SECURE Act advances across states amid rising threats to public officials

WASHINGTON – Rhode Island and Arizona in June became the two most recent states to enact the Safeguarding Election Candidates Using Reasonable Expenditures (SECURE) Act. The bill, which would provide a clear framework that allows candidates and elected officials to use campaign funds for professional security services, is also in play in several other states.  

“There's growing popularity around this bill with legislators,” said Taylor Criddle, vice president of advocacy and public affairs for ESA, which is spearheading the bill. “I think they're seeing the need to be able to use campaign funds for security-related expenses. And I want to note that the bill lays out what funds can and cannot be used for. So, it's very clear and clean cut on this, as you have to be with anything related to campaign finance.” 

Broad bipartisan appeal drives adoption 

Other states that have already signed the bill into law are Alabama, Illinois, Kentucky, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah and Vermont. It has also passed in New Hampshire but awaits the governor’s signature, and it’s in play in Delaware and New Jersey, said Jake Braunger, director of government affairs, home services, at NRG, who helped draft the bill’s language. 

“It's been passed in rural states, more urban states, red states, blue states,” he said. “It has very strong bipartisan support.” 

Industry advocates cite increasing threats 

Braunger pointed to several high-profile incidents, including attacks on Minnesota lawmakers in 2025 and threats against national political figures, as evidence that security concerns have become more urgent. 

“Some of the stories I've heard, understandably, are not all common knowledge because a lot of these elected officials don't want people to know what kind of threats they have to deal with on a daily basis,” he said. 

Election-year dynamics could slow progress 

While supporters continue pushing for adoption of the SECURE Act across the country, many state legislatures are concluding their sessions as attention shifts toward the midterm elections, Braunger said. 

That dynamic can make lawmakers hesitant to consider changes involving campaign finances during an election year. 

“Anytime you're going to do something at all campaign related on an election year, there's that momentary bit of hesitation,” he said. “Most states are in what they would call their shorter sessions where they're going to get right out and start campaigning. So, changing the rules of the road, we kind of knew going in was going to be a little bit more challenging (this year).”  

Related:  

• ESA announces initiative to introduce the SECURE Act in state legislatures 

• R.I. Senate backs use of campaign funds for security systems

Photo courtesy of State of Rhode Island General Assembly