HB 620 -- Public Funding of Campaigns

Co-Sponsors:  Bray, Selby, Harlan, Williams (121), Riback
Wilson, Davis (63), Gaw

This bill establishes public funding for state elections.  The
bill:

(1)  Sets qualifying and reporting requirements for public
funding;

(2)  Specifies the amount of public funding available for
various state elections;

(3)  Limits the use of money from private sources and personal
funds by participating candidates;

(4)  Offers additional public moneys to match the spending of
candidates who reject public funding;

(5)  Requires independent expenditures over specified amounts to
be reported and possibly matched by public moneys;

(6)  Places limits on contributions to political parties and the
amount of money participating candidates may accept from
political parties;

(7)  Pays for public funding with annual appropriations from the
legislature;

(8)  Specifies penalties for violating provisions of this bill;
and

(9)  Charges the Missouri Ethics Commission with administration
and enforcement of these provisions.

The bill applies to state elections after November 8, 2000.

This bill also has a referendum clause submitting its provisions
to the voters for approval or rejection.