House Bill 45 (“HB 45”) is a bipartisan measure introduced in Kentucky’s 2025 legislative session. Recently passing the House by a vote of 85-12, it’s now in the Senate. If approved there, it will head to Governor Andy Beshear’s desk for signing or veto.
If HB 45 becomes law, it will bring key changes to Kentucky’s campaign finance landscape, including:
- Treasurer Requirements: Political committees must confirm that donors are not foreign nationals and have not received over $100,000 from prohibited sources in the past four years.
- Independent Expenditures: Entities making independent expenditures must certify they’ve not received prohibited funds in the past four years and won’t do so for the rest of the year.
- Foreign National Restrictions: Foreign nationals will be banned from making donations or influencing ballot measures, directly or indirectly.
- Civil Enforcement: The registry can take legal action for noncompliance, including penalties, fund disgorgement, or lobbyist registration suspensions.
- Donor Privacy: Donor identities remain private, except in cases of violations.
- Political Advertising Disclosures: Political ads must clearly state who paid for them, with exemptions for news, endorsements, and certain business communications.
- Record Keeping: Media outlets must retain political ad records for one year.
For more updates on HB 45 or other campaign finance matters, stay in touch with DBL Law and reach out to Derek Miles.
