 |
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, First Regular Session
campaign finance; third-party complaints
Purpose
Prohibits a filing officer from accepting a complaint from a third-party unless the complaint is filed by an individual, or by an individual on behalf of an entity, who submits evidence that the individual is an identifiable human being.
Background
A filing officer is the sole public officer authorized to initiate an investigation into alleged violations of campaign contributions and expenses law. A filing officer must limit investigation to violations that are within the officer's jurisdiction. The Secretary of State (SOS) must publish guidelines in the Election Procedures Manual that outline procedures and processes that apply to investigations by all filing officers.
If, after providing the subject of the violation a reasonable opportunity
to respond, the filing officer has reasonable cause to believe a person
violated campaign contributions and expenses procedures, the filing office must
refer the matter to the appropriate enforcement officer (A.R.S.
§ 16-938).
Committee means a candidate committee, a political action committee or a political party. Filing officer means the SOS or the county, city or town officer in charge of elections for that jurisdiction who accepts statements and reports for those elections (A.R.S. § 16-901).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
2. Requires a third-party complaint that is submitted by an entity to be submitted by an individual on behalf of that entity and to include evidence that the individual is an identifiable human being.
3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
FMAE 2/15/25 DP 7-0-0-0
3rd Read 2/27/25 57-0-3
Prepared by Senate Research
March 7, 2025
ZD/AW/ci