SF1943 - Campaign Finance Modifications

• Extends the timeline for probable cause determinations in campaign finance complaints from 45 to 60 days after a prima facie violation is found.

• Allows the state campaign finance board to investigate potential violations discovered during a complaint investigation only after establishing probable cause for a formal investigation.

• Permits political committees and party units to accept virtual currency donations valued at fair market value at time of receipt, with mandatory conversion to U.S. currency within five business days and restrictions on purchasing goods or services with virtual currency.

• Expands penalties for independent expenditure and ballot question political committees that make prohibited contributions to up to four times the contribution amount.

• Requires closed captioning on broadcast and cable television campaign advertisements, website-posted ads, or posted transcripts for radio ads, with civil penalties up to $1,000 for non-compliance.