Political Candidates Would File More Campaign Reports Under Bill

Political candidates would file additional campaign finance reports before election day, under a proposal that cleared a House elections committee on Tuesday.

All candidates would have to file reports showing their campaign donors 60 days before the general election under the proposal. Candidates for statewide office would also have to file a 60-day pre-election financial report in primary elections.

Currently, candidates are required to file reports about one month and two weeks before the election.

Secretary of State Trey Grayson endorsed the proposal, which would also require candidates who raise more than $25,000 to file their reports electronically.

Rep. J.R. Gray, D-Benton, was the only legislator on the panel to vote against the plan. Gray said there was not a problem with current requirements.

"I see no necessity for any additional reports to be made," Gray said.

The proposal, which cleared the House Elections, Constitutional Amendments and Intergovernmental Affairs, heads to the full chamber for consideration. Senate lawmakers have already approved the plan.
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The legislation is Senate Bill 159.

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