Mississippi House Bill HB36

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/3/23
• Refer: 1/3/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

Campaign finance reports; require those filed by all candidates to be available online.

Impact

The enactment of HB 36 is expected to have a significant impact on state laws regarding campaign finance disclosure. By making campaign finance reports available online, the bill will allow the public to more easily inspect and understand the financial backing of candidates and political committees. This change could foster greater accountability among those seeking public office and may help to deter potential misconduct associated with undisclosed contributions. The requirement for reports to be archived for five years further solidifies the long-term accessibility of this information.

Summary

House Bill 36 aims to enhance the transparency of campaign finance in Mississippi by mandating that all campaign finance statements, alongside reports of contributions and expenditures, be posted online by the Secretary of State. This amendment to Sections 23-15-805 and 23-15-815 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 requires electronic filing of these reports by candidates for various levels of office, including state, district, county, and municipal levels. The intent is to improve public access to information regarding campaign financing, which is increasingly seen as critical for voter trust and informed decision-making.

Contention

There are potential points of contention around the implementation of HB 36, particularly concerning the technical aspects of online reporting and the capacity of the Secretary of State's office to manage and maintain the digital platform for public access. While proponents of the bill advocate for increased transparency as a means to combat corruption and enhance the democratic process, opponents might argue that the requirements could impose undue burdens on candidates, especially those running for local offices with fewer resources. Additionally, discussions surrounding data privacy and the potential misuse of financial information may arise as the bill progresses.