The proposed General Assembly Substitute Bill No. 7221 seeks to amend Connecticut's campaign finance laws by updating the filing requirements for political committees and candidates. Key changes include the repeal of Sections 9-603 and 9-604, which shifts the responsibility for filing statements from local town clerks to the State Elections Enforcement Commission. The bill clarifies that political committees formed for slates of candidates in primaries for the office of justice of the peace must also file with the Commission. Additionally, it introduces new provisions regarding the certification process for candidates exempt from forming a candidate committee, which must now be submitted to the State Elections Enforcement Commission. The bill outlines specific conditions for exemption, such as financing campaigns entirely from personal funds or not exceeding $1,000 in expenditures, and mandates that candidates who no longer qualify for the exemption must comply with standard filing requirements within three business days.

Further amendments include the requirement for treasurers of political committees to file necessary documents with the State Elections Enforcement Commission rather than a "proper authority," and the introduction of a late filing fee structure with provisions for waivers. The bill also establishes new deadlines for financial statements and requires that all financial disclosure statements be submitted electronically for committees and candidates raising or spending $1,000 or more. It mandates that candidates participating in the Citizens' Election Program submit an affidavit regarding their compliance with expenditure limits. Overall, the bill aims to enhance transparency, streamline the reporting process, and ensure compliance with updated regulations governing campaign finance 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