HB 311 Summary

• Requires information filed with the Alaska Public Offices Commission to be submitted electronically, with exceptions for certain candidates and circumstances.

• Allows paper filing for candidates running for borough, city, or state office who lack reasonable access to technology (defined as not owning a personal computer or having broadband internet access at their residence) or candidates in municipalities with populations under 15,000.

• Requires the commission to scan and post paper-filed reports on its website within two working days of filing, and to prepare summaries within 30 days for electronically filed reports and within 30 days after each election for paper-filed reports.

• Prohibits the commission from changing the filing format or manner during a candidate's campaign period, defined as beginning when the candidate becomes eligible to receive contributions and ending when the final report is due.

• Establishes a temporary exception allowing paper filing until February 16, 2013, and provides retroactive protection from civil penalties for candidates who filed in alternative formats between December 1, 2011, and the effective date of the electronic filing requirements.