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
  • 2006 FEA Periods for Each State
  • 2004 FEA Periods for Each State
• "Electioneering Communications" -- e.g., issue ads
  • 2006 EC Periods for Each State
  • EC Periods for 2005 Special Elections
  • 2004 EC Periods for Each State
• Increased contribution limits
  • Contribution limits for 2005-06
• Prohibited contributions -- i.e., from minors and foreign nationals
• Inaugural committees
• Coordinated and independent expenditures
  • 24- and 48-hour IE Reporting Periods for 2006
  • 24- and 48-hour IE Reporting Periods for 2005 Special Elections
• 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
  • Spending Thresholds for Senate Candidates
• Fraudulent solicitations
• Disclaimers
• Prohibited and permitted uses of campaign funds
• Civil penalties
• Reporting

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.