The proposed General Assembly Committee Bill No. 604 seeks to amend campaign finance laws by redefining key terms related to state contractors and subcontractors. The bill introduces new definitions for "state contractor," "prospective state contractor," and "subcontractor," specifically including individuals or entities with contracts valued at $50,000 or more, while excluding municipalities and those solely paying licensing fees. It repeals and replaces subsection (f) of section 9-612 of the general statutes, emphasizing the roles of individuals and entities in state contracts and clarifying that these definitions remain applicable until the end of the year in which the contracts terminate.
Furthermore, the bill imposes strict regulations on contributions made by state contractors and their principals, prohibiting them from making or soliciting contributions to political committees or candidates for state office starting January 1, 2011. It requires contractors to certify that they have not made any prohibited contributions in the past four years, with this certification being a prerequisite for contract execution. The bill also includes provisions for penalties in case of non-compliance and mandates that state agencies inform contractors of these regulations. Overall, the bill aims to enhance transparency and prevent conflicts of interest in state contracting processes.