Bill would require electronic filing for political ad reports, drop check rule
Passed one chamberH.R. 8738Latest action
Sponsor: Joseph D. Morelle · Representative · NY
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Official title: FEC Administrative Improvements Act
119th Congress
Topics: Government & democracy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The bill requires electronic filing of "electioneering communications" reports and lets committees pay bills by methods other than checks.
40-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill would require groups that file "electioneering communications" reports with the FEC to submit them electronically instead of on paper. It would also remove the current law's requirement that political committees make disbursements "by check," allowing methods like debit cards, wire transfers, or electronic payments from official campaign accounts.
Who does it affect?
The changes mainly affect political campaigns, PACs, and other groups that fund political ads or federal election activity, as well as FEC staff who process filings.
Why does it matter?
The bill does not change what campaign finance activities are allowed or restricted; it updates filing and payment procedures to match common modern practices, potentially making reporting more consistent and giving campaigns more payment flexibility.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMay 12, 2026
- House committee
- House vote
- SenateYou are here · Jul 14, 2026
- The president's desk
Right now: it passed the House, and the official record shows nothing new since. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.