Connecticut House Bill HB06085

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/15
• Refer: 1/22/15

Caption

An Act Limiting Party Committee Organizational Expenditures For The Benefit Of Certain Candidates Participating In The Citizens' Election Program.

Impact

The implementation of HB 06085 is expected to have significant implications for campaign financing within the state. By instituting these expenditure limits, the bill aims to create a more equitable playing field for candidates, particularly those from smaller parties or with less funding. Supporters of the bill argue that it will help to reduce the influence of large donations on the election process and enhance the integrity of the Citizens' Election Program designed to promote transparency and accessibility in campaign financing.

Summary

House Bill 06085 aims to introduce limitations on the organizational expenditures made by party committees for candidates participating in the Citizens' Election Program. Specifically, the bill seeks to restrict the financial contributions that a party committee can provide to candidates running for state-wide offices, which include Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of the State, State Comptroller, and State Treasurer. For candidates running for Governor, the cap is set at $250,000, while for other state-wide offices, the limitation is set at $75,000.

Contention

However, the bill has faced contention among legislators and political observers. Critics may express concerns that the expenditure limits could hinder the ability of party committees to support their candidates effectively, potentially reducing the competitive nature of elections. There is also the possibility of unintended consequences, where candidates may seek alternative means of funding that could undermine the intent of the Citizens' Election Program. This ongoing debate centers around the balance between campaign finance reform and maintaining robust support systems for candidates in elections.