MS SB2651

Requires candidates and political committees to file a statement of organization with the appropriate office (Secretary of State for state/legislative races, county circuit clerk for county races, municipal clerk for municipal races) prior to accepting any contributions or making expenditures.

Establishes tiered administrative penalties imposed by the Secretary of State for failing to file statements or reports: $1,000 for first offense, $2,500 for second offense, and $5,000 for third and subsequent offenses within a five-year period.

Creates a new definition of "corporate contribution" limited to the election or defeat of candidates and excludes sole proprietorships and limited liability corporations from the definition of "corporation."

Implements tiered civil penalties for late filing of periodic reports (ranging from $250-$1,000 per day depending on office level) and pre-election reports (beginning on the third day after deadline), with maximum penalty of 10 days of fines.

Transfers enforcement authority from the Mississippi Ethics Commission to the Secretary of State, with the Attorney General or appropriate district attorney pursuing judicial enforcement at the Secretary of State's request for violations, including a 30-day decision deadline for the Attorney General to accept or decline cases.