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Bill

Bill

A 7162

Enacts the "forfeiture of campaign finance accounts and return of contributions act"

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Monique Chandler-Waterman

Bill A 7162 mandates forfeiture of campaign finance accounts and requires returning contributions to donors, enhancing transparency and accountability in campaign financing.

REFERRED TO ELECTION LAW
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 7162

Summary of Bill A 7162

Title

Forfeiture of Campaign Finance Accounts and Return of Contributions Act

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: A 7162
  • Status: Referred to Election Law
  • Introduced On: March 21, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill A 7162 is to establish a framework for the forfeiture of campaign finance accounts and the return of contributions made to candidates or political committees under specific circumstances. This legislation aims to enhance transparency and accountability in campaign financing, ensuring that funds are used appropriately and returned when necessary.

Key Provisions

  • Forfeiture of Campaign Accounts: The bill outlines conditions under which campaign finance accounts may be forfeited. This includes scenarios where candidates fail to comply with campaign finance regulations or where contributions are deemed illegal or improperly solicited.

  • Return of Contributions: The legislation mandates that any contributions forfeited must be returned to the original contributors. This provision is designed to protect the interests of donors and maintain the integrity of the electoral process.

  • Regulatory Oversight: The bill proposes the establishment of guidelines for the enforcement of these provisions, including the roles of election officials and the processes for handling forfeited funds.

Affected Parties

  • Candidates and Political Committees: Individuals running for office and the committees supporting them will be directly impacted by the provisions of this bill, as it will affect how they manage campaign funds.

  • Contributors: Donors to political campaigns will benefit from the protections offered by the bill, ensuring that their contributions are safeguarded and returned if necessary.

  • Election Officials: The bill will require election officials to implement new procedures for monitoring compliance and managing forfeited accounts.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: As of March 21, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Election Law committee for further consideration.

  • Related Legislation: This bill is related to several prior-session bills (A 6394, A 8619, A 258, A 16, A 4256, A 5657) that may address similar issues in campaign finance reform, indicating ongoing legislative interest in this area.

Conclusion

Bill A 7162 represents a significant step towards improving the integrity of campaign finance practices. By establishing clear guidelines for the forfeiture of campaign accounts and the return of contributions, the bill seeks to enhance accountability among candidates and protect the rights of contributors. As it moves through the legislative process, further discussions and amendments may shape its final form and impact.

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

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