JACKSON- Senators passed SB2689 on the floor Wednesday, unanimously. This bill would prohibit the use of campaign funds for personal use.
If passed into law it would also outline where leftover campaign money can be used but would continue to allow donations to charities or religious organizations.
Authored by Sen. Susan Doty, language in the bill classifies “personal use” as any use other than expenditures relating to gaining or holding public office. The candidate would then be required to treat the funds as gross profit.
“I guess what we’re doing is legislating common sense here,” said Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann. “People make campaign contributions for advertising and getting your message out.”
While on the Senate Floor one amendment was offered by Sen. Walter Michel. The amendment referred to language on line 108. It referred to communication reimbursement. Michel included the allowance for communication expenses, internet access, and mobile devices.
The amendment also allowed for donations to be made for any memberships to chambers of commerce from campaign funds.
Donations made to anyone, but a member of the officeholders family, will be allowed.
Sen. Doty, said that it would allow for any loans an individual made to their own campaign would still be honored after the campaign is over, and those would be paid back.
The act shall take effect on July 1, 2017 if approved by the House.
