Bill > S2334

This bill, titled the "Safeguarding Election Candidates Using Reasonable Expenditures Act," allows candidates and elected officials to use campaign funds, which are contributions received to support their candidacy or office, for specific security-related expenses. These authorized expenses include the purchase, installation, maintenance, and monitoring of physical security equipment like cameras, alarms, and access controls for their homes and offices, up to a limit of $10,000 per individual and campaign cycle. This provision is intended to address security risks to themselves and their immediate family (spouse, registered domestic partner, or minor children living with them) that arise from their public service or candidacy. However, campaign funds cannot be used for firearms, ammunition, payments to family members or their businesses, or unrelated home improvements. Candidates and officials must verify that these expenses are reasonably related to security risks, report them to the state campaign finance agency with itemized receipts, and these expenditures will be publicly disclosed, though specific threat details or law enforcement verification are not required. The bill also mandates that the board of elections will create rules for reporting and auditing these expenses, and the act takes effect immediately upon passage.

Military Affairs and Security

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