FEC Issues an Advisory Opinion and Approves an Audit Division Recommendation Memorandum

WASHINGTON — The Federal Election Commission at its open meeting today issued an advisory opinion and an Audit Division Recommendation Memorandum. The Commission also discussed a second advisory opinion request.

Advisory Opinion 2015-14 (Hillary for America II)

The Commission approved an advisory opinion in response to a request from Hillary for America (the Committee). The Commission concluded that the provision of a stipend and academic credit by DePauw University to a student who interned for the Committee is permissible under the Federal Election Campaign Act and Commission regulations. During the discussion, the Commission heard from the requestor’s counsel. Two concurring statements were issued: one by Chairman Matthew S. Petersen and Commissioners Caroline C. Hunter and Lee E. Goodman, the other by Commissioner Ellen L. Weintraub.

Advisory Opinion Request 2015-15 (Niger Innis for Congress)

The Commission discussed two draft advisory opinions in response to a request from Niger Innis for Congress, but held over a vote on the matter. The requestor asks whether it may pay certain costs associated with general election contributions from general, rather than primary, election funds and whether it may donate uncashed refunds of general election contributions to a charity, rather than disgorge the funds to the U.S. Treasury. During the discussion, the Commission heard from the requestor’s counsel.

Audit Division Recommendation Memorandum on the Oklahoma Democratic Party

The Commission approved an Audit Division Recommendation Memorandum on the Oklahoma Democratic Party, covering campaign finance activity between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2012. The Commission approved findings related to the misstatement of financial activity, misstatement of financial activity concerning Levin Funds, and reporting of debts and obligations. The Commission did not approve a proposed finding addressing recordkeeping for employees (monthly payroll logs). The Audit Division will include a discussion of the issue in the Additional Issues section of the Proposed Final Audit Report.

*This press release was updated on February 12, 2016 to add a link to Commissioner Weintraub’s concurring statement.