Substitute House Bill No. 7222 proposes significant reforms to Connecticut's campaign finance laws, focusing on clarifying roles, enhancing accountability, and adjusting contribution limits. The bill replaces the term "solicitor" with "collector" to better define the responsibilities of individuals appointed by a committee's treasurer to receive funds. It also modifies the sanctions that the State Elections Enforcement Commission can impose for intentional violations, allowing for the removal of collectors and prohibiting their future service. Additionally, the bill mandates that contributions can only be made to a committee's treasurer, a collector, or a candidate who has filed the necessary certification. Collectors are required to submit a list of contributions within 24 hours and deposit all contributions within seven days of receipt. The bill further updates the qualifications for treasurers and deputy treasurers, ensuring they have not been convicted of certain felonies in the past eight years.

Moreover, the bill introduces adjustments to contribution limits based on the consumer price index, repealing previous subsections and establishing new provisions effective July 1, 2025. It sets a maximum individual contribution amount of fifty dollars, which will be reviewed biennially, and modifies the timeline for candidates applying for grants from the Citizens' Election Program. The bill also clarifies the criteria for grant eligibility, emphasizing the need for candidates to have received qualifying contributions. It imposes penalties for campaign-related vendors who fail to provide required documentation, aiming to enhance transparency and compliance in campaign financing. Overall, these reforms are designed to improve the integrity and structure of campaign financing in Connecticut.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 9-622
GAE Joint Favorable: 9-622
File No. 690: 9-622