Can I collect credit card information from participants in Massachusetts? What are the requirements?

Collecting Credit Card Information in Massachusetts

According to 970 CMR 1.09(2)(d), a political committee may collect credit card information from participants in Massachusetts if the following requirements are met:

1. The political committee must enter into an agreement with a vendor, which includes procedures that the vendor will follow to ensure compliance with M.G.L. c. 55, § 9, and 970 CMR 1.09.
2. The vendor must display appropriate questions requiring a response from the contributor to determine whether the source and amount of a contribution complies with M.G.L. c. 55 and 970 CMR.
3. The contributor must certify that they are using their own credit card, which is in their name, and that their personal funds are the true source of the contribution.
4. The contributor must provide their name, residential address, and if the amount contributed by a single contributor is $200 or more in the aggregate during the calendar year, their occupation and employer.

Recordkeeping Requirements

Records of all electronic expenditures, including all payments made by credit and debit card, shall be maintained pursuant to M.G.L. c. 55, §§ 2 and 5 and 970 CMR 1.10: Recordkeeping and Disclosure of In-kind Contributions.

Massachusetts Supplemental Form

Additionally, Massachusetts Supplemental Form A PHD-MA-SUPP may be required to be submitted by each category 1 and category 2 license qualifier in a format prescribed by the commission. The form may require the qualifier to provide information such as their name, including maiden name and any aliases or nicknames and applicable dates of use, date of birth, physical description, including a color photograph taken within the past six months, current address, mailing and home, if different, home and work telephone numbers, social security number, citizenship and, if applicable, resident alien status, including any employment authorization with expiration date, country of which the qualifier is a citizen, place of birth, port of entry to the United States, and name and addresses of sponsor(s) upon the qualifier’s arrival, and copies of Federal and foreign tax returns and related information for the last five years.

Conclusion

Based on the information provided in the context documents, a political committee may collect credit card information from participants in Massachusetts if the requirements outlined in 970 CMR 1.09(2)(d) are met. Additionally, records of all electronic expenditures, including all payments made by credit and debit card, must be maintained in accordance with M.G.L. c. 55, §§ 2 and 5 and 970 CMR 1.10. Massachusetts Supplemental Form A PHD-MA-SUPP may also be required to be submitted by each category 1 and category 2 license qualifier in a format prescribed by the commission.

Jurisdiction

Massachusetts

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