reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 13: CAMPAIGN REPORTS AND FINANCES › Subchapter 4: REPORTS BY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEES AND BALLOT QUESTION COMMITTEES › 21-A §1053-A. Municipal elections

§1053-A. Municipal elections
If an organization qualifies as a committee under section 1052, subsection 2 and that organization receives contributions or makes expenditures to influence a municipal campaign in towns or cities with a population of 15,000 or more, that organization must register and file reports with the municipal clerk as required by Title 30‑A, section 2502. If an organization qualifies as a ballot question committee under section 1052, subsection 2‑A and that organization makes expenditures exceeding $5,000 to influence a municipal referendum campaign in a town or city with a population of less than 15,000, that organization must register and file reports with the commission using the electronic filing system pursuant to section 1059, subsection 5. The reports must be filed in accordance with the reporting schedule in section 1059 and must contain the information listed in section 1060. A committee registered with the commission and that receives contributions or makes expenditures relating to a municipal election shall file a copy of the report containing such contributions or expenditures with the clerk in the subject municipality. The commission retains the sole authority to prescribe the content of all reporting forms. The commission does not have responsibility to oversee the filing of registrations or campaign finance reports relating to municipal campaigns in towns or cities with a population of 15,000 or more. If a municipal clerk becomes aware of a potential violation of this subchapter that the clerk considers to be substantial, the clerk may refer the matter to the commission for enforcement. The commission may conduct an investigation if the information referred by the municipal clerk shows sufficient grounds for believing that a violation may have occurred. After conducting the investigation, if the commission determines that a violation of this subchapter has occurred, the commission may assess penalties provided in this subchapter.   [PL 2023, c. 314, §1 (AMD).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 2009, c. 190, Pt. A, §18 (NEW). PL 2011, c. 389, §35 (AMD). PL 2019, c. 563, §5 (AMD). PL 2021, c. 217, §5 (AMD). PL 2023, c. 314, §1 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 13: CAMPAIGN REPORTS AND FINANCES › Subchapter 4: REPORTS BY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEES AND BALLOT QUESTION COMMITTEES › 21-A §1053-B. Out-of-state committees

§1053-B. Out-of-state committees
An organization that is registered as a political action committee, ballot question committee or political committee with the Federal Election Commission or a jurisdiction outside of this State shall register and file reports with the commission in accordance with this subchapter upon receiving contributions or making expenditures to initiate or influence a campaign in the State in excess of the amounts that would require registration under section 1052‑A. The committee is not required to register and file reports if the committee's only financial activity within the State is to make contributions to candidates, party committees, political action committees or ballot question committees registered with the commission or a municipality and the committee has not raised and accepted any contributions during the calendar year to influence a campaign in this State.   [PL 2019, c. 563, §6 (AMD).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 2009, c. 190, Pt. A, §19 (NEW). PL 2011, c. 389, §36 (AMD). PL 2013, c. 334, §21 (AMD). PL 2019, c. 563, §6 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 13: CAMPAIGN REPORTS AND FINANCES › Subchapter 4: REPORTS BY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEES AND BALLOT QUESTION COMMITTEES › 21-A §1053-C. Caucus political action committees

§1053-C. Caucus political action committees
1.  Definitions.
As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.
A. "House caucus leader" means a member of a political party in the House of Representatives who has been elected the leader of that political party in the House of Representatives. For purposes of this paragraph, if the Speaker of the House of Representatives is a member of a political party, the Speaker of the House of Representatives is deemed the House caucus leader of that political party.   [PL 2019, c. 635, §4 (NEW).]
B. "Political party" has the same meaning as "party" as defined by section 1, subsection 28.   [PL 2019, c. 635, §4 (NEW).]
C. "Senate caucus leader" means a member of a political party in the Senate who has been elected the leader of that political party in the Senate. For purposes of this paragraph, if the President of the Senate is a member of a political party, the President of the Senate is deemed the Senate caucus leader of that political party.   [PL 2019, c. 635, §4 (NEW).]
[PL 2019, c. 635, §4 (NEW).]
2.  Designation of caucus political action committee.
Each Senate caucus leader and each House caucus leader may designate one caucus political action committee to promote the election of nominees of the caucus leader's political party to the body of the Legislature of which the caucus leader is a member. The designation must be made in a letter to the commission and remains effective until a new designation is made in a letter to the commission from the caucus leader of the same political party and same body of the Legislature.
[PL 2019, c. 635, §4 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 2019, c. 635, §4 (NEW).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 13: CAMPAIGN REPORTS AND FINANCES › Subchapter 4: REPORTS BY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEES AND BALLOT QUESTION COMMITTEES › 21-A §1054. Appointment of treasurer; segregated campaign account

§1054. Appointment of treasurer; segregated campaign account
1.  Appointment of treasurer.
A committee required to register under section 1052‑A shall appoint a treasurer before registering with the commission.
[PL 2021, c. 217, §6 (NEW).]
2.  Segregated campaign account.
A committee registered under section 1052‑A shall establish a separate account in a bank or other financial institution, referred to in this section as a "campaign account." The committee shall deposit all funds contributed to or received by the committee for the purpose of initiating or influencing a campaign in the campaign account and shall finance all of the committee's expenditures to initiate or influence the campaign through the campaign account. If a business or corporate entity has established the committee, the campaign account must be segregated from the general treasury funds of the entity that established the committee. If the committee is established by one or more individuals, the campaign account must be segregated from and not commingled with the personal funds of those individuals.
[PL 2021, c. 217, §6 (NEW).]
3.  Exceptions.
The commission may adopt procedures by rule for waiving the requirement under subsection 2 to maintain a segregated campaign account upon a showing by a committee that a separate account would be administratively burdensome, including but not limited to committees organized outside this State or an individual who registers as a ballot question committee. If the committee was formed by another organization, that other organization may pay its employees for their campaign-related activities on behalf of the committee through its own treasury, rather than the campaign account. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined by Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A.
[PL 2021, c. 217, §6 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW). PL 2007, c. 443, Pt. A, §30 (AMD). PL 2013, c. 334, §22 (AMD). PL 2019, c. 563, §7 (AMD). PL 2021, c. 217, §6 (RPR).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 13: CAMPAIGN REPORTS AND FINANCES › Subchapter 4: REPORTS BY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEES AND BALLOT QUESTION COMMITTEES › 21-A §1054-A. Duties and liabilities of the treasurer, principal officer and primary decision maker of committees

§1054-A. Duties and liabilities of the treasurer, principal officer and primary decision maker of committees
1.  Duties of the treasurer.
The treasurer of the committee shall ensure that the committee files and amends the committee's registration, files complete and accurate financial reports with the commission and maintains the committee's records as required by this chapter and the commission's rules. The treasurer is responsible for the committee's performance of these duties regardless of whether the treasurer has delegated administrative tasks related to these duties to another individual.
[PL 2021, c. 217, §7 (AMD).]
2.  Joint responsibilities of the treasurer and principal officer.
The treasurer and the principal officer are jointly responsible for the committee's compliance with the requirements of this chapter and the commission's rules. The treasurer and principal officer are responsible for accepting and responding to notices and correspondence from the commission on behalf of the committee.
[PL 2021, c. 217, §7 (AMD).]
3.  Participation in spending decisions.
An individual who is the treasurer, principal officer or primary decision maker of the committee and who has signed the acknowledgment statement required by section 1052‑A, subsection 4 is deemed to have participated in the spending decisions of the committee until the commission receives the individual's resignation statement or a notice of the individual's involuntary removal from the committee.
[PL 2021, c. 217, §7 (AMD).]
4.  Financial liability.
The commission may hold the treasurer and principal officer jointly and severally liable with the committee for any fines assessed against the committee for violations of this chapter and chapter 14. In addition, the commission may assess all or part of a fine against any other agent of the committee who is directly responsible for a violation, including individuals who have resigned or have been removed involuntarily from the committee. In deciding whether to assess a penalty against a treasurer, principal officer or any other individual, the commission may consider, among other things, whether the individual had actual knowledge of the action that constituted the violation or had authorized that action and whether the violation was intentional or caused by an error by a vendor or someone outside the control of the committee.
[PL 2021, c. 217, §7 (AMD).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 2013, c. 334, §23 (NEW). PL 2019, c. 563, §8 (AMD). PL 2021, c. 217, §7 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 13: CAMPAIGN REPORTS AND FINANCES › Subchapter 4: REPORTS BY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEES AND BALLOT QUESTION COMMITTEES › 21-A §1055. Publication or distribution of political communications

§1055. Publication or distribution of political communications
A political action committee that makes an expenditure to finance a communication expressly advocating the election or defeat of a candidate or that names or depicts a clearly identified candidate is subject to the requirements of section 1014.   [PL 2007, c. 443, Pt. A, §31 (AMD).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW). PL 1989, c. 504, §§26,31 (AMD). PL 1993, c. 352, §5 (AMD). PL 1995, c. 483, §18 (AMD). PL 1997, c. 436, §119 (AMD). PL 2001, c. 430, §9 (AMD). PL 2003, c. 615, §2 (AMD). PL 2005, c. 308, §2 (AMD). PL 2007, c. 443, Pt. A, §31 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 13: CAMPAIGN REPORTS AND FINANCES › Subchapter 4: REPORTS BY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEES AND BALLOT QUESTION COMMITTEES › 21-A §1056. Expenditure limitations

§1056. Expenditure limitations
Any committee required to register under this chapter shall comply with the following expenditure limitations.   [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]
1.  Aggregate expenditures.
A committee may not make contributions in support of the candidacy of one person aggregating more than the contribution limits established by the commission pursuant to section 1015.
[PL 2011, c. 389, §37 (AMD).]
2.  Prohibited expenditures.
No committee may make any expenditure for liquor to be distributed to or consumed by voters while the polls are open on election day.
[PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW). IB 1995, c. 1, §16 (AMD). PL 2001, c. 430, §10 (AMD). PL 2011, c. 389, §37 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 13: CAMPAIGN REPORTS AND FINANCES › Subchapter 4: REPORTS BY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEES AND BALLOT QUESTION COMMITTEES › 21-A §1056-A. Expenditures by political action committees (REPEALED)

§1056-A. Expenditures by political action committees
(REPEALED)
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1993, c. 715, §3 (NEW). PL 2019, c. 563, §10 (RP).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 13: CAMPAIGN REPORTS AND FINANCES › Subchapter 4: REPORTS BY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEES AND BALLOT QUESTION COMMITTEES › 21-A §1056-B. Ballot question committees (REPEALED)

§1056-B. Ballot question committees
(REPEALED)
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1999, c. 729, §8 (NEW). PL 2007, c. 477, §4 (AMD). PL 2009, c. 190, Pt. A, §20 (AMD). PL 2009, c. 366, §7 (AMD). PL 2009, c. 366, §12 (AFF). PL 2009, c. 524, §§8-13 (AMD). PL 2011, c. 389, §§38-42 (AMD). PL 2011, c. 389, §62 (AFF). PL 2015, c. 408, §3 (AMD). PL 2019, c. 323, §23 (AMD). PL 2019, c. 563, §11 (AMD). PL 2021, c. 217, §8 (RP).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 13: CAMPAIGN REPORTS AND FINANCES › Subchapter 4: REPORTS BY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEES AND BALLOT QUESTION COMMITTEES › 21-A §1056-C. Limits on contributions to leadership political action committees (REPEALED)

§1056-C. Limits on contributions to leadership political action committees
(REPEALED)
SECTION HISTORY
PL 2021, c. 274, §11 (NEW). PL 2021, c. 274, §13 (AFF). PL 2021, c. 607, §2 (AMD). PL 2021, c. 607, §5 (AFF). PL 2023, c. 244, §15 (RP).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 13: CAMPAIGN REPORTS AND FINANCES › Subchapter 4: REPORTS BY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEES AND BALLOT QUESTION COMMITTEES › 21-A §1056-D. Limits on contributions to separate segregated fund committees (REPEALED)

§1056-D. Limits on contributions to separate segregated fund committees
(REPEALED)
SECTION HISTORY
PL 2021, c. 274, §12 (NEW). PL 2021, c. 274, §13 (AFF). PL 2021, c. 607, §§3, 4 (AMD). PL 2021, c. 607, §5 (AFF). PL 2023, c. 244, §16 (RP).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 13: CAMPAIGN REPORTS AND FINANCES › Subchapter 4: REPORTS BY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEES AND BALLOT QUESTION COMMITTEES › 21-A §1057. Required records for committees

§1057. Required records for committees
Any committee that is required to register under section 1052‑A or 1053‑B shall keep records as provided in this section for 4 years following the election to which the records pertain.   [PL 2021, c. 217, §9 (AMD).]
1.  Details of records.
The treasurer of a committee shall record a detailed account of:
A. All expenditures made to or in behalf of a candidate, campaign or committee;   [PL 2021, c. 217, §9 (AMD).]
B. The identity of each candidate, campaign or committee;   [PL 2021, c. 217, §9 (AMD).]
C. The office sought by a candidate and the district the candidate seeks to represent, for candidates that a committee has made an expenditure to or in behalf of; and   [PL 2021, c. 217, §9 (AMD).]
D. The date of each expenditure.   [PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW).]
[PL 2021, c. 217, §9 (AMD).]
2.  Receipts.
The treasurer of a committee shall retain a vendor invoice or receipt stating the particular goods or services purchased for every expenditure in excess of $50 to initiate or influence a campaign.
[PL 2021, c. 217, §9 (AMD).]
3.  Record of contributions.
The treasurer of a committee shall keep a record of all contributions to the committee, by name and mailing address, of each donor and the amount and date of the contribution. This provision does not apply to aggregate contributions from a single donor of $50 or less. When any donor's contributions to a committee exceed $50, the record must include the aggregate amount of all contributions from that donor.
[PL 2021, c. 217, §9 (AMD).]
4.  Account statements.
The treasurer of a committee shall keep account statements relating to the deposit of funds of the committee required by section 1054.
[PL 2021, c. 217, §9 (AMD).]
5.  Simplified record-keeping requirements.
The commission may adopt by rule simplified record-keeping requirements for an individual registering as a ballot question committee to initiate or influence a ballot question. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined by Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A.
[PL 2021, c. 217, §9 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW). PL 1989, c. 504, §§27,31 (AMD). PL 2007, c. 443, Pt. A, §§32, 33 (AMD). PL 2009, c. 190, Pt. A, §21 (AMD). PL 2013, c. 334, §25 (AMD). PL 2015, c. 408, §§4, 5 (AMD). PL 2019, c. 563, §12 (AMD). PL 2021, c. 217, §9 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 13: CAMPAIGN REPORTS AND FINANCES › Subchapter 4: REPORTS BY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEES AND BALLOT QUESTION COMMITTEES › 21-A §1058. Reports; qualifications for filing (REPEALED)

§1058. Reports; qualifications for filing
(REPEALED)
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW). PL 1989, c. 833, §15 (AMD). PL 1991, c. 839, §28 (AMD). PL 1993, c. 715, §4 (AMD). PL 1995, c. 483, §19 (AMD). PL 1997, c. 567, §1 (AMD). PL 2005, c. 575, §7 (AMD). PL 2007, c. 443, Pt. A, §34 (AMD). PL 2007, c. 477, §5 (AMD). PL 2009, c. 190, Pt. A, §22 (AMD). PL 2009, c. 366, §8 (AMD). PL 2009, c. 366, §12 (AFF). PL 2009, c. 652, Pt. A, §21 (RPR). PL 2013, c. 334, §26 (AMD). PL 2019, c. 563, §13 (RP).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 13: CAMPAIGN REPORTS AND FINANCES › Subchapter 4: REPORTS BY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEES AND BALLOT QUESTION COMMITTEES › 21-A §1060. Content of reports

§1060. Content of reports
The reports must contain the following information and any additional information required by the commission to monitor the activities of committees:   [PL 2021, c. 217, §11 (AMD).]
1.  Identification of candidates.
The names of and offices sought by all candidates whose campaigns the committee supports or intends to influence;
[PL 2021, c. 217, §11 (AMD).]
2.  Identification of committees; parties.
The names of all political committees or party committees supported in any way by the committee;
[PL 2021, c. 217, §11 (AMD).]
3.  Identification of ballot question campaigns.
The ballot question campaigns that the committee intends to initiate or influence;
[PL 2021, c. 217, §11 (AMD).]
4.  Itemized expenditures.
An itemization of each expenditure made to initiate or influence any campaign, including the date, payee and purpose of the expenditure and the name of each candidate, and each referendum or initiated petition supported or opposed by the expenditure. If expenditures were made to a person described in section 1012, subsection 3, paragraph A, subparagraph (4), the report must contain the name of the person; the amount spent by that person on behalf of the committee, including, but not limited to, expenditures made during the signature gathering phase; the reason for the expenditure; and the date of the expenditure. The commission may specify the categories of expenditures that are to be reported to enable the commission to closely monitor the activities of committees;
[PL 2021, c. 217, §11 (AMD).]
5.  Aggregate expenditures.
[PL 2021, c. 217, §11 (RP).]
6.  Identification of contributions.
An itemization of each contribution of more than $50 made to or received by the committee for the purpose of initiating or influencing a campaign, including the name, occupation, places of business and mailing address of each contributor and the amount and date of the contribution;
[PL 2021, c. 217, §11 (AMD).]
6-A.  Funds deposited into campaign account.
Any funds deposited into or transferred into the campaign account described in section 1054, including but not limited to funds from the general treasury of an organization that is required to establish a committee; and
[PL 2021, c. 217, §11 (NEW).]
7.  Other payments.
Operational expenses and any other payments made from the campaign account described in section 1054.
[PL 2021, c. 217, §11 (AMD).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW). PL 1991, c. 839, §§30,31 (AMD). PL 1991, c. 839, §33 (AFF). PL 2003, c. 615, §§3,4 (AMD). PL 2005, c. 301, §27 (AMD). PL 2005, c. 575, §8 (AMD). PL 2007, c. 443, Pt. A, §36 (AMD). PL 2007, c. 477, §§6, 7 (AMD). PL 2009, c. 190, Pt. A, §§25, 26 (AMD). PL 2011, c. 389, §§46-48 (AMD). PL 2015, c. 408, §6 (AMD). PL 2019, c. 563, §§14-16 (AMD). PL 2021, c. 217, §11 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 13: CAMPAIGN REPORTS AND FINANCES › Subchapter 4: REPORTS BY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEES AND BALLOT QUESTION COMMITTEES › 21-A §1061. Dissolution of committees

§1061. Dissolution of committees
Whenever any committee determines that it will no longer accept any contributions or make any expenditures, the committee shall file a termination report that includes all financial activity from the end date of the previous reporting period through the date of termination with the commission. The committee shall dispose of any surplus prior to termination. In the termination report, the committee shall report any outstanding loan, debt or obligation in the manner prescribed by the commission.   [PL 2019, c. 563, §17 (AMD).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW). PL 1993, c. 695, §36 (AMD). PL 2007, c. 443, Pt. A, §37 (AMD). PL 2009, c. 190, Pt. A, §27 (AMD). PL 2013, c. 334, §29 (AMD). PL 2019, c. 563, §17 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 13: CAMPAIGN REPORTS AND FINANCES › Subchapter 4: REPORTS BY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEES AND BALLOT QUESTION COMMITTEES › 21-A §1062. Failure to file on time (REPEALED)

§1062. Failure to file on time
(REPEALED)
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW). PL 1989, c. 504, §§29,31 (RPR). PL 1991, c. 839, §32 (AMD). PL 1995, c. 228, §3 (AMD). PL 1995, c. 483, §20 (RP).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 13: CAMPAIGN REPORTS AND FINANCES › Subchapter 4: REPORTS BY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEES AND BALLOT QUESTION COMMITTEES › 21-A §1062-B. Failure to keep records

§1062-B. Failure to keep records
A committee that fails to keep records required by this chapter may be assessed a fine of up to $10,000 or the amount of financial activity for which no records were kept, whichever is greater. In assessing a fine, the commission shall consider, among other things, whether the violation was intentional, whether the violation occurred as the result of an error by someone outside the control of the committee, whether the committee intended to conceal its financial activity, the amount of financial activity that was not documented and the level of experience of the committee's volunteers and staff.   [IB 2015, c. 1, §12 (AMD).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 2013, c. 334, §32 (NEW). IB 2015, c. 1, §12 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 13: CAMPAIGN REPORTS AND FINANCES › Subchapter 4: REPORTS BY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEES AND BALLOT QUESTION COMMITTEES › 21-A §1063. Constitutional officers and State Auditor

§1063. Constitutional officers and State Auditor
The Secretary of State, the Treasurer of State, the Attorney General, the State Auditor, or any individual running for these offices, may not form a political action committee or be involved in decision making for or solicit contributions to a political action committee.   [PL 1995, c. 167, §2 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1995, c. 167, §2 (NEW).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 13: CAMPAIGN REPORTS AND FINANCES › Subchapter 5: MAINE CODE OF FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES › 21-A §1101. Maine Code of Fair Campaign Practices

§1101. Maine Code of Fair Campaign Practices
1.  Distribution to candidates.
At the time a candidate for the office of Governor, the Senate or the House of Representatives registers with the commission as required under section 1013‑A, the commission shall give the candidate a form containing a copy of the Maine Code of Fair Campaign Practices established in this subchapter. The commission shall, at that time, inform the candidate that subscription to the code is voluntary. For the purposes of this subchapter, "code" means the Maine Code of Fair Campaign Practices.
[PL 1989, c. 802, §1 (NEW).]
2.  The code form.
The code, printed on the form provided to candidates under subsection 1, must read as follows:
"Maine Code of Fair Campaign Practices
I shall conduct my campaign and, to the extent reasonably possible, insist that my supporters conduct themselves, in a manner consistent with the best Maine and American traditions, discussing the issues and presenting my record and policies with sincerity and candor.
I shall uphold the right of every qualified voter to free and equal participation in the election process.
I shall not participate in and I shall condemn defamation of and other attacks on any opposing candidate or party that I do not believe to be truthful, provable and relevant to my campaign.
I shall not use or authorize and I shall condemn material relating to my campaign that falsifies, misrepresents or distorts the facts, including, but not limited to, malicious or unfounded accusations creating or exploiting doubts as to the morality, patriotism or motivations of any party or candidate.
I shall not appeal to and I shall condemn appeals to prejudices based on actual or perceived race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, age or familial status.
I shall not practice and I shall condemn practices that tend to corrupt or undermine the system of free election or that hamper or prevent the free expression of the will of the voters.
I shall promptly and publicly repudiate the support of any individual or group that resorts, on behalf of my candidacy or in opposition to that of an opponent, to methods in violation of the letter or spirit of this code.
I, the undersigned, candidate for election to public office in the State of Maine, hereby voluntarily endorse, subscribe to and solemnly pledge to conduct my campaign in accordance with the above principles and practices.
______________________
Candidate for Public Office"
[PL 2021, c. 553, §14 (AMD).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1989, c. 802, §1 (NEW). PL 2021, c. 553, §14 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 13: CAMPAIGN REPORTS AND FINANCES › Subchapter 5: MAINE CODE OF FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES › 21-A §1102. Printing of code forms

§1102. Printing of code forms
The commission shall print, or cause to be printed, copies of the code for distribution to registered candidates.   [PL 1989, c. 802, §1 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1989, c. 802, §1 (NEW).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 13: CAMPAIGN REPORTS AND FINANCES › Subchapter 5: MAINE CODE OF FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES › 21-A §1103. Acceptance of completed forms

§1103. Acceptance of completed forms
The commission shall accept, at all times prior to the election, completed code forms that are properly subscribed to by a candidate.   [PL 1989, c. 802, §1 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1989, c. 802, §1 (NEW).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 13: CAMPAIGN REPORTS AND FINANCES › Subchapter 5: MAINE CODE OF FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES › 21-A §1104. Public records

§1104. Public records
The commission shall retain for public inspection all completed code forms accepted by the commission under section 1103. A code subscribed to by a candidate is a public record under Title 1, section 408‑A.   [PL 2011, c. 662, §14 (AMD).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1989, c. 802, §1 (NEW). PL 2011, c. 662, §14 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 13: CAMPAIGN REPORTS AND FINANCES › Subchapter 5: MAINE CODE OF FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES › 21-A §1105. Subscription to code voluntary

§1105. Subscription to code voluntary
In no event may a candidate be required to subscribe to or endorse the code.   [PL 1989, c. 802, §1 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1989, c. 802, §1 (NEW).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 14: THE MAINE CLEAN ELECTION ACT › 21-A §1121. Short title

§1121. Short title
This chapter may be known and cited as the "Maine Clean Election Act."   [IB 1995, c. 1, §17 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
IB 1995, c. 1, §17 (NEW).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 14: THE MAINE CLEAN ELECTION ACT › 21-A §1123. Alternative campaign financing option

§1123. Alternative campaign financing option
This chapter establishes an alternative campaign financing option available to candidates running for Governor, State Senator and State Representative. This alternative campaign financing option is available to candidates for elections to be held beginning in the year 2000. The commission shall administer this Act and the fund. Candidates participating in the Maine Clean Election Act must also comply with all other applicable election and campaign laws and regulations.   [IB 1995, c. 1, §17 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
IB 1995, c. 1, §17 (NEW).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 14: THE MAINE CLEAN ELECTION ACT › 21-A §1126. Commission to adopt rules

§1126. Commission to adopt rules
The commission shall adopt rules to ensure effective administration of this chapter. These rules must include but may not be limited to procedures for obtaining qualifying contributions, certification as a Maine Clean Election Act candidate, circumstances involving special elections, recounts, collection of revenues for the fund, distribution of fund revenue to certified candidates, return of unspent fund disbursements, disposition of equipment purchased with clean election funds and compliance with the Maine Clean Election Act. Rules of the commission required by this section are major substantive rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A.   [PL 2023, c. 211, §5 (AMD).]
SECTION HISTORY
IB 1995, c. 1, §17 (NEW). PL 2001, c. 465, §7 (AMD). PL 2023, c. 211, §5 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 14: THE MAINE CLEAN ELECTION ACT › 21-A §1127. Violations

§1127. Violations
1.  Civil fine.
In addition to any other penalties that may be applicable, a person who violates any provision of this chapter or rules of the commission adopted pursuant to section 1126 is subject to a fine not to exceed $10,000 per violation payable to the fund. In addition to any fine, for good cause shown, a candidate, treasurer, consultant or other agent of the candidate or the political committee authorized by the candidate pursuant to section 1013‑A, subsection 1 found in violation of this chapter or rules of the commission may be required to return to the fund all amounts distributed to the candidate from the fund or any funds not used for campaign-related purposes. If the commission makes a determination that a violation of this chapter or rules of the commission has occurred, the commission shall assess a fine or transmit the finding to the Attorney General for prosecution. A final determination by the commission may be appealed to Superior Court in accordance with Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 7 and the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 80C. Fines assessed or orders for return of funds issued by the commission pursuant to this subsection that are not paid in full within 30 days after issuance of a notice of the final determination may be enforced in accordance with section 1004‑B. Fines paid under this section must be deposited in the fund. In determining whether or not a candidate is in violation of the expenditure limits of this chapter, the commission may consider as a mitigating factor any circumstances out of the candidate's control.
[PL 2011, c. 558, §10 (AMD).]
2.  Class E crime.
A person who willfully or knowingly violates this chapter or rules of the commission or who willfully or knowingly makes a false statement in any report required by this chapter commits a Class E crime and, if certified as a Maine Clean Election Act candidate, must return to the fund all amounts distributed to the candidate.
[IB 1995, c. 1, §17 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
IB 1995, c. 1, §17 (NEW). PL 2003, c. 81, §1 (AMD). PL 2005, c. 301, §33 (AMD). PL 2005, c. 542, §6 (AMD). PL 2009, c. 302, §23 (AMD). PL 2011, c. 558, §10 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 14: THE MAINE CLEAN ELECTION ACT › 21-A §1128. Study report

§1128. Study report
By March 15, 2011 and every 4 years after that date, the commission shall prepare for the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over legal affairs a report documenting, evaluating and making recommendations relating to the administration, implementation and enforcement of the Maine Clean Election Act and Maine Clean Election Fund.   [PL 2009, c. 190, Pt. B, §3 (AMD).]
SECTION HISTORY
IB 1995, c. 1, §17 (NEW). PL 2009, c. 190, Pt. B, §3 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 15: APPORTIONMENT › 21-A §1201. Apportionment of the Maine Senate, Maine House of Representatives and Maine congressional districts (REPEALED)

§1201. Apportionment of the Maine Senate, Maine House of Representatives and Maine congressional districts
(REPEALED)
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1985, c. 161, §6 (NEW). PL 1985, c. 506, §A40 (AMD). PL 1985, c. 614, §25 (AMD). PL 1993, c. 7, §1 (AMD). PL 1993, c. 628, §1 (RP).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 15: APPORTIONMENT › 21-A §1202. Definitions

§1202. Definitions
As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.   [PL 1993, c. 628, §2 (NEW).]
1.  Block.
"Block" means an area defined as a block in the United States Census for 1990. A block is the smallest census unit used in this document.
[PL 1993, c. 628, §2 (NEW).]
2.  Block group.
"Block group" means an area comprising all of the blocks within a tract or BNA whose census data labels begin with the same digit. There are one to 9 block groups in a tract or BNA.
[PL 1993, c. 628, §2 (NEW).]
3.  Block numbering area.
"Block numbering area" or "BNA" means that area composed of blocks or block groups that is defined as a block numbering area in the United States Census for 1990.
[PL 1993, c. 628, §2 (NEW).]
4.  Census unit.
"Census unit" means a block, block group, BNA or tract.
[PL 1993, c. 628, §2 (NEW).]
5.  Tract.
"Tract" means that area composed of blocks or block groups that is defined as a tract in the United States Census for 1990.
[PL 1993, c. 628, §2 (NEW).]
6.  United States Census for 1990.
"United States Census for 1990" means the population counts published in both printed and electronic media in March 1991 by the United States Census Bureau as the data for the State of Maine collected pursuant to Public Law 94-171.
[PL 1993, c. 628, §2 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1993, c. 628, §2 (NEW).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 15: APPORTIONMENT › 21-A §1203. State Senate districts (REPEALED)

§1203. State Senate districts
(REPEALED)
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1993, c. 628, §2 (NEW). PL 1995, c. 285, §§1,2 (AMD). PL 2003, c. 62, §1 (AMD). PL 2003, c. 62, §§5,6 (AFF). PL 2005, c. 13, §1 (RP). PL 2005, c. 13, §3 (AFF).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 15: APPORTIONMENT › 21-A §1203-A. State Senate districts (REPEALED)

§1203-A. State Senate districts
(REPEALED)
SECTION HISTORY
PL 2005, c. 13, §2 (NEW). PL 2005, c. 13, §3 (AFF). PL 2013, c. 270, Pt. A, §1 (AMD). MRSA T. 21-A §1203-A (RP).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 15: APPORTIONMENT › 21-A §1203-B. State Senate districts (REPEALED)

§1203-B. State Senate districts
(REPEALED)
SECTION HISTORY
PL 2013, c. 270, Pt. A, §2 (NEW). PL 2013, c. 270, Pt. A, §3 (AFF). PL 2013, c. 457, §§6, 7 (AMD). PL 2021, c. 489, §1 (RP). PL 2021, c. 489, §4 (AFF).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 15: APPORTIONMENT › 21-A §1204. State House districts (REPEALED)

§1204. State House districts
(REPEALED)
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1993, c. 628, §2 (NEW). PL 1995, c. 285, §§3-8 (AMD). PL 2003, c. 44, §1 (RP). PL 2003, c. 62, §2 (AMD). PL 2003, c. 62, §§5,6 (AFF). PL 2003, c. 688, §A23 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 15: APPORTIONMENT › 21-A §1204-A. State House districts (REPEALED)

§1204-A. State House districts
(REPEALED)
SECTION HISTORY
PL 2003, c. 289, §1 (NEW). PL 2003, c. 532, §1 (AMD). PL 2003, c. 534, §1 (AMD). PL 2003, c. 534, §5 (AFF). PL 2003, c. 688, §A24 (AMD). PL 2013, c. 270, Pt. B, §1 (AMD). MRSA T. 21-A §1204-A (RP).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 15: APPORTIONMENT › 21-A §1204-B. State House districts (REPEALED)

§1204-B. State House districts
(REPEALED)
SECTION HISTORY
RR 2013, c. 1, §§35-38 (COR). PL 2013, c. 270, Pt. B, §2 (NEW). PL 2013, c. 270, Pt. B, §3 (AFF). PL 2013, c. 457, §§8-13 (AMD). PL 2019, c. 371, §39 (AMD). PL 2021, c. 490, §1 (RP). PL 2021, c. 490, §4 (AFF).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 15: APPORTIONMENT › 21-A §1205. Congressional districts (REPEALED)

§1205. Congressional districts
(REPEALED)
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1993, c. 628, §2 (NEW). PL 2011, c. 466, §1 (AMD). PL 2021, c. 487, §1 (RP). PL 2021, c. 487, §4 (AFF).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 15: APPORTIONMENT › 21-A §1205-A. Congressional districts

§1205-A. Congressional districts
The State is divided into 2 districts for the election of Representatives to the United States Congress as follows.   [PL 2021, c. 552, Pt. C, §1 (NEW).]
1.  First District.
The First District consists of the counties of Cumberland, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc and York and the following municipalities and areas within Kennebec County: Albion, Benton, China, Clinton, Litchfield, Pittston, Unity Township, Vassalboro, Waterville, West Gardiner, Windsor and Winslow.
[PL 2021, c. 552, Pt. C, §1 (NEW).]
2.  Second District.
The Second District consists of the counties of Androscoggin, Aroostook, Franklin, Hancock, Oxford, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo and Washington and the following municipalities and areas within Kennebec County: Augusta, Belgrade, Chelsea, Farmingdale, Fayette, Gardiner, Hallowell, Manchester, Monmouth, Mount Vernon, Oakland, Randolph, Readfield, Rome, Sidney, Vienna, Wayne and Winthrop.
[PL 2021, c. 552, Pt. C, §1 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 2021, c. 552, Pt. C, §1 (NEW).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 15: APPORTIONMENT › 21-A §1206. Reapportionment

§1206. Reapportionment
Congressional districts must be reapportioned as follows.   [PL 1995, c. 360, §1 (AMD).]
1.  Procedure.
In 2021 and every 10 years thereafter, when the Secretary of State has received notification of the number of congressional seats to which the State is entitled and the Federal Decennial Census population count is final, the Legislative Apportionment Commission, established every 10 years pursuant to the Constitution of Maine, Article IV, Part Third, Section 1-A, shall review the existing congressional districts. If the districts do not conform to Supreme Judicial Court guidelines, the commission shall reapportion the State into congressional districts.
In making such a reapportionment, the commission shall ensure that each congressional district is formed of compact and contiguous territory and crosses political subdivisions the least number of times necessary to establish districts as equally populated as possible. The commission shall submit its plan to the Clerk of the House of Representatives no later than June 1st of the year in which apportionment is required. The Legislature shall enact the submitted plan of the commission or a plan of its own in regular or special session by a vote of 2/3 of the members of each house by June 11th of the year in which apportionment is required. This action is subject to the Governor's approval, as provided in the Constitution of Maine, Article IV, Part Third, Section 2.
[PL 2013, c. 85, §1 (AMD).]
2.  Court apportionment.
If the Legislature fails to make an apportionment by June 11th of the year in which apportionment is required, the Supreme Judicial Court shall make the apportionment within 60 days following the period in which the Legislature is required to act but fails to do so. In making the apportionment, the Supreme Judicial Court shall take into consideration plans and briefs filed by the public with the court during the first 30 days of the period in which the court is required to apportion.
[PL 2013, c. 85, §1 (AMD).]
3.  Judicial review.
The Supreme Judicial Court has original jurisdiction to hear any challenge to an apportionment law enacted by the Legislature, as registered by any citizen or group of citizens. If a challenge is sustained, the Supreme Judicial Court shall make the apportionment.
[PL 1993, c. 628, §2 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1993, c. 628, §2 (NEW). PL 1995, c. 360, §1 (AMD). PL 2013, c. 85, §1 (AMD).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 15: APPORTIONMENT › 21-A §1206-A. Reapportionment of state legislative districts

§1206-A. Reapportionment of state legislative districts
The state legislative districts established in this chapter must be reapportioned pursuant to the Constitution of Maine, Article IV, Part First, Section 2; Article IV, Part Second, Section 2; Article IV, Part Third, Section 1-A; and this section. When reapportioning districts, where possible, the Legislative Apportionment Commission shall attempt to form functionally contiguous and compact territories. For purposes of this section, a "functionally contiguous and compact territory" is one that facilitates representation by minimizing impediments to travel within the district. Impediments to travel include, but are not limited to, physical features such as mountains, rivers, oceans and discontinued roads or lack of roads. The commission shall recognize that all political subdivision boundaries are not of equal importance and give weight to the interests of local communities when making district boundary decisions.   [PL 1995, c. 360, §2 (NEW).]
When the Supreme Judicial Court is required to make the apportionment, it is bound by this section.   [PL 1995, c. 360, §2 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1995, c. 360, §2 (NEW).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 15: APPORTIONMENT › 21-A §1207. Implementation and interpretation

§1207. Implementation and interpretation
1.  Implementation.
The Secretary of State shall implement the election districts established in this chapter pursuant to this Title and the Constitution of Maine. The Secretary of State shall inform the municipal clerks of the voting district or districts in which each municipality lies and shall provide copies of this chapter and district maps and narrative geographic descriptions of relevant election districts to those officials. The Secretary of State may resolve ambiguities concerning the location of election district lines consistent with subsection 2 and this chapter.
[PL 1993, c. 628, §2 (NEW).]
2.  Interpretation.
Where a road, street, waterway, boundary of a tract, boundary of a block group or boundary of a block is used as a boundary of an election district, the boundary line lies at the center of the street or road, at the thread of the waterway or at the boundary of the tract, block group or block, unless otherwise noted. When a description refers to a bridge or railroad line, the district boundary lies at the center of the bridge or railroad tracks. When a description refers to a railroad spur, it refers to the principal spur in the area. When a description uses the word "ocean," the district boundary line lies coincident with the legal boundary of the particular community along or within the Atlantic Ocean. When an election district includes a particular unorganized territory, it includes that unorganized territory as described in the United States Census for 1990, whether the territory is organized or unorganized on the effective date of this chapter. Unless otherwise noted, a district that names a municipality includes all of the municipality.
[PL 1993, c. 628, §2 (NEW).]
3.  Nonseverability.
It is the intent of the Legislature that the apportionment of the Maine Senate, the Maine House of Representatives and Maine congressional districts, as established in this chapter, become law as an entirety. If the apportionment of one or more of the bodies apportioned in this chapter is rendered invalid or unlawful by a court of law, it is the intent of the Legislature that the apportionment of all of the bodies apportioned in this chapter become void.
[PL 1993, c. 628, §2 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1993, c. 628, §2 (NEW).
2023 Maine Revised Statutes › TITLE 21-A: ELECTIONS › Chapter 15: APPORTIONMENT › 21-A §1208. Incarcerated persons

§1208. Incarcerated persons
1.  Definitions.
As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.
A. "Correctional facility" has the same meaning as in Title 34‑A, section 1001, subsection 6.   [PL 2023, c. 373, §1 (NEW).]
B. "Residence" has the same meaning as described in section 112, subsection 1.   [PL 2023, c. 373, §1 (NEW).]
[PL 2023, c. 373, §1 (NEW).]
2.  Counting incarcerated persons for apportionment.
A person whose usual residence is determined by the Federal Decennial Census to be a correctional facility in this State must be counted for apportionment under this chapter as follows.
A. If the records of the Department of Corrections show the person has a residence address in this State immediately prior to incarceration, that address must be considered that person's residence for purposes of apportionment under this chapter.   [PL 2023, c. 373, §1 (NEW).]
B. If the records of the Department of Corrections do not show the person's residence address immediately prior to incarceration, or show a residence address immediately prior to incarceration that is not within this State, that person may not be counted for apportionment under this chapter.   [PL 2023, c. 373, §1 (NEW).]
[PL 2023, c. 373, §1 (NEW).]
3.  Department of Corrections to provide data.
Notwithstanding any provision of law respecting confidentiality to the contrary, the Department of Corrections shall provide to the Legislative Apportionment Commission, to the extent the department possesses or has access to the data, the preincarceration residence address and other demographic data of persons who are incarcerated in a correctional facility as of 12:01 a.m. on the date of the most recent Federal Decennial Census. This demographic data must include but is not limited to the last known complete preincarceration street address of the person, the person's race, age and gender and whether the person is a veteran. The department shall provide this data within 30 days of the first meeting of the commission. The data provided by the department is not a public record and the commission shall institute measures to safeguard its confidentiality and to ensure its safekeeping upon conclusion of the commission's work.
[PL 2023, c. 373, §1 (NEW).]
4.  Construction.
This section may not be construed to affect the population count in any geographical area for any purposes other than apportionment.
[PL 2023, c. 373, §1 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 2023, c. 373, §1 (NEW).