Substitute Bill No. 7246 proposes significant amendments to campaign finance laws, enhancing the authority of the State Elections Enforcement Commission and introducing new regulations for candidate communications and expenditures. Key changes include the repeal and replacement of definitions in section 9-601, particularly for "organization expenditure" and "solicit," with the new definition of "organization expenditure" allowing for electronic sharing of candidate-related content. The bill expands the definition of "solicit" to exclude activities like sharing links to fundraising events by party committees. It also mandates disclaimers on communications promoting candidates, requiring clear identification of the source and approval of messages, and sets new rules for advertising, including personal audio statements from candidates in radio and internet ads.

Additionally, the bill revises the requirements for independent expenditures, reduces the percentage of candidate committees subject to audits, and establishes new guidelines for the appointment of the commission's executive director. It clarifies what constitutes a "contribution," specifying exclusions for certain types of financial support, and increases the maximum allowable value of contributions related to political events. The bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability in campaign financing, ensuring voters are informed about the sources of political communications while allowing for increased participation in fundraising activities. The provisions are set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 9-7b
GAE Joint Favorable Substitute: 9-7b
File No. 696: 9-7b
APP Joint Favorable: 9-7b