HB 257 - Campaign Finance

• Defines "automated phone call" as outbound recorded messages that advocate for or against candidates or ballot measures, and requires such calls to include disclaimer information stating the name and address of the person paying for or placing the call.

• Adds new reporting requirements for noncandidate committees, including the amount and date of contributions made, and for independent expenditures to include the name of the supported or opposed candidate.

• Changes preliminary campaign report filing dates, moving one deadline from July 31 to July 5 and adding a new September 30 deadline for candidates seeking office.

• Imposes $100 fines for failure to file organizational reports, electioneering communications statements, fundraiser notices, and expenditure of public funds reports by their due dates.

• Limits the price of fundraiser tickets that may be purchased with campaign funds and removes the Board of Education from the list of offices eligible for public campaign financing.