HB213 Summary

• Requires all campaign finance reports and statements to be filed electronically with the Secretary of State, eliminating the previous exception allowing committees receiving $5,000 or less per election cycle to file by paper or facsimile.

• Centralizes municipal candidate reporting to the Secretary of State instead of judges of probate, effective with the 2021 municipal election cycle.

• Maintains existing civil penalty structure for late or materially inaccurate filings, with penalties ranging from $300 (first offense) to $1,200 (third or subsequent offense) per election cycle.

• Provides a 48-hour grace period for first-time late filings and allows voluntary corrections without penalty if filed before the election (candidates) or close of calendar year (political action committees).

• Becomes effective October 1, 2020.