title
AMENDMENTS TO ELECTIONS CODE RELATING TO CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORTS (B)
Ordinance No. 130171
An ordinance of the City of Gainesville, Florida, amending Chapter 9 of the Code of ordinances relating to elections; amending Section 9-11 as it relates to campaign contribution limitations and campaign finance reports; providing directions to the codifier; providing a severability clause; providing a repealing clause; and providing an immediate effective date.
recommendation
The City Commission adopt the proposed ordinance, as revised on second reading.
explanation
The City Commission, at its meeting of August 15, 2013, authorized the City Attorney to draft an ordinance changing sections of the City's Election Code relating to campaign finance reports.
In this past session, the Florida Legislature changed the dates and frequency for filing campaign finance reports. These changes apply to municipal elections to the extent that the timing of the municipal election permits compliance with the timelines in the statute. The City's Code currently provides that reports shall be filed on the 32nd, 18th and 4th days immediately preceding the election and on the 4th day immediately preceding a run-off election. The new law, effective November 1, 2013 provides that once a campaign treasurer is appointed, reports must be filed monthly thereafter. Reports are also due on the 25th, 11th and 4th days preceding an election. The new law also eliminates "committees of continuous existence". Based on discussions with the Supervisor of Elections and review of guidance from the State Division of Elections, minor revisions to the proposed ordinance amendments were made after first reading to delete the reporting requirement for the 25th day preceding the runoff election due to the short time between regular and runoff elections, and to enhance clarity.