A bipartisan working group of lawmakers unanimously approved a proposed bill amending the state’s campaign finance laws.

Among the changes, the proposal would require year-round, monthly campaign finance reporting, prohibit PACs from accepting more than $1,000 from groups not registered and disclose the source of their funds, and increase potential fines from $250 to up to $25,000. Additionally, use of the internet and social media would be included in the definition of electioneering communications.

The bill will be introduced during the 2018 legislative session.

The group declined to take up the issue of raising the lobbyist registration fee, not wanting to jeopardize the bill’s success. Member’s stated raising the fee is a legitimate concern and should be examined during the session.

The current $10 per client fee has not increased since 1974, when the lobbying statute first became law.

A bipartisan working group of lawmakers unanimously approved a proposed bill amending the state’s campaign finance laws.

Among the changes, the proposal would require year-round, monthly campaign finance reporting, prohibit PACs from accepting more than $1,000 from groups not registered and disclose the source of their funds, and increase potential fines from $250 to up to $25,000. Additionally, use of the internet and social media would be included in the definition of electioneering communications.

The bill will be introduced during the 2018 legislative session.

The group declined to take up the issue of raising the lobbyist registration fee, not wanting to jeopardize the bill’s success. Member’s stated raising the fee is a legitimate concern and should be examined during the session.

The current $10 per client fee has not increased since 1974, when the lobbying statute first became law.