The report provides only an overview of the applicable laws' major components; it is not exhaustive. Throughout it, we include hyperlinks to other sources for more detailed information. Alternatively, readers may contact the State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC) (i.e., the enforcement agency) at (860) 256-2940 for answers to their campaign finance questions.
The report incorporates campaign finance changes that the General Assembly made in PA 13-180 during the 2013 session.
The CEP is a voluntary public campaign financing program for statewide office and legislative candidates. Those who agree to limit spending, forgo outside funding sources, and comply with other requirements may qualify for state grants from the Citizens' Election Fund (CEF) to finance their campaigns.
During a primary or general election campaign period, certain laws apply to both participating and nonparticipating candidates, while others apply to one or the other. This report is divided into three sections: state campaign finance laws and requirements applicable to (1) all legislative candidates, (2) participating candidates, and (3) nonparticipating candidates. It covers major party candidates.
For both types of candidates, the report addresses:
- the exploratory committee phase,
- dissolving an exploratory committee and forming a candidate committee,
- deciding whether to participate in the CEP,
- contributions and expenditures,
- organization expenditures,
- reporting requirements,
- attribution requirements, and
- terminating a candidate committee.
Finally, for nonparticipating candidates the report covers (1) contribution limits and (2) state contractor and lobbyist contributions and solicitations.
