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Bill

S 701

Relates to prohibiting the conversion of campaign funds for personal use

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Addabbo and 4 co-sponsors

Bill Summary: S 701 - Prohibiting Conversion of Campaign Funds for Personal Use SummaryS 701, the "Campaign Funds Integrity Act," is a bill that seeks to prohibit the conversion of

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Bill Summary · S 701

Bill Summary: S 701 - Prohibiting Conversion of Campaign Funds for Personal Use

Summary

S 701, the "Campaign Funds Integrity Act," is a bill that seeks to prohibit the conversion of campaign funds for personal use by candidates and elected officials. The main intent of the legislation is to ensure that money donated to political campaigns is used for legitimate campaign-related expenses and not diverted for the personal benefit of the officeholder.

Key Provisions

  • Explicitly prohibits the conversion of campaign funds for "personal use," defined as any use to fulfill a commitment, obligation, or expense that would exist irrespective of the candidate's campaign or duties as a federal officeholder.
  • Requires candidates and officeholders to return any campaign funds converted for personal use to the original donors or to a charitable organization.
  • Directs the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to promulgate regulations defining the types of expenses that constitute permissible campaign-related expenditures versus prohibited personal use.
  • Establishes civil penalties for violations, with fines of up to 300% of the amount converted for personal use.

Affected Entities and Timeline

The bill would apply to all federal candidates and officeholders, including members of Congress, the President, and candidates for these offices. It would take effect upon enactment and apply to campaign funds received or disbursed after that date.

Related Legislation

S 701 has several related bills, including:
- HR 2077, the companion bill in the House of Representatives
- SD 613, which the current bill would replace
- A series of prior-session bills dating back to S 2214 in the 116th Congress, addressing similar issues around campaign fund usage

Overall, S 701 represents a legislative effort to strengthen rules and enforcement around the appropriate use of political campaign funds, with the goal of preventing their conversion for personal benefit.

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

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