OLR Bill Analysis

sHB 5011

AN ACT CONCERNING THE VALUATION OF CERTAIN MATERIALS USED IN PRIOR ELECTIONS UNDER THE CITIZENS' ELECTION PROGRAM.

SUMMARY:

This bill reduces the general election grant candidates who participate in the Citizens' Election Program (participating candidates) receive if they possess a specified minimum number of lawn signs from any previous primary or general election campaign. It does not affect the primary campaign grant candidates may receive.

Under the bill, all participating candidates must certify in their grant application to the State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC) whether they have custody and control over a number of signs applicable to the office for which they are running. If they do, their general election grant is reduced by a certain amount. The bill specifically prohibits a reduction based on lawn signs that are not in the candidate committee's custody or control. It does not apply to any other campaign-related material.

For each office, Table 1 provides the applicable number of lawn signs and resulting grant reduction.

Table 1: General Election Grant Reductions Based on Lawn Signs

EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2009

BACKGROUND

Related Advisory Opinion

In September 2008, the SEEC adopted Advisory Opinion 2008-02 stating that (1) a candidate's prior assets, including lawn signs, must be reported pursuant to campaign finance disclosure requirements and (2) the value of these assets is an amount equal to the original purchase price. In its opinion, the SEEC noted that some assets depreciate in value over time and that some formula for depreciation may be reasonably established in the future (i. e. , after the 2008 election cycle).

COMMITTEE ACTION

Government Administration and Elections Committee

Joint Favorable Substitute