SB 688: Campaign finance; establishes campaign contribution limits, contingency, effective clause.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Campaign finance; campaign contribution and expenditure limits; contingency. Establishes campaign contribution and expenditure limits for all persons and committees in the Commonwealth. The effectiveness of the provisions of the bill is contingent on certification by the Attorney General to the Code Commission that any such provision is reasonably probable to be upheld as constitutional due to (i) an opinion by the Supreme Court; (ii) The adoption of an amendment to the U.S. Constitution; or (iii) any other reason, to be specified in the certification. The bill also states that in the opinion of the General Assembly, the Supreme Court's decisions in Citizens United v. FEC, 558 US. 310 (2010), McCutcheon v FEC, 572 U.S. 185 (2014), and other related campaign finance cases were wrongly decided, that such decisions undermine the integrity of Virginia's democratic process by preventing reasonable limits on campaign contributions and expenditures, and that contribution and expenditure limits will enhance public trust in Virginia's electoral system, facilitate greater transparency, and ensure that elected officials remain accountable to all Virginians. The provisions of the bill establishing expenditure limits for candidates do not become effective unless reenacted by the 2027 Session of the General Assembly.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 3

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. March 14, 2026Failed to Pass from conference
2. March 14, 2026Failed to Pass from conference
3. March 14, 2026No further action taken
4. March 12, 2026House Conferees: Price, Convirs-Fowler, Scott of Spotsylvania
5. March 12, 2026Conferees appointed by House
6. March 12, 2026Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB688)
7. March 11, 2026Senate Conferees: Mulchi, Surovell, Bennett-Parker
8. March 11, 2026Conferees appointed by Senate
9. March 11, 2026Senate acceded to request Block Vote (40-Y 0-N 0-A)
10. March 10, 2026House requested conference committee
11. March 10, 2026House insisted on substitute
12. March 9, 2026House substitute rejected by Senate (0-Y 40-N 0-A)

Showing 12 most recent of 40 actions. Full history