Bill > S0086

This bill introduces new requirements and penalties for campaign finance reporting in Vermont by mandating that candidates for state and county offices who have not made significant campaign expenditures or received contributions must still file a report and affirmative statement with the Secretary of State. The bill establishes a formal process for addressing delinquent campaign finance filings, wherein the Secretary of State will issue a notice of delinquency, giving candidates five business days to cure any filing deficiencies. After this period, candidates will be subject to a $10 daily penalty for continued non-compliance, with a maximum penalty of $1,000 for an individual filing. The Secretary of State retains discretion to reduce or waive penalties if good cause is demonstrated. Additionally, the bill introduces serious consequences for intentional filing fraud, allowing the Secretary of State to refer such cases to the Attorney General or local State's Attorney for investigation. Candidates who deliberately falsify, conceal, or misrepresent material facts in their campaign finance reports may be considered to have made a false claim, potentially facing further legal scrutiny. The new provisions will take effect on July 1, 2025, giving candidates and election officials time to prepare for the updated reporting requirements.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.86