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 like "affiliate," "control," and "principal," which clarify the relationships and conditions under which these entities operate.

Additionally, the bill redefines what constitutes an independent expenditure by establishing that certain expenditures made in coordination with a corporation commission candidate are considered in-kind contributions rather than independent. 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