Bill would allow limited use of campaign funds for candidate security; panel hears suggestions

Senator Townsend said House Bill 448 would allow candidates to use campaign funds for "reasonable and necessary security expenses" and that the bill includes guardrails developed with the Department of Elections. "Sometimes fatal, obviously very tragically," he said of violent threats to public officials around the country while arguing for modest and practical security options.

Lisa Rice suggested an amendment patterned after Vermont allowing campaign funds for electronic security systems and safety expenses without a fixed monetary cap. Senator Townsend and other committee members said the bill was coordinated with the Department and intended to balance candidate safety and appropriate limits on campaign spending.

The committee did not take a final vote; members thanked Senator Townsend and said they would consider testimony and suggested changes.