Connecticut: Major Campaign Finance Changes on December 31, 2006
Wholesale changes to Connecticut's campaign finance laws will take effect on December 31, 2006. From that date forward, current and prospective state contractors no longer will be able to make or solicit campaign contributions to certain state candidates, political parties or most state political action committees (PACs).
The scope of the ban will depend on the type of state agency with which the current or prospective state contractor holds or seeks a contract. Furthermore, a state contractor's PACs (state and/or federal) and certain individuals within the contractor organization (such as the CEO, certain vice presidents and persons responsible for negotiating a state contract and their families) also will be subject to the same prohibition.
Under a different provision, a complete state contribution and solicitation ban will, on the same date, apply to all "communicator lobbyists," the lobbyists' immediate families and any PAC established or controlled by the lobbyists or their family members.
The above contractor contribution and solicitation ban applies to persons with contracts with the state, a state agency or a quasi-public agency. The ban also applies to prospective state contractors that submit bids or Request for Proposal responses or hold a valid prequalification certificate issued by the Commissioner of Administrative Services. Covered contracts include those for:
- The rendition of personal services.
- The furnishing of any material, supplies or equipment.
- The construction, alteration or repair of any public building or public work.
- The acquisition, sale or lease of any land or building.
- A licensing arrangement.
- A grant, loan or loan guarantee.
Even for non-contractors, the ability of corporations to purchase ads in political committee publications will be severely limited as of December 31, 2006.
