The proposed General Assembly Committee Bill No. 603 seeks to amend the management and distribution of surplus funds from candidate committees involved in the Citizens' Election Program. The bill repeals subsection (e) of section 9-608 and introduces new provisions that allow candidate committees to allocate surplus funds to various entities, including party committees, political committees for ongoing activities, the Citizens' Election Fund, and charitable organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Specifically, participating candidates can distribute up to $5,000 of surplus funds to a local charity serving their represented area, with any remaining surplus directed to the Citizens' Election Fund.

Additionally, the bill establishes clear conditions for the distribution of surplus funds, including timelines for distribution following elections or primaries, and mandates that candidate committees file a supplemental statement detailing further contributions received after the distribution. It also clarifies that nonparticipating candidate committees can only distribute surplus funds to the Citizens' Election Fund or charitable organizations. The bill emphasizes responsible management of funds by stipulating that no surplus may be distributed or expended until after the election, primary, or referendum, and sets an effective date for these changes as October 1, 2025. Overall, the amendments aim to enhance transparency and compliance with election laws regarding surplus campaign funds.