MS HB26

Prohibits candidates for public office from using campaign contributions for personal purposes or reasons unrelated to their campaign to seek election or reelection.

Requires candidates who are elected, defeated, or withdraw from a campaign to handle surplus funds within 30 days by either: depositing them in a separate account for future campaigns with continued reporting to the Secretary of State, or disbursing them to contributors, nonprofits, political parties, other candidates, the State Treasury, or local entities in the candidate's election district.

Defines "surplus contributions" as any campaign funds remaining after all campaign expenditures are paid.

Establishes that using campaign funds to satisfy obligations that would exist regardless of the campaign constitutes personal use and is prohibited.

Violations are punishable under Section 23-15-811 of Mississippi Code.