HB 2709

Abstract

Lists specified types of expenditures that are definitively considered to be made in coordination with candidates for purposes of determining whether expenditure is considered independent expenditure. Amends definition of "communication in support of or in opposition to a clearly identified candidate or measure" with respect to independent expenditures to explicitly adopt federal reasonable person standard. Lowers threshold for required filing of statement of independent expenditures to $250 per calendar year and requires statement to be filed within seven days after expenditure is made. Increases penalties from 10 percent to, depending on amount of contribution or expenditure, 20 percent or 40 percent of total amount of contribution or expenditure for failure to file required statements or certificates, for failure to include required information in statements or certificates, for incorrectly identifying expenditure as independent expenditure and for failing to timely file accurate statements for in-kind contributions. Requires person making independent expenditures of more than $250 in calendar year to maintain detailed accounts that are current not later than seven days after triggering required report. Requires account records to be kept for at least two years.