The Senate today passed legislation (H.R. 3487) to expand the Federal Election Commission’s ability to issue fines to groups in violation of campaign finance regulations.

The Senate approved the bill by unanimous consent. The House had passed the measure on Nov. 18th. The measure now goes to the President for signing.

The bill would allow the FEC to include groups not currently covered under the streamlined administrative fine program, such as those groups making independent expenditures or electioneering communications, including national, state, and local party committees, as well as non-profit organizations. Civil penalties could already be imposed after a full enforcement proceeding. View our earlier posting.