Connecticut House Bill HB06419

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/17
• Refer: 1/23/17

Caption

An Act Prohibiting Certain Campaign Expenditures With Citizens' Election Program Funds.

Impact

If enacted, HB 6419 would amend Title 9 of the general statutes and impose stricter regulations on how campaign funds obtained through the Citizens' Election Program are utilized. This change is expected to enhance accountability in election financing, particularly by limiting the potential for misuse of public funds in favor of private interests linked to legislators. Such measures aim to bolster the integrity of the electoral process by minimizing familial ties' influence on campaign financing.

Summary

House Bill 6419 aims to prohibit certain campaign expenditures that involve candidates participating in the Citizens' Election Program using public funds. Specifically, the bill seeks to restrict candidate committees from making expenditures exceeding one thousand dollars to businesses owned wholly or partially by immediate family members of the General Assembly members. The intent is to address potential conflicts of interest and ensure that public funds allocated for election purposes are used transparently and responsibly.

Contention

The bill may raise discussions regarding the limits it imposes on campaign finance and the implications for candidates' ability to leverage familial support for their campaigns. Critics might argue that the bill could inadvertently hinder legitimate business relationships or fundraising efforts if strict restrictions are perceived as overly prohibitive. Conversely, advocates assert that it is a critical step towards minimizing conflicts of interest and promoting ethical standards in political financing, thereby enhancing public trust in the electoral system.