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SB 604

AN ACT REDEFINING "STATE CONTRACTOR", "PROSPECTIVE STATE CONTRACTOR" AND "SUBCONTRACTOR" FOR PURPOSES OF THE CAMPAIGN FINANCE LAWS.

2025 Regular Session

SB 604 redefines which businesses and individuals face Connecticut campaign contribution restrictions based on their state contracting relationships, potentially broadening or narrowing existing contractor donation prohibitions.

PUBLIC HEARING 0307
#bidsandbidding #campaignfinancing #contractors #fees #fines(penalties) #notices #quasi-publicagencies #stateelectionsenforcementcommission #stateagencies #statecontracts #violations
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 604

Legislative bill overview

SB 604 modifies Connecticut's campaign finance laws by redefining what constitutes a "state contractor," "prospective state contractor," and "subcontractor." These definitions directly affect which entities and individuals face restrictions on political contributions and expenditures under state law. The bill essentially changes the scope of who is covered by Connecticut's existing contractor contribution prohibitions.

Why is this important

Campaign finance rules for state contractors prevent potential conflicts of interest between political donations and state contracts worth public money. By redefining who falls under these restrictions, this bill could either expand or narrow the pool of companies and executives legally prohibited from making certain political contributions, fundamentally altering the landscape of political fundraising from the business community that does business with Connecticut.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope expansion vs. restriction: Whether the new definitions broaden or narrow contractor restrictions—expansion could limit business political speech, while narrowing could create loopholes for companies with state ties to donate freely
  • Subcontractor inclusion: How deeply the definitions reach into supply chains; overly broad definitions could capture tangential vendors while narrow ones could allow contractors to circumvent restrictions through intermediaries
  • Prospective contractor ambiguity: The difficulty of defining "prospective" contractors—unclear timelines could either capture companies merely bidding for contracts or exclude those actively pursuing state work

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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