Bill > HB313

This bill amends the "Voter Action Act," which provides public financing for certain state campaigns, by expanding the definition of "covered offices" to include the secretary of state, clarifying definitions of "contribution" and "coordinated expenditure," and adjusting the qualifying periods for candidates. It also modifies the requirements for becoming an applicant candidate by limiting pre-declaration contributions to $100 from any single contributor, specifies the number of qualifying contributions needed for secretary of state candidates, and requires candidates to submit a declaration of intent before collecting any contributions. The bill further details how certified candidates must use public funds, prohibiting their use for personal expenses, contributions to other campaigns, or political party activities, and mandates the return of unspent funds. Additionally, it allows political parties to make in-kind contributions up to ten percent of a candidate's public financing, revises reporting requirements for both certified and non-certified candidates, and adjusts the amounts of public funds distributed to candidates based on election type and voter numbers, with a specific subaccount for public regulation commission elections funded by inspection fees. The bill also introduces new provisions regarding allowable contributions for applicant and certified candidates, limiting individual contributions to $100 per election cycle (excluding qualifying contributions), and prohibits coordinated expenditures by outside groups. Finally, it updates penalties for violations of the Voter Action Act and the Campaign Reporting Act, including potential felony charges for willful violations.