CT SB00914

Repeals and replaces Section 9-601c of the general statutes effective January 1, 2020, to redefine independent expenditures and coordinated spending in political campaigns.

Establishes that "independent expenditure" means spending made entirely without consent, coordination, or consultation with a candidate or committee, but permits discussions about legislative or policy positions without disqualifying independence.

Defines "coordinated spender" to include entities formed at a candidate's request, entities whose fundraising is solicited by a candidate, entities managed by campaign advisors, family members of candidates, and persons with more than incidental campaign discussions with candidate family members.

Creates a rebuttable presumption that ten categories of spending are not independent expenditures, including spending using candidate-prepared materials, spending by campaign staff, spending based on candidate-provided information, and spending by consultant vendors working with the candidate or opponents.

Allows a firewall policy separating information flow between campaign staff and candidates to serve as an effective rebuttal against presumptions of coordination.