Legal Definitions - BCRA

Definition: The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA) is a federal law that was signed in March of 2002. It bans soft money contributions to political parties and regulates the use of funds by individuals, corporations, and organizations in federal elections. It also restricts the use of "issue advertisements" sponsored by non-candidate organizations and individuals.

• BCRA bans national parties from soliciting, receiving, directing, transferring, and spending soft money.
• BCRA prohibits corporations and labor unions from using funds from their general treasuries to sponsor electioneeringcommunications.
• BCRA defines electioneering communications as any broadcast, cable, or satellite communication which promotes or supports a candidate for that office, or attacks or opposes a candidate for that office.

These examples illustrate how BCRA regulates the use of funds in federal elections and aims to prevent the influence of unregulated money in politics.