Bill > HB1788

This bill modifies campaign contribution rules in Missouri by allowing individuals who register as lobbyists to maintain a candidate committee for county, municipal, or school board offices, as long as they are not lobbying those specific entities. It also clarifies that such candidate committees can only spend money to support the candidate's own campaign or for specific purposes like returning contributions, donating to non-profits, or transferring to political party committees. The bill also revises rules regarding cash contributions, requiring expenditures over fifty dollars to be made by check or authorized electronic means, with limits on aggregate cash expenditures. It further strengthens rules against anonymous contributions and requires clearer identification of who pays for printed and broadcast political matter. New provisions are added to ensure that solicitations clearly state which committee benefits from the funds and what percentage of the donation goes to the committee versus any other entity. Additionally, the bill mandates affirmative consent for recurring contributions, requires committees to provide detailed receipts and cancellation information, and establishes penalties for violations, including returning improperly received contributions and potential civil penalties. Finally, it limits the amount a candidate for state office can contribute to their own candidate committee.