The proposed bill amends Arizona Revised Statutes to prohibit public service corporations, their affiliates, and principals from contributing to candidates for the corporation commission, as well as from accepting or soliciting such contributions. It defines key terms such as "affiliate," "control," and "principal," and establishes that any expenditure made by these entities in coordination with a corporation commission candidate is considered an in-kind contribution rather than an independent expenditure. This includes expenditures made in cooperation or consultation with candidates, particularly if there is any prior relationship or understanding regarding the expenditure.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific conditions under which expenditures are deemed coordinated, including the existence of a firewall to prevent the flow of strategic nonpublic information between the entities involved. It also clarifies the definition of "covered expenditure," which includes various forms of campaign materials and activities that support or oppose candidates. Overall, the bill aims to enhance transparency and limit the influence of public service corporations on corporation commission elections by tightening regulations around campaign contributions and expenditures.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-916.01, 16-923