Bill would let candidates use campaign funds for reasonable security expenses, sponsor says

Senator Townsend told the committee that House Bill 448 would permit candidates to use campaign funds for reasonable and necessary security expenses, subject to guardrails and oversight. He said the measure was developed with the Department of Elections and intends to provide modest, practical security options for candidates who face threats or safety concerns.

Townsend said the bill is not a blanket authorization to spend campaign funds on any expense and that regulations and a framework would limit uses to reasonable security needs. A public commenter, Lisa Rice of Middletown, urged an amendment modeled on Vermont to allow candidates to use campaign funds for electronic security systems and safety expenses without a monetary cap on hiring a physical security person.

No formal committee vote was recorded at the hearing.