Raised Bill No. 1405 seeks to modernize and enhance campaign finance laws in Connecticut, with an effective date of July 1, 2025. The bill introduces significant changes, including a revised definition of "organization expenditure" to include electronic communications related to candidates, and new provisions that allow certain electronic sharing of fundraising links without being classified as solicitation. It also clarifies disclaimer requirements for campaign communications, ensuring transparency about who funded and approved the messages. The bill repeals and replaces existing language in sections 9-601 and 9-621, streamlining regulations on campaign expenditures and mandating clear disclaimers for communications promoting candidates or political parties.

Additionally, the bill modifies the operations of the State Elections Enforcement Commission, allowing it to adopt regulations and issue advisory opinions while prohibiting certain rulings during the 180 days before a state election. It adjusts individual contribution limits based on the consumer price index and establishes new requirements for candidate committees regarding qualifying contributions, including returning non-qualifying contributions. The bill also enhances transparency by requiring disclosures of significant contributors and reducing the percentage of candidate committees subject to random audits. Overall, Raised Bill No. 1405 aims to improve accountability and transparency in campaign financing while adapting to the evolving landscape of political communication.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 9-7b