The bill introduces a new chapter, titled the "Safeguarding Election Candidates Using Reasonable Expenditures Act," to Title 17 of the General Laws concerning elections. This legislation authorizes candidates and elected officials to use campaign funds for security-related expenses, including the purchase, installation, maintenance, and upgrade of physical security equipment for their homes and offices, as well as ongoing monitoring services. The intent is to address security risks that may arise from their public service or candidacy.

The bill defines key terms, including "campaign funds," which refers to contributions received in support of a candidate or officeholder regulated under the state's campaign finance law; "immediate family," which includes a spouse, registered domestic partner, or any minor child residing in the candidate or officeholder's household; and "security expenses," which encompass various security-related costs.

Candidates and elected officials may spend up to $10,000 per individual and campaign cycle on physical security equipment and its installation. However, campaign funds cannot be used for the purchase of firearms or ammunition, payments to family members or entities owned or controlled by them, or unrelated home improvements.

The bill outlines requirements for verification and documentation of security expenses, mandating that all expenditures be reported to the state campaign finance agency in accordance with rules governing non-campaign disbursements, supported by itemized receipts or invoices, and subject to public disclosure under applicable campaign finance laws, with the exception of plans, designs, or schematics. Notably, no documentation of a specific threat or law enforcement verification is required for these expenses.

The board of elections is tasked with adopting rules and regulations as needed to implement and enforce this chapter, including standardized reporting formats and audit procedures. The act will take effect upon passage.