Senate debates anonymous campaign donation limit

SALT LAKE CITY — The state Senate passed a bill Tuesday setting the limit on anonymous campaign donations at $50 after debating whether to raise or lower it.

HB38 sought to raise the maximum amount to $100, but several senators argued that was the wrong direction to go. Sen. John Valentine, R-Orem, proposed setting it at $25.

"In light of transparency, we should be not be increasing the limit. We should be decreasing it," Valentine said.

Sen. Margaret Dayton, R-Orem, said lawmakers shouldn't discourage people from donating to political campaigns. Some donors have friends in both parties or hold community or church positions and should be afforded anonymity, she said.

Ultimately, the Senate settled on $50, which is the current limit. The amended bill now goes back to the House.

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