Substitute Senate Bill No. 1533 proposes significant amendments to the Citizens' Election Program (CEP) in Connecticut, focusing on campaign contributions and expenditures. The bill repeals and replaces subdivision (25) of section 9-601, redefining "organization expenditure" to encompass various forms of candidate support, including party candidate listings and campaign events, while clarifying that such events can include food and beverages as long as no contributions are solicited. Additionally, the bill modifies subsections (b) and (c) of section 9-704 to adjust the timeline for the State Elections Enforcement Commission to update aggregate contribution amounts based on the consumer price index, with new deadlines set for elections in 2026 and beyond.

Moreover, the bill updates the eligibility criteria for candidates applying for CEP grants, allowing gubernatorial candidates to apply for convention campaign grants starting in January of the year before the election. It also clarifies that candidates who change their party status after filing for a grant will not be eligible for additional funds, although this does not apply to candidates nominated by multiple parties. The bill introduces a new timeline for inflationary adjustments to contribution limits and modifies the review process for grant applications, ensuring timely disbursement of funds. Overall, these changes aim to enhance the clarity and effectiveness of campaign finance regulations in Connecticut.