Substitute Bill No. 7246 seeks to amend existing campaign finance laws and enhance the authority of the State Elections Enforcement Commission. 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 updated definition of "organization expenditure" now encompasses electronic sharing of candidate-related content and personal electronic mail lists for campaign purposes, while the definition of "solicit" clarifies that sharing links to fundraising events does not constitute solicitation. The bill also imposes stricter requirements for communications promoting candidates, mandating disclaimers about who paid for and approved the content, and introduces specific provisions for text message and video advertising. Additionally, it revises the auditing process for candidate committees and updates the commission's operational procedures to enhance transparency and accountability.

Further amendments include changes to the appointment process for the commission's executive director, requiring the commission to seek the advice and consent of the General Assembly for appointments starting April 1, 2027. The bill also clarifies the definition of "contribution" by repealing subsection (b) of section 9-601a and replacing it with new provisions that specify certain activities do not count as contributions. Moreover, it raises the maximum allowable value of contributions related to political events and clarifies permissible activities under campaign finance regulations. The bill aims to modernize and clarify campaign finance rules while ensuring fairness and transparency in the electoral process, with an effective date of 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