Substitute Bill No. 7246 proposes significant amendments to campaign finance laws, focusing on enhancing transparency and accountability in electoral processes. Key changes include the repeal of subdivisions (25) and (26) of section 9-601, which are replaced with new definitions for "organization expenditure" and "solicit." The expanded definition of "organization expenditure" now encompasses electronic sharing of candidate-related content and personal electronic mail lists for campaign purposes. The bill also revises the definition of "solicit" to clarify that sharing links to fundraising events does not constitute solicitation. Additionally, the bill imposes stricter requirements for campaign communications, mandating disclaimers on who paid for and approved such communications, and introduces specific provisions for text messages and advertising, ensuring candidates' images and names are prominently displayed.

Further amendments include changes to the auditing process for candidate committees, reducing the audit percentage from fifty to thirty while ensuring all statewide candidate committees are audited. The bill also enhances the authority of the State Elections Enforcement Commission, allowing it to adopt regulations and issue guidance documents, while establishing a presumption of truthfulness for contribution certification forms. Notably, the bill modifies the qualifying contributions under section 9-704, requiring the return of contributions from individuals who do not provide their full name and address. It also clarifies the definition of "contribution" and increases the maximum allowable value of certain contributions related to political events. Overall, the bill aims to modernize campaign finance regulations and improve the integrity of the electoral process, with various provisions 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