To amend section 2112 of title 44, United States Code, to appropriately limit donations to Presidential Libraries and Centers.

This bill sets clear rules for donations to Presidential Libraries and Centers. While someone is serving as President or has been elected, donations may only come from 501(c)(3) charities—and not from registered lobbyists, registered agents of foreign principals, federal contractors, foreign nationals, or anyone seeking or who received a pardon from that President. For two years after the President leaves office, donations from those same groups are still banned. Using another person’s name to hide the true donor is illegal.

Key points

• Who is affected: Presidential Libraries and Centers (including depositories, related facilities, and private museums/centers tied to a President’s legacy), donors, and the National Archives, which posts donor reports online.
• How much can be given: No more than $10,000 total from any one person, starting when the individual is elected President through one year after leaving office; this limit adjusts for inflation.
• What counts as a donation: Money or anything of value, including paying for services provided to the Library or Center without charge; volunteer time isn’t counted as a donation.
• Transparency: During the “covered period” (from election through five years after leaving office), Libraries/Centers must file quarterly reports listing donors who gave $200 or more that quarter. The National Archives must post each report within 30 days in a searchable, sortable, downloadable format.
• Penalties and enforcement: Violations can bring fines, repayment of the donations, and possible jail time for willful violations. Penalties are higher when more than $50,000 is involved in a year. Amounts are indexed for inflation. The U.S. Attorney General and state attorneys general can enforce these rules, and cases can be brought up to 10 years after the violation.