Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires all candidates for public office use the state department's online filing system to file campaign finance reports.

Highlights:

• Specifies that required reports to be filled out by candidates for political office shall have to fill them out on an online system and receive an online signature from the treasurer or assistant treasurer under threat of penalties if not done properly (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that if the candidate is not required to fill out a form electronically then they shall do so by email, maile, facsimile, or overnight service (Sec. 2).

• Requires that each report be sworn to by the individual making the report and submit an affidavit to ensure that no act is violated by political committees (Sec. 2). 

• Specifies that a political campaign must make a report concerning returned funds to the secretary of state by the next January 31st or be made out to a non-for-profit entity (Sec. 2). 

• Specifies that candidates must also file reports in the county in which they reside (Sec. 2). 

• Specifies that political committees only need to file with the secretary of state and not the county (Sec. 2). 

• Specifies that a candidate or committee unable to fill out the form electronically shall request an exemption from the secretary of state (Sec. 3). 

• Specifies that in order to request an exemption, the candidate or committee must demonstrate technological hardship (Sec. 3). 

• Authorizes a principal to allow another person to fill out the content of the report or statement for making the above electronic fillings (Sec. 3). 

• Specifies that if the electronic filing system is down on the due date of submission then the candidate or political committee shall notify the Department of State in the manner designated and shall have till 11:59 the next day to submit their forms (Sec. 3). 

• Specifies that the department of state shall provide an alternative means of electronic submission if the main system is down (Sec. 3). 

• Specifies that the department shall waive late fees if the candidate can show cause (Sec. 3). 

• Defines late fees for the submission of late documents to the electronic filing system (Sec. 4). 

• Establishes the creation of a database to catalog necessary information to the administration of this act (Sec. 5). 

• Establishes a training system for the database management system (Sec. 5).

Full Bill Text