Connecticut House Bill HB05109

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/4/17
• Refer: 1/4/17

Caption

An Act Concerning Audits By The State Elections Enforcement Commission.

Impact

The proposed legislation seeks to alleviate some of the compliance requirements faced by minor campaigns. By establishing a threshold below which certain audits would not be required, the bill hopes to encourage civic participation in elections by making it easier for candidates with modest financial backing to run for office. This could lead to a more diverse group of candidates and potentially enhance the democratic process. However, it also raises important questions about the accountability and transparency of campaign financing.

Summary

House Bill 05109 proposes an amendment to section 9-7b of the general statutes regarding audits conducted by the State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC). The main intent of the bill is to streamline the auditing process for candidate committees that do not participate in the Citizens' Election Program. If enacted, this bill would exempt these committees from random audits provided they do not exceed a total of five thousand dollars in contributions and expenditures. The aim is to reduce the regulatory burden on smaller candidate committees, which often operate on limited financial resources.

Contention

Opponents of HB 05109 may express concerns regarding the potential for reduced oversight of campaign finances. By exempting small candidates from random audits, the measure could be viewed as a loophole that enables candidates to operate without sufficient scrutiny, possibly inviting corrupt practices or the mismanagement of campaign funds. Additionally, critics might argue that such a bill, while easing demands on minor candidates, undermines the principles of transparency and accountability which are vital in political campaigns.