HB 737 Summary

• Expands the definition of "political action committee" to include entities with over $2,500 in treasury that make $1,000+ in aggregate contributions/expenditures per year, with primary purpose of supporting/opposing candidates through express advocacy.

• Lowers independent expenditure thresholds requiring disclosure: $500+ for statewide candidates, $250+ for state assembly candidates, and $100+ for local candidates (instead of previous higher amounts).

• Modifies reporting requirements for independent expenditures and establishes that independent expenditures of $10,000+ during 90 days before elections are deemed electioneering communications.

• Clarifies that corporations and labor organizations can make independent expenditures for candidates/ballot issues but must report them in accordance with campaign finance disclosure requirements.

• Amends sections 3517.01, 3517.105, 3517.1011, 3517.13, 3517.992, 3599.03, 5727.61, and 5733.27 regarding campaign finance reporting and foreign national contribution restrictions.