An Act To Improve the Maine Clean Election Act
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 21-A MRSA §1125, sub-§6-F is enacted to read:
6-F. Participation in political action committees. A certified candidate, may not establish a political action committee for which the certified candidate is a principal officer, fund-raiser or decision maker except as provided by this subsection. A certified candidate seeking election to the State Senate or State House of Representatives may establish and serve as the principal officer and fund-raiser for a political action committee established for the purpose of providing that certified candidate with professional development, networking and educational opportunities related to functions that a person may perform as a legislator. Expenses related to this purpose, including administrative and travel costs, consultant fees and other relevant noncampaign-related costs, may be paid for using funds raised by the political action committee. A certified candidate who serves as the principal officer, fund-raiser or decision maker for a political action committee established for the purpose of providing that certified candidate with professional development, networking and educational opportunities as described in this subsection shall limit the total amount raised for the political action committee, including any funds carried over from a political action committee established during a previous election, as follows:
A. Fifteen thousand dollars for candidates for the State Senate; and
B. Seven thousand five hundred dollars for candidates for the House of Representatives.
SUMMARY
This bill prohibits a person certified as a Maine Clean Election Act candidate seeking election to the State Senate or State House of Representatives from establishing a political action committee or serving as a fund-raiser or principal decision maker for a political action committee unless the political action committee is established to provide the person with professional development, networking and educational opportunities related to work that person may perform as a legislator. The bill also sets limits on how much money may be raised for such a political action committee.