Vermont's Comprehensive Campaign Finance
Reform Law
In response to growing concerns over the role of money in elections, Vermont passed a comprehensive campaign reform law in 1997 that includes mandatory spending limits, contribution limits, and public financing measures. The law, Act 64, received broad bi-partisan support in both houses of the Vermont legislature.
The reforms were adopted following nearly six months of hearings that investigated the role of money in Vermont politics. During 65 separate hearings held before five different legislative committees, the legislature compiled testimony from 145 witnesses that included current and former Vermont elected officials and candidates, numerous Vermont organizations and individual citizens, and campaign finance experts. The hearings culminated in detailed findings on the need for comprehensive reform, both to address concerns about corruption and to reinvigorate citizens' confidence in the political process. Based on these findings, Vermont enacted Act 64.
Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet
- Quotes from the Record and Opinions (pdf)
This fact sheet includes many quotes from the Vermont legislature's hearings on the role of money in Vermont politics.