The bill amends various sections of the Rhode Island Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting laws, specifically addressing definitions and reporting requirements related to campaign financing. Key changes include the clarification of terms such as "accounts payable," which now encompasses "candidate committee, political action committee, or political party committee," and the refinement of the term "person" to replace "persons" with "individuals." New definitions, including "significant disbursement," are introduced, and campaign treasurers are mandated to report contributions and expenditures exceeding $200. Additionally, there is a new requirement for separate notices of significant disbursements to the state board of elections, affirmatively demonstrating compliance with specific provisions.

The bill emphasizes accurate record-keeping and mandates that reports include detailed information about expenditures made on behalf of the reporting person by agents or independent contractors. It establishes stricter reporting requirements for independent expenditures and electioneering communications, necessitating reports to the board of elections within seven days for expenditures exceeding $1,000.

Furthermore, the bill prohibits self-dealing by controlling persons within committees, defining it as the use of contributions for personal benefit, and outlines specific prohibited uses of campaign funds, including payments for personal residential expenses, funeral costs, clothing, and other non-campaign-related expenditures. The legislation introduces penalties for violations, including fines and potential misdemeanor charges for willful violations, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability in campaign financing. Overall, these amendments seek to ensure that campaign funds are used appropriately and that all significant financial activities related to elections are properly documented and reported.

Statutes affected:
6234: 17-25.3-1