Substitute House Bill No. 7128 seeks to amend existing campaign finance laws, particularly focusing on political contributions made through online donation platforms and the management of recurring contributions. The bill repeals subsection (b) of section 9-601a and replaces it with new language that defines "contribution" and outlines various exemptions, including loans from banks, nonpartisan voter registration efforts, volunteer services, and specific donations of food or beverages, with monetary limits set at $400 for individual contributions of food or beverages for a single event and $800 for events hosted by multiple individuals. Additionally, the bill introduces restrictions on advertising purchases for fundraising events, prohibiting certain individuals, such as lobbyists and state contractors, from purchasing advertising space, thereby enhancing transparency and accountability in political financing.

Moreover, the bill modifies the definition of "expenditure" by adding new categories of communications that are not considered expenditures, such as endorsements by unopposed candidates and candidate endorsements in specific districts. It clarifies that voluntary payments made to online platforms for operational costs are not classified as expenditures, provided they are separate from actual contributions. The bill also mandates that online platforms must obtain affirmative consent from contributors for automatically recurring contributions, ensuring that passive actions do not suffice for consent. Overall, sHB 7128 aims to streamline campaign finance regulations, protect contributors' rights, and enhance transparency in the electoral process without imposing new financial obligations on the state or municipalities.