January 24, 2025
Mr. Cole (for himself, Ms. Foxx, Mr. Ellzey, Ms. Tenney, Mr. Zinke, Mr. Carter of Texas, and Mr. Mann) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on House Administration
To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to prohibit a State from receiving or using funds or certain donations from private entities for the administration of an election for Federal office, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Protect American Election Administration Act of 2025
.
Sec. 2. Prohibition against the receipt or use of funds or certain donations from private entities
(a) Requirements
Title III of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (52 U.S.C. 21081 et seq.) is amended—
(1)
by redesignating sections 305 and 306 as sections 306 and 307, respectively; and
(2)
by inserting after section 304 the following new section:
305. Prohibition against the receipt or use of funds or certain donations from private entities for election administration
(a) In general
A State may not solicit, receive, or expend any payment or donation of funds, property, or personal services from a private entity for the purpose of the administration of an election for Federal office, including any programs with respect to voter education, voter outreach, and voter registration.
(b) Exception
This section shall not apply with respect to the acceptance and use by a State of a donation from a private entity of space to be used for a polling place or an early voting site in the State.
(b) Conforming amendment relating to enforcement
Section 401 of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (52 U.S.C. 21111) is amended by striking 303, and 304
and inserting 303, 304, and 305
.
(c) Clerical amendment
The table of contents of such Act is amended—
(1)
by redesignating the items relating to sections 305 and 306 as relating to sections 306 and 307, respectively; and
(2)
by inserting after the item relating to section 304 the following new item:
(d) Effective date
The amendment made by this section shall apply with respect to any election for Federal office held after the date of the enactment of this Act.