AB801: Bill Text

AB801, s. 10 Section 10. 11.001 (2m) of the statutes is created to read:

AB801,20,2 11.001 (2m) The legislature finds a compelling justification for minimal disclosure of all communications made near the time of an election that include a reference to a candidate at that election, an office to be filled at that election, or a political party in order to permit increased funding for candidates who are affected by those communications. This minimal disclosure burden is outweighed by the need to establish an effective funding mechanism for affected candidates to effectively respond to communications that may impact an election.

AB801, s. 11 Section 11. 11.01 (12s) of the statutes is repealed.

AB801, s. 12 Section 12. 11.01 (16) (a) 3. of the statutes is created to read:

AB801,20,11 11.01 (16) (a) 3. A communication that is made by means of one or more communications media, other than a communication that is exempt from reporting under s. 11.29, that is made during the period beginning on the 60th day preceding an election and ending on the date of that election and that includes a reference to a candidate whose name is certified under s. 7.08 (2) (a) or 8.50 (1) (d) to appear on the ballot at that election, a reference to an office to be filled at that election, or a reference to a political party.

AB801, s. 13 Section 13. 11.05 (1) of the statutes is renumbered 11.05 (1) (a) and amended to read:

AB801,20,21 11.05 (1) (a) Except as provided in s. 9.10 (2) (d), every committee, other than a personal campaign committee, and every political group subject to registration under s. 11.23 which that makes or accepts contributions, incurs obligations or makes disbursements in a calendar year in an aggregate amount in excess of $25 shall file a statement with the appropriate filing officer giving the information required by sub. (3). In the case of any committee other than a personal campaign committee, the statement shall be filed by the treasurer. A personal campaign committee shall register under sub. (2g) or (2r).

AB801, s. 14 Section 14. 11.05 (1) (b) of the statutes is created to read:

AB801,21,2 11.05 (1) (b) Every political group subject to registration under s. 11.23 which makes or accepts contributions, incurs obligations, or makes disbursements in a calendar year in an aggregate amount in excess of $100 shall file a statement with the appropriate filing officer giving the information required by sub. (3).

AB801, s. 15 Section 15. 11.05 (2) of the statutes is renumbered 11.05 (2) (a) and amended to read:

AB801,21,12 11.05 (2) (a) Except as provided in s. 9.10 (2) (d), every individual, other than a candidate or agent of a candidate, who accepts contributions, incurs obligations, or makes disbursements with respect to one or more elections for state or local office in a calendar year in an aggregate amount in excess of $25 shall file a statement with the appropriate filing officer giving the information required by sub. (3). An individual who guarantees a loan on which an individual, committee or group subject to a registration requirement defaults is not subject to registration under this subsection solely as a result of such default.

AB801, s. 16 Section 16. 11.05 (2) (b) of the statutes is created to read:

AB801,21,17 11.05 (2) (b) Every individual who accepts contributions, incurs obligations, or makes disbursements with respect to one or more referenda in a calendar year in an aggregate amount in excess of $100 shall file a statement with the appropriate filing officer giving the information required by sub. (3).

AB801, s. 17 Section 17. 11.05 (2r) (title) of the statutes is renumbered 11.06 (2m) (title).

AB801, s. 18 Section 18. 11.05 (2r) of the statutes is renumbered 11.06 (2m) (a) and amended to read:

AB801,22,16 11.06 (2m) (a) Any person, committee or group, other than a committee or an individual or committee required to file an oath under s. 11.06 (7), who or which does not anticipate accepting contributions, making disbursements or incurring obligations in an aggregate amount in excess of $1,000 in a calendar year and does not anticipate accepting any contribution or contributions from a single source, other than contributions made by a candidate to his or her own campaign, exceeding $100 in that year may indicate on its registration statement that the person, committee or group will not accept contributions, incur obligations or make disbursements in the aggregate in excess of $1,000 in any calendar year and will not accept any contribution or contributions from a single source, other than contributions made by a candidate to his or her own campaign, exceeding $100 in such any calendar year. Any registrant making such an indication is not subject to any filing requirement if the statement is true. The registrant need not file a termination report. A registrant not making such an indication on a registration statement is subject to a filing requirement. The indication may be revoked and the registrant is then subject to a filing requirement as of the date of revocation, or the date that aggregate contributions, disbursements or obligations for the calendar year exceed $1,000, or the date on which the registrant accepts any contribution or contributions exceeding $100 from a single source, other than contributions made by a candidate to his or her own campaign, during that any calendar year, whichever is earlier. If the revocation is not timely, the registrant violates s. 11.27 (1).

AB801, s. 19 Section 19. 11.05 (3) (c) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB801,22,21 11.05 (3) (c) In the case of a committee, a statement as to whether the committee is a personal campaign committee, a political party committee, a legislative campaign committee, a support committee or a special interest committee.

AB801, s. 20 Section 20. 11.05 (3) (m) of the statutes is created to read:

AB801,22,25 11.05 (3) (m) In the case of a personal campaign committee, the name of the candidate on whose behalf the committee was formed or intends to operate and the office or offices that the candidate seeks.

AB801, s. 21 Section 21. 11.05 (3) (o) of the statutes is repealed.

AB801, s. 22 Section 22. 11.05 (3) (r) of the statutes is created to read:

AB801,23,5 11.05 (3) (r) In the case of a candidate or personal campaign committee of a candidate, the telephone number or numbers and a facsimile transmission number or electronic mail address, if any, at which the candidate may be contacted.

AB801, s. 23 Section 23. 11.05 (5) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB801,23,21 11.05 (5) Change of information. Any change in information previously submitted in a statement of registration shall be reported by the registrant to the appropriate filing officer within 10 days following the change. This period does not apply in case of change of an indication made under sub. (2r) s. 11.06 (2m), which shall be reported no later than the date that a registrant is subject to a filing requirement under sub. (2r) s. 11.06 (2m). Any such change may be reported only by the individual or by the officer who has succeeded to the position of an individual who signed the original statement; but in the case of a personal campaign committee, a candidate or campaign treasurer may report a change in the statement except as provided in s. 11.10 (2), and in the case of any other committee or group, the chief executive officer or treasurer indicated on the statement may report a change. If a preexisting support committee is adopted by a candidate as his or her personal campaign committee, the candidate shall file an amendment to the committee's statement under this subsection indicating that all information contained in the statement is true, correct and complete.

AB801, s. 24 Section 24. 11.05 (9) (title) of the statutes is repealed and recreated to read:

AB801,23,23 11.05 (9) (title) Deposit of contributions; conduits.

AB801, s. 25 Section 25. 11.05 (12) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB801,24,9 11.05 (12) (b) Except as authorized under sub. (13), a committee, group or individual other than a candidate or agent of a candidate shall comply with sub. (1) or (2) no later than the 5th business day commencing after receipt of the first contribution by such committee, group or individual, and before making any disbursement. No committee, group or individual, other than a candidate or agent of a candidate, may accept any contribution or contributions exceeding $25 in the aggregate the amount specified in sub. (1) or (2) during a calendar year at any time when the committee, group or individual is not registered under this section except within the initial 5-day period authorized by this paragraph.

AB801, s. 26 Section 26. 11.05 (13) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB801,24,17 11.05 (13) Bank account and postal box; exemption. An individual, committee or group does not violate this section by accepting a contribution and making a disbursement in the amount required to rent a postal box, or in the minimum amount required by a bank or trust company to open a checking account, prior to the time of registration, if the disbursement is properly reported on the first report submitted under s. 11.20 or 11.21 (16) after the date that the individual, committee or group is registered, whenever a reporting requirement applies to the registrant.

AB801, s. 27 Section 27. 11.06 (1) (intro.) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB801,24,25 11.06 (1) Contents of report. (intro.) Except as provided in subs. (2), (2m), (3) and (3m) and ss.11.05 (2r) and s. 11.19 (2), each registrant under s. 11.05 shall make full reports, upon a form prescribed by the board and signed by the appropriate individual under sub. (5), of all contributions received, contributions or disbursements made, and obligations incurred. Each report shall contain the following information, covering the period since the last date covered on the previous report, unless otherwise provided:

AB801, s. 28 Section 28. 11.06 (1) (e) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB801,25,5 11.06 (1) (e) An itemized statement of contributions over $20 from a single source donated to a charitable organization or to the common school fund, with the full name and mailing address of the donee, and a statement of contributions over $20 transferred to the board for deposit in the Wisconsin election campaign fund.

AB801, s. 29 Section 29. 11.06 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB801,25,15 11.06 (2) Disclosure of certain indirect disbursements. Notwithstanding sub. (1), if a disbursement is made or obligation incurred by an individual other than a candidate or by a committee or group which is not primarily organized for political purposes, and the disbursement does not constitute a contribution to any candidate or other individual, committee or group, the disbursement or obligation is required to be reported only if the purpose is to expressly advocate the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate or the adoption or rejection of a referendum. The exemption provided by this subsection shall in no case be construed to apply to a political party, legislative campaign, personal campaign or support committee.

AB801, s. 30 Section 30. 11.06 (2m) (b) to (d) of the statutes are created to read:

AB801,26,10 11.06 (2m) (b) Any individual or committee who or which is required to file an oath under s. 11.06 (7) and who or which accepts contributions, makes disbursements or incurs obligations for the purpose of supporting or opposing one or more candidates for state office and who or which does not anticipate accepting contributions, making disbursements or incurring obligations in an aggregate amount in excess of $1,000 in a calendar year and does not anticipate accepting any contribution or contributions from a single source exceeding $100 in that year may indicate on its registration statement that the individual or committee will not accept contributions, incur obligations or make disbursements in the aggregate in excess of $1,000 in any calendar year and will not accept any contribution or contributions from a single source exceeding $100 in any calendar year. Any registrant making such an indication is not subject to any filing requirement if the statement is true. The registrant need not file a termination report. A registrant not making such an indication on a registration statement is subject to a filing requirement. The indication may be revoked and the registrant is then subject to a filing requirement as of the date of revocation, or the date on which aggregate contributions, disbursements or obligations for the calendar year exceed $1,000, or the date on which the registrant accepts any contribution or contributions exceeding $100 from a single source during any calendar year, whichever is earlier.

AB801,27,3 (c) Any individual or committee who or which is required to file an oath under s. 11.06 (7) and who or which accepts contributions, makes disbursements or incurs obligations for the purpose of supporting or opposing one or more candidates for local office but not for the purpose of supporting or opposing any candidate for state office and who or which does not anticipate accepting contributions, making disbursements or incurring obligations in an aggregate amount in excess of $100 in a calendar year may indicate on its registration statement that the individual or committee will not accept contributions, incur obligations or make disbursements in the aggregate in excess of $100 in any calendar year and will not accept any contribution or contributions from a single source, other than contributions made by a candidate to his or her own campaign, exceeding $100 in any calendar year. Any registrant making such an indication is not subject to any filing requirement if the statement is true. The registrant need not file a termination report. A registrant not making such an indication on a registration statement is subject to a filing requirement. The indication may be revoked and the registrant is then subject to a filing requirement as of the date of revocation, or the date that aggregate contributions, disbursements or obligations for the calendar year exceed $100, whichever is earlier.

AB801,27,5 (d) If a revocation by a registrant under this subsection is not timely, the registrant violates s. 11.27 (1).

AB801, s. 31 Section 31. 11.06 (4) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB801,27,11 11.06 (4) (b) Unless it is returned or donated within 15 days of receipt, a contribution must be reported as received and accepted on the date received. This subsection paragraph applies notwithstanding the fact that the contribution is not deposited in the a campaign depository account by the closing date for the a reporting period as provided in s. 11.20 (8) or the reporting deadline provided in s. 11.21 (16).

AB801, s. 32 Section 32. 11.06 (5) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB801,27,22 11.06 (5) Report must be complete. A registered individual or treasurer of a group or committee shall make a good faith effort to obtain all required information. The first report shall commence no later than the date that the first contribution is received and accepted or the first disbursement is made. Each report shall be filed with the appropriate filing officer on the dates designated in s. 11.20 and, if the registrant files reports under s. 11.21 (16), at the times specified in s. 11.21 (16). The individual or the treasurer of the group or committee shall certify to the correctness of each report. In the case of a candidate, the candidate or treasurer shall certify to the correctness of each report. If a treasurer is unavailable, any person designated as a custodian under s. 11.05 (3) (e) may certify to the correctness of a report.

AB801, s. 33 Section 33. 11.06 (7m) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB801,28,13 11.06 (7m) (a) If a committee which was registered under s. 11.05 as a political party committee or legislative campaign committee supporting candidates of a political party files an oath under sub. (7) affirming that it does not act in cooperation or consultation with any candidate who is nominated to appear on the party ballot of the party at a general or special election, that the committee does not act in concert with, or at the request or suggestion of, such a candidate, that the committee does not act in cooperation or consultation with such a candidate or agent or authorized committee of such a candidate who benefits from a disbursement made in opposition to another candidate, and that the committee does not act in concert with, or at the request or suggestion of, such a candidate or agent or authorized committee of such a candidate who benefits from a disbursement made in opposition to another candidate, the committee filing the oath may not make any contributions in support of any candidate of the party at the general or special election or in opposition to any such candidate's opponents exceeding the amounts specified in s. 11.26 (2), except as authorized in par. (c).

AB801, s. 34 Section 34. 11.06 (7m) (c) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB801,28,21 11.06 (7m) (c) A committee filing an oath under sub. (7) which desires to change its status to a political party committee or legislative campaign committee may do so as of December 31 of any even-numbered year. Section 11.26 does not apply to contributions received by such a committee prior to the date of the change. Such a committee may change its status at other times only by filing a termination statement under s. 11.19 (1) and reregistering as a newly organized committee under s. 11.05.

AB801, s. 35 Section 35. 11.06 (11) (c) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB801,28,25 11.06 (11) (c) A contribution of money received from a conduit, accompanied by the information required under par. (a), is considered to be a contribution from the original contributor for the purposes of ss. 11.26 (1) and (4) and 11.50 (2) (b) 5.

AB801, s. 36 Section 36. 11.07 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB801,29,11 11.07 (1) Every nonresident committee or group making contributions and every nonresident individual, committee or group making disbursements exceeding $25 cumulatively the amount specified in s. 11.05 (1) or (2) in a calendar year within this state shall file the name, mailing and street address and the name and the mailing and street address of a designated agent within the state with the office of the secretary of state. An agent may be any adult individual who is a resident of this state. After any change in the name or address of such agent the new address or name of the successor agent shall be filed within 30 days. Service of process in any proceeding under this chapter or ch. 12, or service of any other notice or demand may be made upon such agent.

AB801, s. 37 Section 37. 11.07 (5) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB801,29,18 11.07 (5) Any campaign treasurer or individual who knowingly receives a contribution made by an unregistered nonresident in violation of this section may not use or expend such contribution but shall immediately return it to the source or at the option of the campaign treasurer or individual, donate the contribution to a charitable organization or to the common school fund or transfer the contribution to the board for deposit in the Wisconsin election campaign fund.

AB801, s. 38 Section 38. 11.09 (3) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB801,30,6 11.09 (3) Each registrant whose filing officer is the board, who or which makes disbursements in connection with elections for offices which serve or referenda which affect only one county or portion thereof, except a candidate, personal campaign committee, political party committee or other committee making disbursements in support of or in opposition to a candidate for state senator, representative to the assembly, court of appeals judge or circuit judge, shall file a duplicate original of each financial report filed with the board with the county clerk or board of election commissioners of the county in which the elections in which the registrant participates are held. Such reports shall be filed no later than the dates specified under s. 11.20 (2) and (4) for the filing of each report with the board. This subsection does not apply to a registrant who or which files reports under s. 11.21 (16).

AB801, s. 39 Section 39. 11.10 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB801,30,23 11.10 (1) Each candidate in an election shall appoint one campaign treasurer. Except as provided in s. 11.14 (3), each candidate shall designate one campaign depository account within 5 business days after the candidate receives his or her first contribution and before the candidate makes or authorizes any disbursement in behalf of his or her candidacy. If a candidate adopts a preexisting support committee as his or her personal campaign committee, the candidate shall make such designation within 5 business days of adoption. The person designated as campaign treasurer shall be the treasurer of the candidate's personal campaign committee, if any. The candidate may appoint himself or herself or any other elector as campaign treasurer. A registration statement under s. 11.05 (2g) or (2r) must be filed jointly by every candidate and his or her campaign treasurer. The candidate does not qualify for ballot placement until this requirement is met. Except as authorized under s. 11.06 (5), the campaign treasurer or candidate shall certify as to the correctness of each report required to be filed, and the candidate bears the responsibility for the accuracy of each report for purposes of civil liability under this chapter, whether or not the candidate certifies it personally.

AB801, s. 40 Section 40. 11.12 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB801,31,5 11.12 (2) Any anonymous contribution exceeding $10 received by a campaign or committee treasurer or by an individual under s. 11.06 (7) may not be used or expended. The contribution shall be donated to the common school fund or to any charitable organization or transferred to the board for deposit in the Wisconsin election campaign fund, at the option of the treasurer.

AB801, s. 41 Section 41. 11.12 (2m) of the statutes is created to read:

AB801,31,14 11.12 (2m) If the campaign treasurer of a registrant receives a contribution in the form of money that is made by an individual who has made contributions to the registrant cumulatively within a calendar year exceeding $100 in amount or value, and the contributor has not provided to the treasurer the information required under s. 11.06 (1) (b), the treasurer shall obtain the information from the contributor before depositing the contribution in the campaign depository account. If the treasurer does not receive the information within the period prescribed under s. 11.14 (1), the treasurer shall return the contribution to the contributor.

AB801, s. 42 Section 42. 11.12 (4) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB801,31,20 11.12 (4) Each registrant shall report contributions, disbursements and incurred obligations in accordance with s. 11.20 and, if the registrant files reports under s. 11.21 (16), in accordance with s. 11.21 (16). Except as permitted under s. 11.06 (2), (3) and (3m), each report shall contain the information which is required under s. 11.06 (1).

AB801, s. 43 Section 43. 11.12 (5) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB801,32,9 11.12 (5) If any contribution or contributions of $500 or more cumulatively are received by a candidate for state office or by a committee or individual from a single contributor later than 15 days prior to a primary or election such that it is not included in the preprimary or preelection report submitted under s. 11.20 (3), the treasurer of the committee or the individual receiving the contribution shall within 24 hours of receipt inform the appropriate filing officer of the information required under s. 11.06 (1) in such manner as the board may prescribe. The information shall also be included in the treasurer's or individual's next regular report. For purposes of the reporting requirement under this subsection, only contributions received during the period beginning with the day after the last date covered on the preprimary or preelection report, and ending with the day before the primary or election need be reported. This subsection does not apply to a registrant who or which files reports under s. 11.21 (16).

AB801, s. 44 Section 44. 11.12 (6) of the statutes is renumbered 11.12 (6) (a) and amended to read:

AB801,33,7 11.12 (6) (a) If any an individual or committee incurs an obligation or makes a disbursement of more than $20 cumulatively is made to advocate the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate by an individual or committee later than 15 days prior to a primary or election in which the candidate's name appears on the ballot without cooperation or consultation with a candidate or agent or authorized committee of a candidate who is supported or whose opponent is opposed, and not in concert with or at the request or suggestion of such a candidate, agent or committee, the individual or treasurer of the committee shall, within 24 hours of after incurring the obligation or making the disbursement, inform the appropriate filing officer of the information required under s. 11.06 (1) in such manner as the board may prescribe. The information shall also be included in the next regular report of the individual or committee under s. 11.20. For purposes of this subsection, paragraph, obligations and disbursements cumulate beginning with the day after the last date covered on the preprimary or preelection report and ending with the day before the primary or election. Upon receipt of a report under this subsection paragraph, the filing officer shall, within 24 hours of receipt, mail a copy of the report to all candidates for any office in support of or opposition to one of whom a an incurred obligation or disbursement identified in the report is incurred or made. A committee that files a report pertaining to a disbursement under par. (c) is not required to file a report pertaining to the same disbursement under this paragraph. This paragraph does not apply to a committee that files reports under s. 11.21 (16).

AB801, s. 45 Section 45. 11.12 (6) (c) and (d) of the statutes are created to read:

AB801,33,23 11.12 (6) (c) 1. If any committee identified under s. 11.05 (3) (c) as a special interest committee, other than a conduit, intends to receive any contribution, make any disbursement, or incur any obligation to make a disbursement for the purpose of advocating the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate for a state office specified in s. 11.31 (1) (a) to (de), (e), or (f) at the general or a special election, or any such candidate who seeks a nomination for such an office at a primary election, or for a purpose described in s. 11.01 (16) (a) 3., without cooperation or consultation with a candidate or agent or authorized committee of a candidate who is supported or whose opponent is opposed, and not in concert with or at the request or suggestion of such a candidate, agent, or committee, the committee shall report to the board at the times specified in s. 11.20 (2s), in such manner as the board may prescribe, the name of each candidate who is supported or whose opponent is opposed and the total amount of contributions to be received, disbursements to be made, and obligations to be incurred for such a purpose in support or opposition to that candidate during the 21-day period following the date on which the report is due to be filed.

AB801,34,6 2. A committee which is required to file reports under this paragraph shall also report to the board, at the times specified in s. 11.20 (2t), in such manner as the board may prescribe, the amount and date of each contribution received, disbursement made, or obligation incurred for the purpose of advocating the election or defeat of a candidate specified in this paragraph in the manner specified in this paragraph, and the name of the candidate in support of or in opposition to whom the contribution was received, disbursement made, or obligation incurred, during the 21-day period ending on each date specified in s. 11.20 (2t).

AB801,34,9 3. A committee which files a report under this paragraph concerning a disbursement is not required to file a report pertaining to the same disbursement under par. (a).

AB801,34,11 (d) All information reported by a registrant under this subsection shall also be included in the next regular report of the registrant under s. 11.20.

AB801, s. 46 Section 46. 11.12 (8) and (9) of the statutes are created to read:

AB801,35,5 11.12 (8) If a candidate for a state office specified in s. 11.31 (1) (a) to (de), (e), or (f) who does not accept a grant under s. 11.50 makes any disbursement after that candidate has accumulated cash in his or her campaign depository account or has made disbursements during his or her campaign, as defined in s. 11.31 (7), exceeding a combined total of 75% of the amount specified in s. 11.31 (1) (a) to (de), (e), or (f), as adjusted under s. 11.31 (9), for the office that the candidate seeks, that candidate or the candidate's personal campaign committee shall file daily reports with the board and with each candidate whose name is certified to appear on the ballot for the office in connection with which the disbursement is made, by electronic mail or facsimile transmission, on each day beginning with that date or the 7th day after the primary election or the date that a primary would be held, if required, whichever is later, and ending on the date of the election at which the candidate seeks office. Each report shall contain information pertaining to each disbursement made by the candidate or committee and shall be filed no later than 24 hours after that disbursement is made. Each report shall include the same information concerning each disbursement that is required to be reported for other disbursements under s. 11.06 (1). The information shall also be included in the next regular report of the candidate or committee under s. 11.20.

AB801,35,11 (9) Whenever a report is required to be filed with a candidate by electronic mail or facsimile transmission under this section, the report shall be filed at the address or number of the candidate or personal campaign committee as shown on the registration statement of the candidate or committee. If no electronic mail address or facsimile transmission number is shown, the report shall be filed at the mailing address shown on the statement.

AB801, s. 47 Section 47. 11.14 (3) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB801,35,24 11.14 (3) Notwithstanding sub. (1), any candidate who serves as his or her own campaign treasurer and who is authorized to make and makes an indication on his or her registration statement under s. 11.05 (2r) 11.06 (2m) that he or she will not accept contributions, make disbursements or incur obligations in an aggregate amount exceeding $1,000 in a calendar year, and will not accept any contribution or contributions from a single source, other than contributions made by the candidate to his or her own campaign, exceeding $100 in a calendar year, may designate a single personal account as his or her campaign depository account, and may intermingle personal and other funds with campaign funds. If a separate depository account is later established by the candidate, the candidate shall transfer all campaign funds in the personal account to the new depository account. Disbursements made from such personal account need not be identified in accordance with s. 11.16 (3).

AB801, s. 48 Section 48. 11.16 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB801,36,8 11.16 (2) Limitation on cash contributions. Every contribution of money exceeding $50 shall be made by negotiable instrument or evidenced by an itemized credit card receipt bearing on the face the name of the remitter. No treasurer may accept a contribution made in violation of this subsection. The treasurer shall promptly return the contribution, or donate it the contribution to the common school fund or to a charitable organization or transfer the contribution to the board for deposit in the Wisconsin election campaign fund in the event that the donor cannot be identified.

AB801, s. 49 Section 49. 11.16 (5) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB801,36,24 11.16 (5) Escrow agreements. Any personal campaign committee, or political party committee or legislative campaign committee may, pursuant to a written escrow agreement with more than one candidate, solicit contributions for and conduct a joint fund raising effort or program on behalf of more than one named candidate. The agreement shall specify the percentage of the proceeds to be distributed to each candidate by the committee conducting the effort or program. The committee shall include this information in all solicitations for the effort or program. All contributions received and disbursements made by the committee in connection with the effort or program shall be received and disbursed through a separate depository account under s. 11.14 (1) that is identified in the agreement. For purposes of s. 11.06 (1), the committee conducting the effort or program shall prepare a schedule in the form prescribed by the board supplying all required information under s. 11.06 (1) and items qualifying for exclusion under s. 11.31 (6) for the effort or program, and shall transmit a copy of the schedule to each candidate who receives any of the proceeds within the period prescribed in s. 11.06 (4) (c).

AB801, s. 50 Section 50. 11.19 (title) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB801,37,2 11.19 (title) Dissolution Carry-over of surplus funds; dissolution of registrants; termination reports.

AB801, s. 51 Section 51. 11.19 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB801,37,21 11.19 (1) Whenever any registrant disbands or determines that obligations will no longer be incurred, and contributions will no longer be received nor disbursements made during a calendar year, and the registrant has no outstanding incurred obligations, the registrant shall file a termination report with the appropriate filing officer. Such report shall indicate a cash balance on hand of zero at the end of the reporting period and shall indicate the disposition of residual funds. Residual funds may be used for any political purpose not prohibited by law, returned to the donors in an amount not exceeding the original contribution, transferred to the board for deposit in the Wisconsin election campaign fund or donated to a charitable organization or the common school fund. The report shall be filed and certified as were previous reports, and shall contain the information required by s. 11.06 (1). A registrant to which s. 11.055 (1) applies shall pay the fee imposed under that subsection with a termination report filed under this subsection. If a termination report or suspension report under sub. (2) is not filed, the registrant shall continue to file periodic reports with the appropriate filing officer, no later than the dates specified in s. 11.20 and, if the registrant files reports under s. 11.21 (16), no later than the times specified in s. 11.21 (16). This subsection does not apply to any registrant making an indication under s. 11.05 (2r) 11.06 (2m).

AB801, s. 52 Section 52. 11.20 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB801,38,7 11.20 (1) All reports required by s. 11.06 which relate to activities which promote or oppose candidates for state office or statewide referenda and all reports under s. 11.08 shall be filed with the board. All reports required by s. 11.06 which relate to activities which promote or oppose candidates for local office or local referenda shall be filed with the appropriate filing officer under s. 11.02, except reports filed under s. 11.08. Each registrant shall file the reports required by this section. If the registrant is subject to a requirement under s. 11.21 (16) to report electronically the same information that is reportable under this section, the registrant shall, in addition, file the reports required by this section recorded on a medium specified by the board.