SB 704 Summary

• Prohibits individuals who are parties to pending legal matters before a judge or justice from contributing to that judge's or justice's campaign committee.

• Prohibits independent or political committees primarily funded by limited liability company members (50% or more) from contributing to a judge's or justice's campaign if the LLC or its officers/directors/managers are parties to pending legal matters before that judge or justice.

• Requires independent and political committees to provide written statements with contributions to judicial campaign committees disclosing whether they are primarily funded by LLC members and identifying the LLC if applicable.

• Prohibits incumbent judges and justices from accepting contributions that violate these restrictions and requires return of prohibited contributions within 7 days of receipt.

• Establishes criminal penalties of up to 3 times the contribution amount in fines or up to 1 year imprisonment for violations by contributors, committee treasurers, and judges or justices accepting prohibited contributions.