House Bill No. 7093 proposes extensive amendments to Connecticut's campaign finance laws, particularly focusing on independent expenditure political committees (IE-only PACs) and their operations. The bill defines an "independent expenditure political committee" and expands the definition of "political committee" to include these entities, thereby increasing the regulatory scope. Key insertions include new reporting requirements mandating that individuals and entities file detailed reports of independent expenditures electronically within 24 hours, specify whether expenditures support or oppose candidates or referendum questions, and affirm the accuracy of their reports under penalty of false statement. The bill also introduces stricter regulations on business entities regarding political contributions, allowing them to make independent expenditures while limiting their contributions to candidates and requiring them to establish their own political committees.

Additionally, HB7093 modifies contribution limits for various political offices, establishes new requirements for candidates participating in the Citizens' Election Program (CEP), and enhances transparency by requiring detailed disclosures about funding sources and expenditures. The bill raises civil penalties for late filings and introduces new provisions for handling complaints related to election violations, shifting the standard from "probable cause" to "reason to believe." Overall, these changes aim to improve accountability and transparency in campaign financing, streamline regulatory processes, and ensure that candidates meet specific thresholds for public financing while potentially reducing the number of candidates qualifying for grants from the CEP.

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