MO HB947

Establishes a voluntary "Missouri Clean Elections" public financing system for candidates running for governor, state senator, state representative, and statewide offices.

Candidates qualify for public funding by collecting a required number of $5 "qualifying contributions" from registered voters in their district (250 for state representatives, 500 for state senators, etc.) and complying with spending limits.

Provides participating candidates with a line of credit and debit card to pay campaign expenses, with funding amounts based on historical spending data for each office type.

Implements contribution limits and spending restrictions for participating candidates, including a $100 limit per individual seed money contribution and aggregate seed money caps ranging from $500 to $10,000 depending on office.

Creates the "Missouri Clean Election Fund" financed through qualifying contributions, tax return check-offs, and voluntary donations, with provisions for matching funds when nonparticipating candidates or independent expenditures exceed certain thresholds.

Establishes reporting requirements, civil fines up to 10 times the violation amount for overspending, and felony penalties for misuse of public funds or false statements to the commission.

Requires voter approval at the November 2011 election to become effective.