HB 1747

HD1

RELATING TO CAMPAIGNS.

Establishes limits for campaign contributions to candidates, noncandidate committees, and political parties during specified election periods. Requires excess contributions to be returned to the original donor within thirty days of receipt of the donation, or the funds will escheat to the Hawaii election campaign fund. Limits contributions from nonresident individuals and entities to no more than thirty percent of the total contributions received by a candidate or candidate's committee in an election period. Defines "surplus funds" and "residual funds". Requires candidates for the Senate, House of Representatives, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to file campaign reports by electronic means beginning in 2006. Provides that a candidate does not have to file an organizational report if the candidate is seeking election to the same office in successive elections and does not have new information that must be updated in the report. Expands the public financing law and matches $2 for every $1 raised in excess of the minimum amount of qualifying campaign contributions needed to receive public funding. (HB1747 HD1)

Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Commission on the Status of Women, Gubernatorial Nominee, BRANDI M.L. JIM ON, for a term to expire 06-30-2006.