Legislature(2007 - 2008)CAPITOL 120
04/05/2008 03:00 PM House RULES
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB281 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| = | HB 281 | ||
HB 281 - CAMPAIGN FINANCE COMPLAINTS 3:08:57 PM CHAIR COGHILL announced that the only order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 281, "An Act extending the statute of limitations for the filing of complaints with the Alaska Public Offices Commission involving state election campaigns." [Before the committee was CSHB 281(FIN).] 3:09:06 PM REPRESENTATIVE SAMUELS moved to adopt the proposed committee substitute (CS) for HB 281, Version 25-LS1115\J, Bullard, 4/5/08, as the work draft. There being no objection, Version J was before the committee. CHAIR COGHILL [referring to changes encompassed in Version J] mentioned Representative Gara's amendment that addressed reporting on polling and the need to include a disclaimer, which Representative Gara withdrew due to a legal question. He then highlighted the change on page 2, line 9, which eliminated the language related to contributions in excess of $250. 3:10:52 PM REPRESENTATIVE SAMUELS explained that the intent with the change on page 2, line 9, is to have all candidates report the occupation and employer of the contributor, regardless of the amount of the cash contribution. 3:12:29 PM REPRESENTATIVE GUTTENBERG expressed concern for those who run small, low-level campaigns for a couple hours a day on their own. For such individuals, the additional reporting requirements are seen as a hindrance and they may decide not to run for office. Although he questioned whether the problem exists, he also expressed concern that more onus is being placed [on potential candidates]. 3:14:09 PM REPRESENTATIVE KERTTULA asked whether there is still an exemption such that campaigns below $5,000 don't have to report. CHAIR COGHILL replied yes. REPRESENTATIVE KERTTULA surmised then that groups and political action committees (PACs) can still contribute and each group or PAC is listed. Therefore, the amount won't be what's important, but the main occupation and employer of every individual who contributes will be listed. REPRESENTATIVE SAMUELS confirmed that to be the intent. He then commented that a $200 contribution is a good contribution. He questioned why the $250 contribution limit was set, particularly when one could receive a series of $200 contributions from the same organization. REPRESENTATIVE KERTTULA said she agrees with Representative Samuels, but relayed that the reality of her campaign is that she receives $5 and $10 contributions. She said that although she would continue to think about this, she wouldn't object to it today. 3:16:18 PM REPRESENTATIVE GUTTENBERG asked whether there is any retroactive aspect to HB 281. CHAIR COGHILL replied no, and pointed out that it's an immediate effective date for Sections 1-14. 3:16:59 PM REPRESENTATIVE HARRIS offered that the complaint is that the Alaska Public Offices Commission (APOC) hasn't had the ability to go back. He related his understanding that HB 281 would take care of that and go back five years. CHAIR COGHILL responded yes. 3:17:20 PM REPRESENTATIVE SAMUELS moved to report the proposed CS for HB 281, Version 25-LS1115\J, Bullard, 4/5/08, out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, CSHB 281(RLS) was reported from the House Rules Standing Committee.
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