H.R. 4511: Uncheck the Box Act

The Uncheck the Box Act is legislation aimed at regulating how political donations and contributions are solicited and accepted, particularly those that recur over time, such as monthly or annual donations. Here is a breakdown of the key components:

Overview of the Bill

This bill amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971. Its primary focus is on recurring contributions or donations for federal election campaigns. Under this legislation, it would be prohibited for political committees or individuals involved in campaigns to solicit or accept contributions that do not require explicit consent from the donor for each recurring transaction.

Key Provisions

• Affirmative Consent Required: Donors must give clear, affirmative consent before a recurring contribution can be solicited or accepted. This means that merely failing to uncheck a pre-checked box in online forms would not count as consent.
• Restrictions on Contributions: The legislation specifically states that political committees cannot accept contributions made on a recurring basis unless the donor has expressly agreed to this kind of contribution.
• Definition of Passive Actions: The bill clarifies that passive actions, such as not opting out of a recurring contribution, do not constitute consent. This aims to protect donors from being unintentionally signed up for recurring contributions.

Responsibility of Fundraisers

The bill outlines additional responsibilities for those who receive contributions:

• Upon receiving the initial contribution and for each subsequent one, fundraisers must provide a receipt to the donor. This receipt must clearly outline the terms of the contribution, including the date and amount of upcoming contributions.
• All communications related to the donation must contain information that enables the donor to cancel future contributions easily.
• If a donor requests to stop future contributions, the recipient must comply immediately.

Effective Date

The amendments proposed by the bill would take effect either when the Federal Election Commission establishes the necessary regulations or 180 days after the bill is enacted, whichever comes first.

Relevant Companies

None found.