House Bill No. 7093 introduces comprehensive amendments to Connecticut's campaign finance laws, particularly focusing on independent expenditure political committees (IE-only PACs) and political action committees (PACs). The bill defines an "independent expenditure political committee" and expands the definition of a "political committee" to include these IE-only PACs, while removing references to candidate committees. It modifies reporting requirements, allowing unlimited independent expenditures and covered transfers, but mandates detailed reporting for expenditures exceeding $1,000. Key insertions include the requirement for individuals to specify whether expenditures support or oppose candidates or referendum questions, and to affirm the accuracy of their reports under penalty of false statement. The bill also establishes new disclosure requirements for covered transfers exceeding $5,000 and increases civil penalties for failing to file required reports.

Additionally, HB7093 revises contribution limits and registration requirements for political committees, including those established by organizations. It allows committees formed for a single referendum to retain surplus funds for up to ninety days and updates contribution limits for various political offices. The bill prohibits business entities from making contributions to candidate committees while allowing them to make independent expenditures to IE-only PACs. It also lowers the standard for the State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC) to determine violations from "probable cause" to "reason to believe," streamlining the complaint resolution process. Overall, the bill aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and integrity in campaign financing while adjusting regulations to reflect current practices.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 9-601, 9-601c, 9-611, 9-613, 9-614, 9-615, 9-620
GOS Joint Favorable: 9-601, 9-601c, 9-611, 9-613, 9-614, 9-615, 9-620
File No. 516: 9-601, 9-601c, 9-611, 9-613, 9-614, 9-615, 9-620