HB 1091 is a comprehensive bill that revises New Hampshire's laws on campaign finance, political committees, and election-related activities. It redefines key terms such as "candidate," "political committee," "political advertising," "contribution," "expenditure," and "independent expenditure," providing clarity and expanding their meanings to cover a broader range of activities and mediums. The bill specifies the registration and reporting requirements for political committees, including the designation of a treasurer, filing of statements of purpose, and disclosure of officers. It also introduces the concept of a "segregated fund" and outlines the conditions for automatic renewal of political committee registrations. Furthermore, the bill sets contribution limits, prohibits certain contributions, and details the use of surplus campaign funds.

Additionally, HB 1091 amends the requirements for political advertising, including the need for clear identification of sponsors in television ads and the inclusion of specific disclosures for certain tax-exempt organizations. It revises the definition of "prerecorded political message" to include the functional equivalent of express advocacy and mandates the disclosure of the sponsor and treasurer within the first 30 seconds of the message. The bill enhances the attorney general's powers to investigate and prosecute violations, increases penalties for non-compliance, and repeals sections related to political advocacy organizations and social activities. The effective dates for different sections of the act are also set within the bill.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 664:1, 664:4-a, 664:4-b, 664:5, 664:7, 664:7-b, 664:11-13, 664:14-a, 664:15, 664:18, 664:20, 664:21
As Amended by the House: 664:2, 664:3, 664:4-b, 664:5, 664:6, 664:7, 664:7-b, 664:11-13, 664:14-a, 664:15, 664:18, 664:20, 664:21
As Amended by the Senate: 664:4-a, 664:4-b, 664:5, 664:7, 664:7-a, 664:7-b, 664:11-13, 664:14-a, 664:15, 664:18, 664:20, 664:21
Version adopted by both bodies: 664:4-a, 664:4-b, 664:5, 664:7, 664:7-a, 664:7-b, 664:11-13, 664:14-a, 664:15, 664:18, 664:20, 664:21
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 664:4-a, 664:4-b, 664:5, 664:7, 664:7-a, 664:7-b, 664:11-13, 664:14-a, 664:15, 664:18, 664:20, 664:21