NC S716

Prohibits contractors with state contracts exceeding $50,000 from making contributions greater than $1,000 per calendar year to relevant political campaigns, effective December 1, 2010, with Class 2 misdemeanor penalties for violations.

Increases penalties for making campaign contributions in the name of another to a Class I felony when unlawful contributions total more than $10,000 per election, and clarifies exceptions for individuals with lawful authority to act on behalf of others.

Establishes the Public Funding of Council of State Elections Commission to study continuation and potential expansion of public campaign financing, with a report due to the 2011 General Assembly by March 1, 2011.

Expands ethics requirements by requiring disclosure of campaign contributions prior to appointment for specific officials and board members, codifying additional state positions as public servants under the ethics law, and authorizing the Governor to adopt minimum ethics standards for appointees and state employees.

Creates searchable databases for campaign contributions, state contracts and grants, and public records disputes; establishes mandatory mediation procedures for public records disputes; and requires publication of annual statistics on ethics complaints and violations.