Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002

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On March 27, 2002, President Bush signed into law the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 (BCRA), Public Law No. 107-155.  The BCRA contains many substantial and technical changes to the federal campaign finance law.  The Commission's implementation of BCRA included rulemakings (listed below) on the following topics:

• "Soft Money" -- i.e., solicitation and use of nonfederal funds by parties, candidates and officeholders
  • FEA Periods for 2012
• "Electioneering Communications" -- e.g., issue ads
  • EC Periods for 2012
  • Examples of Communications under WRTL Exemption in 11 CFR 114.15
• Increased and indexed contribution limits
  • Contribution Limits for 2011-2012
• Prohibited contributions -- i.e., from minors and foreign nationals
• Inaugural committees
• Coordinated and independent expenditures
  • IE Periods for 2012
• The "Millionaire's Amendment" -- i.e., the increase in contribution limits for candidates facing a wealthy opponent who intends to make large expenditures from personal funds
  • Federal Election Commission's Public Statement on the Supreme Court's Decision in Davis v. FEC
• Fraudulent solicitations
• Disclaimers
• Prohibited and permitted uses of campaign funds
• Civil penalties

Most of the changes became effective November 6, 2002; however, changes involving contribution limits took effect with regard to contributions made on or after January 1, 2003.  Links to resources regarding the changes in the law appear at the top of this page.