MS HB157

Prohibits candidates for public office from using campaign contributions for personal purposes or reasons unrelated to their campaign for election or reelection, including obligations or expenses that would exist regardless of the campaign.

Requires candidates who are elected, defeated, or withdraw from a campaign to dispose of surplus contributions within 30 days by either: (a) depositing funds in a separate account for use in seeking future office, or (b) distributing funds to campaign contributors, nonprofits, political parties, other candidates, the State Treasury, or local entities in their election district.

Establishes that surplus contributions cannot be refunded to any single contributor in an amount exceeding their original contribution.

Violations are punishable under existing Mississippi Code Section 23-15-811 relating to campaign finance penalties.

Requires submission to the U.S. Attorney General or U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia under the Voting Rights Act of 1965 before the act becomes effective.