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SALT LAKE CITY — A bill that would restrict anonymous campaign donations failed in the Utah Senate on Wednesday.
HB91, sponsored by Rep. Kraig Powell, R-Heber City, would forbid political candidates from accepting gifts of more than $50 from nameless donors and mandate that candidates who do receive such a donation give it to a nonprofit or nonpolitical government entity.
Powell has said anonymous donations threaten campaign finance reporting transparency and provide individuals with a “dangerous loophole” to circumvent the Legislature’s efforts to be transparent to voters.
However, Sen. Margaret Dayton, R-Orem, was among multiple senators who argued against HB91. Dayton said the $50 limit seemed unreasonable. She said she isn't against transparency, but is in favor of anonymity since donors sometimes have legitimate reasons for wanting to stay anonymous.
Sen. Todd Weiler, R-Woods Cross, sponsored the bill on the Senate floor. But before voting came to a close, he changed his vote from yes to no.
The bill faltered in the full Senate with a 12-12 vote.
