CT SB01045

State Elections Enforcement Commission must create a web-based program for electronic submission of financial disclosure statements and prescribe standard formats for vendor-created software and credit card contribution platforms used by candidates for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Comptroller, Attorney General, state senator, or state representative.

Vendor-created software and credit card platforms may only be used if the commission determines they comply with required standards and specifications; the commission shall provide training on the web-based program.

Contributors making contributions exceeding $50 to specified candidates or committees must provide certification including: employer name, status as a communicator lobbyist or state contractor, and certification that they are not prohibited from making the contribution.

If a treasurer receives a contribution without the required certification, the treasurer must request it within three business days via certified mail, cannot deposit the contribution until obtaining certification, and must return it if not provided within 14 days or by end of reporting period, whichever is later.

Treasurers are protected from liability if they deposit a contribution based on a certification later determined to be false, provided they obtained only one certification per contributor unless the contributor's information changed.