General Assembly Raised Bill No. 1406 seeks to enhance the regulation of online platforms that facilitate contributions to political committees and to expand the jurisdiction of the State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC) over elections in certain districts. The bill introduces new definitions for "contribution" and "committee," allowing online platforms to recommend committees for contributions with SEEC approval. It also emphasizes that online platforms cannot process automatically recurring contributions without explicit consent from contributors. Additionally, the bill repeals and replaces subsection (b) of section 9-601a, clarifying exemptions from what constitutes a "contribution," including loans from banks and volunteer services, thereby streamlining the definition of contributions.

Moreover, the bill amends existing campaign finance laws by clarifying what does not qualify as an "expenditure," including certain communications and volunteer services. It mandates the hiring of additional staff for the SEEC to bolster its investigatory capabilities and expands its authority to investigate election law violations. The bill also designates the SEEC as a law enforcement agency for investigating criminal violations related to elections and updates the governance of districts, including quorum requirements and voting procedures. Key insertions include provisions for sanctions against violators and the ability for the SEEC to conduct audits of candidate committees. The bill is set to take effect in stages, with some provisions effective immediately and others on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 9-7b, 7-327