Bill Summary
The "Safeguarding Trust in Our Politics Act" aims to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to restrict certain tax-exempt organizations, specifically those classified under section 501(c)(3), from providing any form of financial support—direct or indirect—to state or local governments for election administration purposes. This includes any contributions that could reasonably be expected to be used for managing elections, except for donations of space for polling places. The changes are set to take effect for taxable years starting after December 31, 2025. The legislation seeks to enhance the integrity of the electoral process by limiting the influence of tax-exempt entities in election-related funding.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the "Safeguarding Trust in Our Politics Act" could affect people:
1. **Impact on Nonprofits and Charitable Organizations**: Many nonprofit organizations that are classified as 501(c)(3) could be significantly affected by this legislation. These organizations often engage in civic engagement and voter education efforts, and the prohibition on providing funding for election administration may limit their ability to support these activities. As a result, individuals who rely on services, resources, or information from these organizations about voting may find it more challenging to access unbiased information or assistance during elections.
2. **Election Administration Resources**: State and local governments often depend on funding from various organizations, including nonprofits, to help administer elections effectively. By restricting 501(c)(3) organizations from providing funding for election administration, this legislation could lead to reduced financial resources available for ensuring smooth election processes. Voters may experience longer wait times at polling places, reduced accessibility, or fewer resources to address voter concerns and questions.
3. **Voter Turnout and Participation**: The legislation may indirectly affect voter turnout and participation rates. If organizations that typically promote voter engagement and provide funding for election-related activities are prohibited from doing so, the overall outreach and mobilization efforts could diminish. This could lead to lower voter participation, disproportionately affecting communities that rely on these organizations for support and encouragement to vote, ultimately impacting the democratic process.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 4943 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 4943
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to prohibit certain tax-
exempt organizations from providing funding for election
administration.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
August 8, 2025
Ms. Tenney introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Ways and Means
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to prohibit certain tax-
exempt organizations from providing funding for election
administration.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Safeguarding Trust in Our Politics
Act''.
SEC. 2. 501(C)(3) ORGANIZATIONS PROHIBITED FROM PROVIDING DIRECT OR
INDIRECT FUNDING FOR ELECTION ADMINISTRATION.
(a) In General.--Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 is amended--
(1) by striking ``and which does not participate'' and
inserting ``which does not participate'', and
(2) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``and
which does not provide direct funding to any State or unit of
local government for the purpose of the administration of
elections for public office or any funding to any State or unit
of local government in a case in which it is reasonable to
expect such funding will be used for the purpose of the
administration of elections for public office (except with
respect to the donation of space to a State or unit of local
government to be used as a polling place in an election for
public office).''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.
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