SHIELD Act

Secure Handling of Internet Electronic Donations Act or the SHIELD Act

This bill addresses campaign finance in federal elections.

Specifically, the bill requires political committees, when accepting a credit or debit card contribution over the internet, to collect the credit or debit card's verification value. The card's billing address must be in the United States, with an exception. For a contributor who is living outside of the United States and, at the time of the contribution, is a U.S. national or lawfully admitted for permanent residence, the bill requires the contributor to provide the political committee with his or her voter registration address or identification document (e.g., U.S. passport).

Additionally, the bill prohibits political committees from accepting a contribution made through the use of a general-use prepaid card, gift certificate, or store gift card.

The bill also prohibits knowingly directing, helping, or assisting any person in making a contribution in the name of another person.

The Federal Election Commission must, within 10 days, promulgate regulations to carry out this bill.

Written by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service. All summary versions on Congress.gov