The bill HB 324-FN-A seeks to establish the New Hampshire voter-owned elections fund to provide public financing for gubernatorial and executive councilor candidates, with an appropriation for the fund. It amends existing laws to facilitate the fund's operation, including directing fines from campaign finance violations into the fund instead of the general fund. The bill also introduces a new chapter, RSA 664-A, which sets the criteria for candidates to qualify for public financing, defines relevant terms, and specifies the fund's sources, including voluntary donations and fines. It details the qualifications for candidates to be certified as participating candidates, including collecting a required number of qualifying contributions and filing an affidavit of registration.

The bill outlines the process for becoming a "participating candidate," including collecting qualifying contributions and adhering to contribution and expenditure limits. It introduces "voter dollars," where registered voters receive certificates to assign to participating candidates, and mandates the creation of a secure online system for certificate delivery. The bill also establishes the New Hampshire voter-owned elections commission, responsible for executing the provisions of the chapter, adopting rules, and developing strategies for fund donations. It requires the commission to conduct audits, impose penalties for violations, manage the fund, and report to the General Court after each election cycle. The bill includes an appropriation of $1 for fiscal years ending June 30, 2024, and June 30, 2027, and specifies the fiscal impact on state expenditures and the General Fund as significant but indeterminate.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 6:12, 5:13, 664:21