The proposed General Assembly Substitute Bill No. 7221 seeks to amend Connecticut's campaign finance laws by centralizing the filing of campaign finance statements with the State Elections Enforcement Commission, replacing the previous requirement for local town clerks. Key provisions include the repeal of Sections 9-603 and 9-604, and the expansion of the definition of public office to encompass town committee members. The bill also introduces new exemptions for candidates who finance their campaigns entirely from personal funds or do not exceed $1,000 in expenditures, requiring them to file a certification with the State Elections Enforcement Commission. Additionally, candidates must establish a candidate committee within fifteen days of dissolving an exploratory committee, and political committees must now file statements of consent with the state rather than local clerks.

Further amendments focus on enhancing transparency and compliance in campaign finance reporting. The bill mandates electronic submission of all financial disclosure statements and registration documents for candidates and political committees, with specific deadlines for treasurers to report changes. It also clarifies the roles and responsibilities of treasurers, including the requirement to file a notice of intent to dissolve exploratory committees within fifteen days of a candidate's declaration. The legislation introduces penalties for late filings and allows for waivers in certain circumstances, aiming to streamline the election process and improve accountability in campaign financing. Overall, the bill represents a significant overhaul of the existing campaign finance framework in Connecticut.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 9-603, 9-604, 9-624, 9-675
GAE Joint Favorable: 9-603, 9-604, 9-624, 9-675
File No. 649: 9-603, 9-604, 9-624, 9-675
APP Joint Favorable: 9-603, 9-604, 9-624, 9-675