Committee advances bill to allow designee treasurers and ease penalties when candidates die

The Committee on Federalism and Military Elections returned Senate Bill 1029 with a due‑pass recommendation after municipal testimony described real‑world problems caused when candidate treasurers die without a designee.

Staff summarized that SB1029 designates a candidate committee as having the intent to terminate upon the death of a candidate and outlines a hierarchy of individuals authorized to serve as treasurer in that circumstance so filing officers can administratively close accounts. The bill also permits filing officers to waive penalties that accrue because of reporting gaps following a candidate’s death.

Heather Wilkie, representing the Town of Queen Creek, testified in support and described two past town council members who died while holding office and who had been treasurers of their own campaign accounts. Wilkie said one local process resulted in remaining funds becoming unclaimed revenue. "Those revenues ultimately went into the unclaimed revenue pot through the lottery funds for that particular individual," she told the committee, and said the bill offers "compassion, clarity, and administrative efficiency without undermining public trust or disclosure requirements."

Committee members asked clarifying questions about the mechanics of closing accounts and about whether family members could convert campaign funds to personal use; Wilkie responded that the bill does not change eligible expenditure options and that any expenditures remain subject to existing statute. The sponsor was not present; Mark Osborne was mentioned as a backup but did not deliver testimony.

The clerk called the roll; the committee voted 7–0 for a due‑pass recommendation. The bill will move forward per legislative procedure.