Connecticut House Bill HB06094

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

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

Caption

An Act Requiring More Immediate Disclosure Of Campaign Finances After An Election.

Impact

If enacted, HB 06094 would amend Chapter 155 of the general statutes, significantly altering the timeline for campaign finance reporting. The shorter deadline for disclosure could lead to increased scrutiny of campaign finances as voters would have access to this information much sooner. This change is anticipated to improve public awareness and oversight of how campaigns are funded, potentially leading to more informed electoral choices, as constituents would no longer have to wait an extended period to learn about contributions received by candidates after elections.

Summary

House Bill 06094 aims to increase the transparency surrounding campaign financing by mandating that treasurers of candidate committees file their post-election financial disclosure statements within ten calendar days after the election. This bill shortens the existing timeframe significantly from the current requirement of forty-five days, thereby fostering immediate accountability in political contributions and spending. The intended outcome is to inform the public promptly about the financial backing of political candidates, which can affect voting decisions and overall democratic engagement.

Contention

The proposal may face opposition from candidates who believe that the shortened timeframe could create logistical challenges for accurately compiling and reporting financial statements under pressure. Some may argue that the current forty-five day window allows for more thorough and accurate reporting, which reduces errors and potential misrepresentations. Moreover, there could be concerns that this bill does not address the underlying issues of dark money in politics or the influence of large donations, which remain significant factors in campaign financing. Thus, while the bill aims to improve transparency, critics may voice that it falls short of addressing broader financial reform in political campaigns.