CT SB01029

Extends campaign finance contribution prohibitions to participants in the "First Five Plus program," a state economic development program providing financial assistance for eligible business projects, subjecting them to the same restrictions as state contractors and prospective state contractors effective January 1, 2018.

Prohibits First Five Plus program participants, prospective participants, and their principals from making or soliciting contributions to candidates for statewide offices (Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, State Comptroller, Secretary of the State, State Treasurer) or their associated political committees.

Establishes enforcement mechanisms allowing the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development to deem ineligible for financial assistance any First Five Plus program participant or prospective participant found in violation, and to require repayment of assistance, with a one-year ban on future awards unless mitigating circumstances are found.

Requires the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development to maintain and regularly update lists of First Five Plus program participants and prospective participants and submit them to the State Elections Enforcement Commission for public posting on its website.

Clarifies that contributions from principals of First Five Plus program participants and prospective participants cannot be counted as qualifying contributions for participating candidates in the Citizens' Election Fund program.