Blue Utopia Blog

Understanding Hybrid PACs

Wed, Nov 23, 2022 - 01:39 PM

A new type of unconnected PAC -- a Hybrid PAC -- has been gaining traction since it was approved back in 2011 by the FEC. Unconnected PACs have usually fallen into Super PACs and traditional PACs. These two types of PACs have always been treated separately by the FEC. That all changed with Carey v. FEC, ushering in what is referred to as Hybrid PACs. First, let's understand these two types of existing PACs.

Super PACs, are independent-expenditure-only committees. They are able to accept unlimited contributions from nearly any source. However, none of these funds can be used to make contributions to candidates.

Traditional PACs, on the other hand, are subject to strict limits on the amounts of contributions they can accept and from whom. These PACs, however, are free to pass money on to candidates.

The new Hybrid PAC is allowed to do both, as long as the new PAC maintains separated bank accounts for the 'traditional' PAC activities like donating to candidates and the 'Super PAC' activities like accepting unlimited funds and making independent advertising expenditures.