MS HB169

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 or disbursing them to specified recipients.

Allows surplus campaign funds to be distributed to campaign contributors (on prorated basis), nonprofit organizations, political parties, other candidates, the State Treasury, or entities in the candidate's district.

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

Takes effect July 1, 2015.