HB 300 Summary

• Adds new definitions to Delaware campaign finance law including "clearly identified candidate," "electioneering communication," "third-party advertisement," and "responsible party" to expand disclosure requirements beyond traditional express advocacy.

• Requires disclosure of "electioneering communications" (ads referring to clearly identified candidates distributed within 30 days of primary/special elections or 60 days of general elections) and "third-party advertisements" with expenditures exceeding $500.

• Mandates that all campaign and third-party advertisements over $500 include prominent disclaimers stating who paid for the advertisement and directing viewers to the Commissioner of Elections' website for more information.

• Establishes expedited reporting requirements for third-party advertisements, with reports due within 24-48 hours depending on proximity to election day, and requires disclosure of all contributors exceeding $100 and responsible parties for non-individual contributors.

• Effective January 1, 2013; exempts campaign materials purchased before June 30, 2012 from new disclaimer requirements.