing."

Like many others, House Minority Leader Jeff Helfrich didn’t think the bill would pass in the short session, but says, "We came together as Republicans and Democrats to get this bill across the line and help negotiate it for the best outcomes." He added, "Every day Oregonians’ voices have been heard." Helfrich and Fahey led the bipartisan effort to pass the bill. "Everyone deserves a chance to participate in our elections process, and it shouldn’t just be for the rich and powerful," said Helfrich, "A thriving democracy depends on an active engagement of citizenry who have faith in their vote that matters."

Angela Wilhelms, President of the statewide Chamber known as Oregon Business & Industry, says the bill is a starting point, "We anticipate a discussion in 2025, maybe 2026, maybe beyond, about necessary improvements to the structure layed out in House Bill 2024. We know there will need to be a lot of rulemaking."

The new law takes effect in 2027. "We have all witnessed the erosion of trust in our democratic institutions," said Rep. Fahey, "And I hope that this bill, and other key measures we’ve passed recently, will help restore some of the faith that has been lost."