IL HB0676

Establishes the Illinois Clean Elections Act, creating a voluntary public campaign financing system for candidates running for statewide offices (Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, State Treasurer, State Comptroller) and the General Assembly.

Creates the Illinois Clean Elections Fund as a special state fund, funded by $40,000,000 annual transfers from income tax revenues, tax return checkoffs ($3 per filer), qualifying contributions ($5 donations from registered voters), and returned unspent campaign funds.

Requires participating candidates to collect qualifying contributions equal to petition signature requirements during designated periods (November 1 - April 15 for statewide; January 1 - April 15 for legislative), with seed money limited to $50,000 for Governor and $5,000-$25,000 for other offices.

Distributes fund revenues to certified candidates based on election type and office, ranging from $2,000,000-$4,000,000 for gubernatorial races to amounts based on historical spending for legislative races, with matching funds available if opponents exceed spending limits.

Prohibits certified candidates from accepting contributions except those authorized by the State Board, requires detailed campaign finance reporting and record-keeping, and imposes penalties of up to $10,000 per violation plus potential return of distributed funds.