Honorable Byron Cook, Chair, House Committee on State Affairs
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB24 by Davis, Sarah (Relating to political contributions and political expenditures; amending provisions subject to a civil penalty; creating criminal offenses.), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend Election code to alter restrictions related to accepting political contributions and the reporting of such contributions and expenditures. The bill would also create an offense for political committees that do not deposit contributions in the manner prescribed by the bill. The bill could result in increased administrative costs for the Ethics Commission to update guidelines and materials, however it is anticipated that any costs associated with implementing the legislation could be absorbed within existing agency resources.
The bill would take effect September 1, 2015.
Local Government Impact
A Class B misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of not more than $2,000, confinement in jail for a term not to exceed 180 days, or both. Costs associated with enforcement, prosecution, and confinement could likely be absorbed with existing resources. Revenue from fines imposed and collected is not anticipated to have a significant fiscal impact.