FEC Lets Donors Max Out on Text Donations

A Federal Election Commission opinion expands the scope of text-message based political contributions to allow contributors to donate the maximum amount allowable by law.

Previously, the FEC had limited donations that are made via mobile short codes that appear on the phone bills of contributors to $50 per billing cycle and $200 per election cycle. The system that was first backed by the FEC was designed to allow for the same level of donations that can be made on a cash basis, without triggering reporting requirements. Under the new guidelines, campaigns will be responsible for ensuring the eligibility of donors and identifying people who donate more than the $50 and $200 limits, as is currently required for other types of donations.