Connecticut House Bill HB05405

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/20
• Refer: 2/28/20

Caption

An Act Concerning Qualifying Contributions Under The Citizens' Election Program.

Impact

The proposed changes will directly affect candidates seeking financial support through the Citizens' Election Program, as it emphasizes stricter screening of contributions. By doing so, the bill aims to maintain the integrity of the program and prevent any potential misuse of funds. Furthermore, it aims to foster accountability in campaign financing by ensuring that funds from certain groups, such as state contractors, do not negatively influence electoral processes. This move is seen as a proactive step to maintain public trust in political funding mechanisms.

Summary

House Bill 5405, titled 'An Act Concerning Qualifying Contributions Under The Citizens' Election Program', seeks to amend existing regulations surrounding the eligibility of contributions for candidates participating in Connecticut's Citizens' Election Program. This bill specifically aims to clarify which contributions are deemed qualifying under the program, ensuring that only appropriate contributions count towards a candidate's grant eligibility. Key changes include the return of non-qualifying contributions to contributors and the precise identification required from individuals making contributions.

Contention

While the bill has been presented as a means to promote transparency and fairness in election funding, it may face scrutiny from various stakeholders. Concerns could arise around the implications for candidates who might receive legitimate contributions that now face stricter qualification criteria. Additionally, the requirement for contributors to provide full personal information may raise privacy concerns among individuals who wish to support candidates. Overall, the contention lies in balancing the need for clean campaign finance while still allowing for robust political participation.