HI HB733

Increases the maximum fine for campaign spending law violations from $1,000 to $5,000 per occurrence for noncandidate committees that make only independent expenditures and have either received at least one contribution exceeding $10,000 or spent more than $10,000 in an election period.

Maintains the $1,000 maximum fine per occurrence for other persons and entities violating campaign finance laws, or allows fines up to three times the amount of unlawful contributions or expenditures for all violators.

Permits the campaign spending commission to order that fines assessed against noncandidate committees be paid from the personal funds of the committee's officers, in addition to existing authority to order candidates to pay fines from personal funds.

Implements recommendations from the Commission to Improve Standards of Conduct to strengthen campaign finance law enforcement and restore public trust in state government.

Takes effect upon approval and does not affect proceedings or penalties that were incurred before the effective date.