Substitute Senate Bill No. 1405, also known as Public Act No. 25-26, significantly revises campaign finance laws and the operations of the State Elections Enforcement Commission, with an effective date of July 1, 2025. The bill redefines "organization expenditure" to include modern communication methods such as electronic sharing and personal email lists for campaign purposes, while expanding the definition of "solicit" to cover various fundraising activities, excluding mere attendance at events. It also amends the requirements for disclaimers on campaign communications, mandating that they include information about who paid for them, and introduces specific provisions for text message disclaimers. Additionally, the bill modifies advertising requirements for candidates, including the necessity of a photographic image and approval statement, while removing the need for a personal audio message.

Moreover, the bill alters the auditing process by reducing the percentage of candidate committees subject to random audits and establishes new guidelines for the commission's operations, including the appointment process for the executive director, which now requires legislative approval. It adjusts contribution limits based on the consumer price index, ensuring that maximum contributions do not decrease over time, and clarifies the treatment of various contributions and expenditures. The bill also introduces new provisions for qualifying contributions, requiring certifications for contributions over fifty dollars, and exempts certain campaign-related activities from being classified as expenditures. Overall, these changes aim to enhance transparency, accountability, and compliance within campaign financing and candidate eligibility.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 9-7b
GOS Joint Favorable: 9-7b
File No. 489: 9-7b
APP Joint Favorable: 9-7b
Public Act No. 25-26: 9-7b