Lawmakers in the Alaska House rejected a set of proposed amendments to increase Alaska’s dark money disclosure rules. The amendments, introduced by Representative Kevin McCabe, R-Big Lake, targeted third-party political groups that often influence elections without full donor transparency.
McCabe argued that independent expenditure groups wield significant political power yet operate without meaningful oversight or disclosure requirements. McCabe’s proposals included faster reporting of donations to independent groups, clear ad disclosures and a cap on out-of-state contributions to ballot measure groups.
The House’s multi partisan majority voted these measures down ahead of a decision on House Bill 16. Traditionally, Republicans have favored looser campaign finance rules, but McCabe filled that script by calling for tighter restrictions.
He described the lack of disclosure rules as a critical loophole undermining voters’ trust and transparency. HB 16 supported Rep Calvin Scharge, I-Anchorage, aims to reinstate some donation limits aligned with a 2026 ballot measure.
Scharge emphasized that HB 16 must closely resemble the voter-approved measure to comply with Alaska’s constitution. Schrage voted against McCabe’s amendments, explaining that expanding the bill could derail its progress.
Other amendments also failed, including one from Representative Sarah Vance, R-Homer, which would have banned campaign donations from recipients of state contracts and their relatives. Scharge opposed that move due to constitutional concerns around restricting free speech.
McCabe’s efforts highlight growing concern about independent groups and their role in shaping Alaska’s elections. Although a 2020 ballot measure required some disclosures, it left significant gaps for ballot measure groups.
Schrage acknowledged those concerns, stating that some proposals may be returned in future legislation. For now, the House appears focused on passing HB 16 as written. Alaska voters will decide on the border reforms in 2026, but the dark money disclosure issues may continue unaddressed without legislative action.
