State Ethics Commission; shall not accept or reject complaints made against candidates 60 days prior to an election; provide
Impact
The bill seeks to establish uniform reporting dates for campaigns across all levels of office and revises lobbyist reporting requirements to ensure more regular and structured transparency in lobbying activities. It also removes registration requirements for individuals who contribute $25,000 or less to candidates or campaign committees in a calendar year. Through these provisions, the bill attempts to simplify the compliance process for smaller donors while enhancing oversight for larger contributions.
Summary
Senate Bill 528 is legislation designed to amend the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, specifically targeting government transparency and campaign finance regulations. The bill introduces a prohibition against the State Ethics Commission from accepting or rejecting complaints against candidates within 60 days prior to an election. This provision aims to prevent last-minute political maneuvering that could influence election outcomes. Additionally, SB528 mandates that campaign and personal finance disclosure reports for local elected officials be filed with the State Ethics Commission, shifting the responsibility from local authorities to a central state body for greater consistency in reporting.
Contention
Some notable points of contention surrounding SB528 include the potential implications for local control over campaign finance and ethics complaints. Critics argue that centralizing report filings with the State Ethics Commission could diminish local accountability and transparency, raising concerns about how local communities can manage their unique electoral landscapes. Furthermore, the prohibition on accepting complaints against candidates close to elections has raised alarms about the adequacy of checks and balances within the electoral process, potentially allowing candidates to evade scrutiny right before crucial voting periods.