CO HB1156

Creates the Public Election Fund in the state treasury to finance campaigns for Colorado state legislative candidates through a system of matching grants funded primarily by voluntary taxpayer contributions on income tax returns.

Establishes "certified candidate" status for candidates who collect qualifying contributions from at least one-tenth of one percent of district residents (minimum $5 per contribution) and agree to voluntary spending limits.

Provides matching funds of $2 from the fund for every $1 raised in qualifying contributions, up to maximum payments of $10,000 for state senate candidates and $5,000 for state house candidates.

Requires the Colorado income tax return form (beginning 2010) to include a line allowing taxpayers to voluntarily designate contributions to the fund, with the Department of Revenue annually determining total amounts and crediting them to the fund.

Establishes procedures for Secretary of State certification, fund disbursement, candidate revocation, appeals, and penalties including civil fines of 2-5 times the amount overspent for violations of voluntary spending limits.