Bill > H7495

This bill, known as the "Safeguarding Election Candidates Using Reasonable Expenditures Act," allows candidates and elected officials to use campaign funds, which are contributions received to support a candidate or officeholder, for security-related expenses. These expenses can include the purchase, installation, and ongoing monitoring of physical security equipment like surveillance cameras and alarm systems for their homes and offices, as well as for their campaign staff and immediate family (spouse, registered domestic partner, or minor children residing in the household). This is intended to address security risks that arise from their public service or candidacy. There is a limit of $10,000 per individual and campaign cycle for physical security equipment and its installation, and campaign funds cannot be used for firearms, ammunition, payments to family members, or unrelated home improvements. All such expenditures must be documented with itemized receipts or invoices, reported to the state campaign finance agency, and are subject to public disclosure, though specific threat details will be kept private. The Board of Elections will establish rules to implement and enforce these provisions, and the act takes effect immediately upon passage.

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