Connecticut House Bill HB06546

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/15
• Refer: 1/26/15

Caption

An Act Concerning Federal Accounts Of State Central Committees.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would have significant implications for election finance within the state. By prohibiting the use of federal accounts for local and state candidates, the legislation seeks to ensure that campaign contributions are more transparent and remain within the regulated financial frameworks of state elections. The introduction of civil penalties for violations—potentially three times the amount of any improper contributions or expenditures—may also serve as a strong deterrent against misuse of federal funds by state committees.

Summary

House Bill 06546 aims to regulate the actions of state central committees concerning their federal accounts. The bill proposes to amend chapter 155 of the general statutes to explicitly prohibit any contributions or expenditures made from a federal account of a state central committee to candidates seeking state or local office. This legislation is designed to create a clearer boundary regarding the flow of political funds, specifically targeting the misuse of federal accounts in state elections.

Contention

Though the bill is rooted in intentions to enhance electoral integrity, it may provoke discussions regarding the limitations it places on state central committees. Critics might argue that the bill could inadvertently restrict the financial support available to local candidates, particularly those who rely on state-level backing to complement their campaigns. Additionally, the enforcement of civil penalties raises concerns about the potential for rigorous scrutiny of campaign financing practices, which some may view as infringing on the committees' operational autonomy.