Campaign Finance Disclosure Act; unlawful conversion of political contributions to personal use. (HB6)

Introduced By

Del. Marcus Simon (D-Falls Church) with support from co-patron Del. Steve Heretick (D-Portsmouth)

Progress

Introduced
Passed Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate
Signed by Governor
Became Law

Description

Campaign Finance Disclosure Act; unlawful conversion of political contributions to personal use; penalty. Prohibits any person from converting any moneys, securities, or like intangible personal property that has been contributed to a candidate, a campaign committee, or a political committee to his personal use or the personal use of any other person. A contribution is considered to be converted to personal use if the contribution, in whole or in part, is used to fulfill any commitment, obligation, or expense not related to the ordinary and necessary expenses related to seeking, holding, or maintaining public office or carrying out the ordinary activities of the committee. The bill provides that a violation of the prohibition is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Current law prohibits such conversion of contributions to personal use specifically with regard to disbursement of surplus funds at the dissolution of a campaign or political committee. The bill also requires the State Board of Elections to provide, upon request, formal advisory opinions regarding the permitted and prohibited uses of contributions and publish such opinions on the Department of Elections website. Read the Bill »

Outcome

Bill Has Failed

History

DateAction
11/16/2015Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/13/16 16100265D
11/16/2015Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections
01/14/2016Assigned P & E sub:
01/19/2016Impact statement from DPB (HB6)
02/04/2016Subcommittee recommends continuing to 2017
02/05/2016Continued to 2017 in Privileges and Elections
12/01/2016Left in Privileges and Elections