A bill that aims to reorganize and clarify Denver’s campaign finance laws was introduced by members of the City Council on Monday night.

Along with tidying up language to improve readability and accessibility, Council Bill 24-1676 would prohibit anonymous contributions to candidates running for elected office, equalize contributions amounts for Fair Elections Fund (FEF) and non-FEF candidates, clarify requirements for neutral debates, update requirements for neutral hearing officers and list prohibited expenditures for FEF money.

The bill is sponsored by District 9 Councilmember Darrell Watson and District 5 Councilmember Amanda Sawyer.

While the number of changes to the code could qualify for a “repeal and replace,” Sawyer told members of the Finance and Governance Committee that the Denver Clerk’s office asked for a “strike-through” instead because the Fair Elections Fund was approved by voters.

“If folks walk through Chapter 15, you will know it’s scattered, it’s confusing and it’s cumbersome,” Watson said of the city’s current election code.

He added the code was not an easy read, and candidates, including himself, have had a hard time understanding and navigating its complexities to ensure proper campaign compliance.

Denver’s Fair Elections Fund was approved by voters in 2023, but several candidates and officials reported confusion in understanding the process.

Sponsors insist the changes are designed to ensure the FEF remains “an equitable tool that supports all candidates and deepens voter confidence in the election process.”

A public hearing will be held Tuesday, Feb. 18, during the regular Monday city council meeting.