Connecticut Senate Bill SB00613

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

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

Caption

An Act Penalizing Use Of Party Committee Federal Accounts For The Benefit Of State Candidates.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would amend existing statutes in chapter 155 of the general statutes. It mandates that any candidate who has received a grant under the Citizens' Election Program must repay the full grant amount if they benefit from such prohibited contributions or expenditures. This provision ensures that candidates cannot exploit federal resources in their state campaigns and must rely on funds raised through state-compliant means. It notably enhances the accountability of both the candidates and their respective party committees by making them jointly and severally liable for repayment.

Summary

SB00613 aims to address campaign finance regulations by prohibiting contributions or expenditures made from a party committee's federal account for the benefit of candidates seeking state office. The intent is to prevent party committees from using federal funds to directly support state candidates, which could create an unfair advantage in state electoral processes. This legislation reflects an effort to ensure greater transparency and fairness in campaign financing at the state level.

Contention

The primary points of contention surrounding SB00613 revolve around the implications for party funding strategies and the overall impact on state election dynamics. Proponents of the bill argue that it addresses crucial loopholes in campaign finance that could jeopardize the integrity of state elections. However, opponents may contend that it could limit the financial support available to candidates by constraining the use of existing resources, which are crucial for competitive campaigning. The balance between regulatory compliance and the need for robust campaign financing is likely to be a central theme in discussions about this bill during legislative sessions.