A proposal to bar certain top state employees from donating to the campaigns of the candidates who oversee them failed in the House on Monday, as lawmakers rejected HB 1278 by a 47–20 vote.
Rep. Will Mortenson argued the bill would protect employees from feeling pressured to contribute, but critics said the restriction could be easily bypassed through donations from family members. Opponents, including Reps. Mary Fitzgerald and Lana Greenfield, also argued it infringed on free‑speech rights, noting public employees do not lose constitutional protections.
The bill would have applied to candidates for statewide offices and the Legislature, though it wouldn’t have affected the 2026 election cycle because it was set to take effect in 2027.
Mortenson said employees could still express support through signs, social media, and independent spending, but the House ultimately rejected the measure.
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