HB 07329 Summary

• Defines independent expenditure political committees and allows unlimited contributions and expenditures by individuals and entities to these committees, subject to enhanced disclosure requirements including identification of top five donors during the 90-day period before elections.

• Prohibits foreign-influenced entities (those with 5%+ foreign ownership or foreign participation in decision-making) from making contributions or expenditures in Connecticut elections, with civil penalties for violations.

• Requires disclosure of "dark money" sources by mandating that independent expenditures include disclaimers listing the top five donors in aggregate amounts of $5,000 or more during the 12-month period before elections.

• Mandates social media political advertising transparency effective January 1, 2020, requiring online platforms with significant traffic or advertising revenue to maintain and publicly disclose records of political advertisements exceeding $200 annually per advertiser, including targeting information and purchaser details.

• Strengthens reporting requirements for political committees and contributors, including expanded definitions of what constitutes contributions, enhanced penalties for late filings, and extensions to investigation timelines for foreign national violations.