An Act Authorizing Cities And Towns To Provide For Citizen-Funded Election Campaigns

This bill allows cities and towns to create local "Democracy Trust Funds" that match small voter donations for municipal candidates. It directly affects municipal candidates and residents in communities that adopt the program: candidates must receive at least $10 contributions from multiple registered voters to qualify for matching funds (up to double the donation amount, capped at $50 per contribution), and must agree to spending limits per campaign cycle. The city clerk administers the fund, with contributions transferred from the town treasury without annual appropriation. This system aims to help candidates without wealthy networks run for office by increasing the impact of small-dollar donations.