This bill proposes significant updates to the Arizona Revised Statutes regarding campaign contributions and expenses, specifically targeting the interactions between public service corporations and candidates for the corporation commission. Under the new provisions, public service corporations, their affiliates, and principals are prohibited from contributing to corporation commission candidates or their committees, and candidates are similarly barred from accepting such contributions. The bill also introduces detailed definitions for terms such as "affiliate," "control," and "principal," which clarify the relationships and conditions under which these entities operate.

Additionally, the bill establishes that expenditures made by public service corporations in coordination with candidates are not considered independent expenditures but rather in-kind contributions. It outlines specific criteria for what constitutes a coordinated expenditure, including agreements or understandings with candidates, prior relationships, and the sharing of nonpublic information. The bill also includes provisions for establishing a "firewall" to prevent the flow of strategic nonpublic information, ensuring compliance with the new regulations. Overall, these changes aim to enhance transparency and limit the influence of public service corporations in the electoral process for corporation commission candidates.

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