SB 389 - Citizens' Election Program for State-wide Offices

• Increases qualifying contribution limits for candidates: Governor candidates must raise $250,000 (up from previous amounts), other statewide offices $75,000, state senators $15,000, and state representatives $5,000.

• Increases grant amounts for 2010 elections: Governor primary grants of $1.25 million and general election grants of $3 million; other statewide offices receive $200,000 primary and $500,000 general election grants.

• Establishes supplemental grant program allowing qualified candidates for statewide offices to receive up to three times the amount of supplemental qualifying contributions received, with maximum caps ranging from $180,000 to $2.25 million depending on the office.

• Allows unopposed participating candidates to qualify for general election grants only if an opposing candidate meets specific criteria (major party endorsement, primary challenge, petition signature requirement, or eligible minor/petitioning party status).

• Introduces "supplemental qualifying contributions" as a new contribution category with higher individual donation limits ($500 for Governor, $250 for other statewide offices) and requires 75 percent of contributions to be from in-state residents.