The proposed General Assembly Committee Bill No. 603 seeks to amend the handling 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 distribute 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 allocate up to $5,000 to a local charity serving their represented area, with any remaining surplus directed to the Citizens' Election Fund. For nonparticipating candidates, surplus funds can only be distributed to the Citizens' Election Fund or charitable organizations.

Additionally, the bill establishes a timeline for the distribution of surplus funds, requiring action within 90 to 120 days following elections, primaries, or referendums, and mandates that treasurers file supplemental statements detailing any further contributions received after the distribution. The bill emphasizes compliance with existing regulations while enhancing the flexibility and transparency of campaign financing. The effective date for these changes is set for October 1, 2025, and the bill aims to improve the management of surplus funds by candidate committees while ensuring accountability in reporting deficits.