Bill > LD9

This bill introduces several changes to campaign finance disclosure laws in Maine, primarily focusing on clarifying and expanding transparency requirements for political communications. The bill defines "public communication" as any communication to the public through various media channels, including broadcast, print, digital, and telephone platforms, with specific exclusions for internet communications not placed for a fee. It increases penalties for certain campaign finance violations, such as raising the penalty for making a contribution in another person's name to 500% of the contribution amount. The bill also modifies reporting requirements for candidates and committees, including new provisions for disclosing the top three funders of independent expenditures in political advertisements. Additionally, the legislation streamlines the process for notifying candidates and committees about late or missing campaign finance reports, introducing a more structured approach with multiple notices and potential referral to the commission or attorney general for persistent non-compliance. The bill further clarifies rules around municipal election reporting, makes technical adjustments to existing campaign finance statutes, and introduces more stringent disclosure requirements for various types of political communications across different media platforms.

Military Affairs and Security

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=9&snum=132