HB656 Summary

• Requires political action committee treasurers to maintain records of expenditures exceeding federal law thresholds rather than the $100 state threshold.

• Mandates candidates file a Statement of Economic Interests with the State Ethics Commission within 10 calendar days of filing qualifying forms, with fines ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 depending on office level for failure to timely file.

• Requires State Ethics Commission to provide candidates written receipts as proof of filing, and prohibits candidate names from appearing on ballots until the form is filed.

• Expands campaign finance reporting requirements to identify all contributions and expenditures exceeding federal law thresholds, and imposes fines on candidates for late finance report filings with maximum penalties of $1,000 to $20,000 by office type.

• Requires unopposed candidates to file campaign finance reports and makes timely filing a ballot certification requirement, with candidate disqualification as a penalty for non-compliance.