SB 434 - Candidates nominated by a political caucus, shall file financial interest statements within 10 days of the nomination. Currently, financial interest statements and disclosure reports are timely filed if postmarked not later than midnight of the day previous to the last day designated for filing. This act changes this requirement to midnight of the day designated for filing.
Candidates who are delinquent in paying any fees assessed by the Ethics Commission are disqualified.
Currently, committees filing campaign disclosure reports are subject to a late filing fee of $10 a day. This penalty is changed to $50 dollars a day. Notice shall be sent within 7 business days after the due date to the candidate and treasurer of the committee failing to file.
Currently, candidate committees filing campaign disclosure reports for the period closing the 12th day before the election are subject to a late filing fee of $100 a day not to exceed $6,000. This penalty is modified to apply to all types of committees. Notice shall be sent within 7 business days after the due date to the candidate and treasurer of the committee failing to file. Unpaid late fees may be collected through garnishment and execution against a committee's official depository account after a 30 day delinquency.
Candidates are barred from forming candidate committees or serving as a treasurer or deputy treasurer until all reports are filed and fees are paid to the Ethics Commission.
Currently, continuing committees who contribute over $15,000 in a calendar year must electronically file disclosure reports. This act modifies this provision to require all committees who receive or contribute over $2,000 to electronically file.
Candidates delinquent in filing any campaign finance disclosure reports shall be disqualified from participating in the election.
CHRIS HOGERTY