CT SB01042

Commission staff must complete preliminary examination of written complaints within 14 days and may dismiss complaints lacking substantial violations supported by evidence, engage respondents on de minimis violations, or investigate and docket complaints.

If staff engages a respondent but cannot resolve the matter by the 45th day, the complaint must be docked for a commission determination on probable cause.

Complaints received on or after January 1, 2018, are automatically dismissed if the commission does not find reason to believe a violation occurred within one year of receipt.

Time extensions are added to the one-year deadline for delays caused by granted extensions, subpoenas, litigation, investigations involving foreign nationals or foreign-influenced entities, or consultations with the Chief State's Attorney, Attorney General, or federal authorities.

Defines "foreign national," "foreign owner," and "foreign-influenced entity" for purposes of election law enforcement, with foreign-influenced entities including those with 5% or greater beneficial ownership by a single foreign owner, 20% or greater by multiple foreign owners, or any foreign owner participation in expenditure decisions.