Explanation
This ordinance authorizes a code change to Section 107.02 of Columbus City Codes, which governs the limits on contributions to and among municipal campaigns. During the summer of 2026, and through discussions with members of Our City, Our Say on broader election reform, changes to campaign finance law emerged as a shared priority.
This code change will update current city code provisions that establish limits on individual and committee campaign contributions to municipal campaigns. Current city code effectively indexes the maximum individual campaign contribution to the codified state limit, which is $16,615.67 as of 2026. This change will reduce the maximum limit to one-half of the state limit. This code change would also limit the amount that a campaign committee could contribute to another committee to twice the individual amount, or what would be a limit of $32,231.44 in 2026. However, the code change would also apply that upper limit to in-kind contributions between campaigns as well, eliminating the potential for limitless contributions between and among campaigns.
Fiscal Impact: None.
Title
To amend Section 107.02 - Campaign Finance of the Columbus City Codes. ($0)
Body
WHEREAS, this ordinance updates the city codes regarding campaign finance contribution limits; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That Section 107.02 of the Columbus City Codes is hereby amended per the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 2. That existing section 107.02 of the Columbus City Codes is hereby repealed.
SECTION 3. That these code changes shall be in effect on and after January 1, 2027.
SECTION 4. That this ordinance shall take effect at the earliest date allowable by law.