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 contributions within 30 days by either depositing them in a separate account for future campaigns or disbursing them to approved recipients.

Permits surplus campaign funds to be distributed to campaign contributors (prorated basis), tax-exempt nonprofits, political parties, other qualified candidates, the State Treasury, or entities in the candidate's election district.

Violations are subject to penalties under Section 23-15-811 of Mississippi Code.

Effective date: July 1, 2014.