Connecticut House Bill HB05707

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/19
• Refer: 1/22/19

Caption

An Act Requiring The Suspension Of Civil Penalties For Minor And Unintentional Violations Of Campaign Finance Laws.

Impact

The bill's impact may lead to a more lenient enforcement of campaign finance laws, particularly regarding minor infractions. Supporters argue that it can encourage individuals to engage in the political process without the fear of harsh penalties for simple mistakes. This approach could potentially reduce the number of contentious disputes that arise from minor violations, which often draw people into lengthy legal battles and discourage participation in the democratic process.

Summary

House Bill 5707 aims to amend Title 9 of the general statutes regarding campaign finance laws by introducing a provision that allows for the suspension of civil penalties for first-time violations deemed minor and unintentional. The intention behind the bill is to reduce the punitive measures faced by individuals who inadvertently violate campaign finance regulations. According to the provisions of the bill, if the violation involves an improper contribution of less than five hundred dollars, the individual can request the suspension of the penalty if they take corrective actions within thirty days of the penalty being assessed.

Contention

However, there may be points of contention stemming from this amendment. Opponents may argue that allowing for the suspension of penalties could undermine the integrity of campaign finance laws by enabling repeated minor violations without consequence. Critics might express concerns that it could lead to a culture of negligence among those involved in campaigning, where individuals might not take the necessary caution to adhere to the laws. The discussion will likely center around balancing the goal of accessibility in campaign participation against maintaining robust compliance with campaign finance regulations.