NC H621

Allows cities to establish public financing programs for municipal election campaigns with approval from the State Board of Elections after holding a public hearing.

Requires participating candidates to demonstrate public support, voluntarily accept fundraising and spending limits, and file all disclosure reports with the State Board of Elections.

Public funds must be used only for campaign purposes, with unspent funds returned to the city; funds are exempt from contribution limits but must be reported as contributions in campaign reports.

Applies to Chapel Hill, Asheville, and municipalities with populations over 50,000 selected by the State Board for a pilot program, with the Board monitoring implementation and reporting findings by June 30, 2020.

Expires July 1, 2021.