S0042.01I

SB 26 - This act revises the Missouri Campaign Finance Reporting law. Proposition A, submitted by initiative and approved by the voters on November 8, 1994, contained provisions which were in conflict with existing law but did not repeal existing law. This act removes those conflicts by incorporating the constitutional provisions of Proposition A into existing law.

The act also removes provisions of law, including several provisions of Proposition A, which have been declared unconstitutional. These are:

- A prohibition against legislators and statewide officials and candidates for those offices acceptance of contributions during a session of the General Assembly;

- A requirement that candidates approve any broadcast material containing allegations about the candidates opponent;

- Penalties for exceeding voluntary contributions;

- Contribution limits of $100, $200 and $300, depending on the office sought; and

- Spend-down of excess funds within 90 days after the election.

The act also modifies the reporting requirements for continuing committees (PACs) that make expenditures, other than contributions, on behalf of a candidate or candidates. Under current law, these committees report quarterly. The act requires them to report at the same time that candidates do (due seven days before and thirty days after the election) if they make expenditures.

DAVID VALENTINE