Substitute Senate Bill No. 1405, also known as Public Act No. 25-26, significantly updates 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 encompass new communication methods, including electronic sharing of candidate content and personal email lists for campaign purposes. It expands the definition of "solicit" to include electronic fundraising links while removing the previous exclusion for mere attendance at fundraising events. Additionally, the bill amends the disclaimer requirements for campaign communications, ensuring transparency by mandating that all promotional materials clearly state who financed them, including provisions for text messages.

The legislation also revises the auditing process, reducing the percentage of candidate committees subject to random audits and establishing a requirement for timely notification and completion of audits. It introduces new guidelines for candidate contributions, including certification requirements for donations over fifty dollars and adjustments to contribution limits based on the consumer price index. The bill further clarifies candidate eligibility criteria, enhances the commission's operational transparency, and modifies the appointment process for the executive director of the commission. Overall, these changes aim to modernize campaign finance regulations, improve accountability, and ensure that the electoral process remains transparent and fair.

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