Allocates the assessment of fines for failure to file reports between the board of elections between the candidate and political action or political party committee.

Plain-English Summary

This Rhode Island bill deals with who is responsible for paying fines when required campaign finance reports are not filed on time with the Board of Elections. Under current law, when a candidate or their associated political action committee (PAC) or political party committee fails to submit required financial disclosure reports, there can be some ambiguity about who bears the financial penalty. This bill aims to clarify and divide that responsibility more specifically between the candidate themselves and the PAC or political party committee involved.

In practical terms, the bill would establish clearer rules about how fines are split or assigned when campaign finance paperwork goes unfiled. For example, if a candidate's campaign committee misses a reporting deadline, the fine might be divided between the individual candidate and the committee organization, rather than falling entirely on one party. The goal appears to be creating a more defined system of accountability for campaign finance reporting requirements.

This bill primarily affects candidates running for public office in Rhode Island, as well as the political action committees and political party committees that support them. Campaign treasurers and political organizations that manage campaign finances would also need to be aware of how penalties are allocated under the new rules. Voters and the general public benefit indirectly, since campaign finance reporting requirements exist to ensure transparency about who is funding political campaigns. The bill has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee and is scheduled for a hearing in April 2026.