Connecticut House Bill HB06456

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/15
• Refer: 1/23/15

Caption

An Act Requiring Candidate Committees To File Financial Statements Up To And Including The Day Of The Election.

Impact

If enacted, HB 06456 would significantly change the timeline for financial reporting by candidate committees. This change is expected to improve public awareness of campaign contributions and expenditures, which could lead to more informed voting decisions. The requirement to disclose financial activities right up to election day means that voters will have the latest information before casting their ballots, making the electoral process more transparent and accountable.

Summary

House Bill 06456 proposes amendments to section 9-608 of the general statutes, requiring candidate committees to file their financial statements up to and including the day of an election. The intent of this legislation is to enhance the transparency of campaign financing by ensuring that voters have access to timely information regarding the financial activities of candidates running for office. It aims to close the gap where financial disclosures may not reflect the most current data available to the public during critical pre-election periods.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding this bill’s impact on candidate committees, particularly regarding the administrative burden of adhering to more frequent reporting requirements. Critics might argue that the increased frequency of required disclosures could disadvantage smaller or newer candidates who may struggle to meet such deadlines. Proponents, however, contend that the benefits of increased transparency and accountability far outweigh the concerns related to potential logistical issues for candidates.

Additional_notes

The bill's support may come primarily from advocates of campaign finance reform, who view it as a necessary step in combating potential corruption and ensuring that voters are equipped with the information needed to make informed choices about their representatives.