HB 5457 Summary

• Consolidates municipal campaign finance filings with the State Elections Enforcement Commission effective January 1, 2025, eliminating separate filings with town clerks for most committees and candidates for public office or town committee member positions.

• Requires all political committees formed for ongoing activities (except those solely for municipal candidates or referendums) to file registration statements with the State Elections Enforcement Commission by November 15 of even-numbered years.

• Establishes a $100 late filing fee for treasurers and candidates who fail to file required statements or certifications by the deadline, with violations subject to fines of $200-$2,000 or up to one year imprisonment.

• Mandates electronic filing of all financial disclosure and registration statements with the State Elections Enforcement Commission beginning January 1, 2025, with limited waiver provisions for good cause.

• Removes previous provisions allowing town clerks to receive ten cents per filing and eliminates the town clerk notification process for violations, centralizing enforcement authority with the State Elections Enforcement Commission.