Senate Bill 1070 establishes a democracy trust fund to provide public financing for campaigns of candidates running for the offices of justice of the supreme court, court of appeals judge, and circuit court judge. To qualify for public financing, candidates must receive contributions from at least 1,000 separate contributors, with each contribution ranging from $5 to $100, totaling between $5,000 and $50,000. The bill outlines specific public financing benefits, including $100,000 for court of appeals and circuit court candidates in the spring primary and $300,000 in the spring election, while supreme court candidates may receive $1,000,000 in the primary and $3,000,000 in the election. The bill also includes provisions for seed money contributions and imposes limitations on disbursements by candidates who accept public financing.

Additionally, the bill amends existing statutes regarding anonymous contributions, setting a limit of $5 for candidates receiving public financing benefits, and creates new definitions and requirements for eligible candidates, qualifying contributions, and the administration of the democracy trust fund. It allows individuals filing state income tax returns to direct $5 of their tax liability or refund to the trust fund, ensuring that the financing is supported by general purpose revenues. If the designated funds are insufficient, the bill appropriates additional general purpose revenues to cover the costs of public grants and administration.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 11.1108, 11.1400(5), 11.1400