HB 5521 Summary

• Extends political contribution restrictions to First Five Plus Program participants and applicants, prohibiting them from making or soliciting contributions to candidates for statewide office (Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, State Comptroller, Secretary of State, State Treasurer) and their political committees, effective January 1, 2019.

• Establishes penalties for First Five Plus Program participants who violate contribution prohibitions, including ineligibility for financial assistance under the program and debarment from awards for one year following an election, with exceptions for mitigating circumstances determined by the State Elections Enforcement Commission.

• Requires the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development to maintain and regularly update lists of First Five Plus Program participants and applicants, similar to existing requirements for state contractors, and report to the State Elections Enforcement Commission.

• Prohibits First Five Plus Program participants and their principals from purchasing advertising space at political fundraising events, consistent with restrictions on state contractors.

• Adds First Five Plus Program participants to disclosure requirements for contributions exceeding fifty dollars, requiring contributors to identify their status as program participants or applicants.