,,ib ,union ,calendar ,no4 #e #aafth ,,congress #ast ,session ,h4 ,r4 #a ,report ,no4 #aaf-ae1 ,part ,i ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,january #c1 #bjai ,mr4 ,sarbanes 7for himself and ,ms4 ,pelosi7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,house ,administration1 and in addition to the ,committees on ,intelligence 7,permanent ,select71 the ,judiciary1 ,oversight and ,reform1 ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology1 ,education and ,labor1 ,ways and ,means1 ,financial ,services1 ,ethics1 and ,homeland ,security1 for a period to be subsequently determined by the ,speaker1 in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned ,march #d1 #bjai ,additional sponsors3 ,ms4 ,adams1 ,mr4 ,allred1 ,ms4 ,barragn1 ,mrs4 ,beatty1 ,mr4 ,beyer1 ,mr4 ,bishop of ,georgia1 ,mr4 ,blumenauer1 ,ms4 ,bonamici1 ,mr4 ,brendan ,f4 ,boyle of ,pennsylvania1 ,mr4 ,brown of ,maryland1 ,ms4 ,brownley of ,california1 ,mrs4 ,bustos1 ,mr4 ,butterfield1 ,mr4 ,carbajal1 ,mr4 ,crdenas1 ,mr4 ,cartwright1 ,mr4 ,case1 ,mr4 ,casten of ,illinois1 ,ms4 ,castor of ,florida1 ,ms4 ,judy ,chu of ,california1 ,mr4 ,cicilline1 ,mr4 ,cisneros1 ,ms4 ,clark of ,massachusetts1 ,ms4 ,clarke of ,new ,york1 ,mr4 ,clay1 ,mr4 ,clyburn1 ,mr4 ,cohen1 ,mr4 ,connolly1 ,mr4 ,cooper1 ,mr4 ,correa1 ,mr4 ,courtney1 ,mr4 ,cox of ,california1 ,mrs4 ,craig1 ,mr4 ,crist1 ,mr4 ,crow1 ,mr4 ,cummings1 ,ms4 ,davids of ,kansas1 ,mr4 ,danny ,k4 ,davis of ,illinois1 ,mrs4 ,davis of ,california1 ,ms4 ,dean1 ,mr4 ,de,fazio1 ,ms4 ,de,gette1 ,ms4 ,de,lauro1 ,ms4 ,del,bene1 ,mr4 ,delgado1 ,mrs4 ,demings1 ,mr4 ,de,saulnier1 ,mr4 ,deutch1 ,mrs4 ,dingell1 ,mr4 ,michael ,f4 ,doyle of ,pennsylvania1 ,mr4 ,engel1 ,ms4 ,escobar1 ,ms4 ,eshoo1 ,mr4 ,espaillat1 ,mr4 ,evans1 ,mrs4 ,fletcher1 ,ms4 ,frankel1 ,ms4 ,gabbard1 ,mr4 ,gallego1 ,mr4 ,garamendi1 ,ms4 ,garcia of ,texas1 ,mr4 ,garca of ,illinois1 ,mr4 ,golden1 ,mr4 ,gomez1 ,mr4 ,green of ,texas1 ,mr4 ,grijalva1 ,ms4 ,haaland1 ,mr4 ,harder of ,california1 ,mr4 ,hastings1 ,mrs4 ,hayes1 ,mr4 ,heck1 ,mr4 ,higgins of ,new ,york1 ,ms4 ,hill of ,california1 ,mr4 ,himes1 ,mr4 ,horsford1 ,ms4 ,houlahan1 ,mr4 ,hoyer1 ,mr4 ,huffman1 ,ms4 ,jackson ,lee1 ,ms4 ,jayapal1 ,mr4 ,jeffries1 ,mr4 ,johnson of ,georgia1 ,ms4 ,kaptur1 ,mr4 ,keating1 ,ms4 ,kelly of ,illinois1 ,mr4 ,kennedy1 ,mr4 ,khanna1 ,mr4 ,kildee1 ,mr4 ,kilmer1 ,mr4 ,kim1 ,mr4 ,kind1 ,mrs4 ,kirkpatrick1 ,mr4 ,krishnamoorthi1 ,ms4 ,kuster of ,new ,hampshire1 ,mr4 ,lamb1 ,mr4 ,langevin1 ,mr4 ,larsen of ,washington1 ,mr4 ,larson of ,connecticut1 ,mrs4 ,lawrence1 ,mr4 ,lawson of ,florida1 ,ms4 ,lee of ,california1 ,mrs4 ,lee of ,nevada1 ,mr4 ,levin of ,michigan1 ,mr4 ,levin of ,california1 ,mr4 ,lewis1 ,mr4 ,ted ,lieu of ,california1 ,mr4 ,loebsack1 ,ms4 ,lofgren1 ,mr4 ,lowenthal1 ,mrs4 ,lowey1 ,mr4 ,lujn1 ,mr4 ,lynch1 ,mr4 ,malinowski1 ,mrs4 ,carolyn ,b4 ,maloney of ,new ,york1 ,mr4 ,sean ,patrick ,maloney of ,new ,york1 ,ms4 ,matsui1 ,ms4 ,mc,collum1 ,mr4 ,mc,eachin1 ,mr4 ,mc,govern1 ,mr4 ,mc,nerney1 ,mr4 ,meeks1 ,ms4 ,meng1 ,mr4 ,morelle1 ,mr4 ,moulton1 ,ms4 ,mucarsel-,powell1 ,mr4 ,nadler1 ,mrs4 ,napolitano1 ,mr4 ,neal1 ,mr4 ,neguse1 ,mr4 ,norcross1 ,ms4 ,norton1 ,ms4 ,ocasio-,cortez1 ,ms4 ,omar1 ,mr4 ,pallone1 ,mr4 ,panetta1 ,mr4 ,pappas1 ,mr4 ,pascrell1 ,mr4 ,payne1 ,mr4 ,peters1 ,mr4 ,phillips1 ,ms4 ,pingree1 ,mr4 ,pocan1 ,ms4 ,porter1 ,ms4 ,pressley1 ,mr4 ,price of ,north ,carolina1 ,mr4 ,quigley1 ,mr4 ,raskin1 ,miss ,rice of ,new ,york1 ,mr4 ,rose of ,new ,york1 ,mr4 ,rouda1 ,ms4 ,roybal-,allard1 ,mr4 ,ruppersberger1 ,mr4 ,rush1 ,mr4 ,ryan1 ,ms4 ,snchez1 ,ms4 ,scanlon1 ,ms4 ,schakowsky1 ,mr4 ,schiff1 ,mr4 ,schneider1 ,ms4 ,schrier1 ,mr4 ,scott of ,virginia1 ,mr4 ,serrano1 ,ms4 ,sewell of ,alabama1 ,ms4 ,shalala1 ,mr4 ,sherman1 ,mr4 ,sires1 ,mr4 ,smith of ,washington1 ,mr4 ,soto1 ,ms4 ,spanberger1 ,ms4 ,speier1 ,mr4 ,stanton1 ,mr4 ,suozzi1 ,mr4 ,swalwell of ,california1 ,mr4 ,takano1 ,mr4 ,thompson of ,mississippi1 ,mr4 ,thompson of ,california1 ,ms4 ,titus1 ,ms4 ,tlaib1 ,mr4 ,tonko1 ,mrs4 ,torres of ,california1 ,mrs4 ,trahan1 ,mr4 ,trone1 ,ms4 ,underwood1 ,mr4 ,vargas1 ,mr4 ,veasey1 ,mr4 ,vela1 ,ms4 ,velzquez1 ,ms4 ,wasserman ,schultz1 ,mrs4 ,watson ,coleman1 ,ms4 ,waters1 ,mr4 ,welch1 ,ms4 ,wild1 ,ms4 ,wilson of ,florida1 ,mr4 ,yarmuth1 ,mr4 ,castro of ,texas1 ,mr4 ,carson of ,indiana1 ,mr4 ,bera1 ,ms4 ,slotkin1 ,ms4 ,fudge1 ,ms4 ,johnson of ,texas1 ,mr4 ,perlmutter1 ,mr4 ,david ,scott of ,georgia1 ,mr4 ,ruiz1 ,ms4 ,moore1 ,mr4 ,foster1 ,mr4 ,cleaver1 ,mrs4 ,mc,bath1 ,ms4 ,blunt ,rochester1 ,mr4 ,aguilar1 ,ms4 ,bass1 ,mr4 ,o',halleran1 ,mr4 ,gottheimer1 ,mr4 ,cunningham1 ,mr4 ,costa1 ,mr4 ,lipinski1 ,ms4 ,wexton1 ,ms4 ,kendra ,s4 ,horn of ,oklahoma1 ,mr4 ,doggett1 ,ms4 ,finkenauer1 ,mrs4 ,axne1 ,mr4 ,visclosky1 ,mrs4 ,luria1 ,mr4 ,van ,drew1 ,mr4 ,peterson1 ,ms4 ,sherrill1 ,ms4 ,stevens1 ,mrs4 ,murphy1 ,mr4 ,brindisi1 ,mr4 ,schrader1 ,mr4 ,gonzalez of ,texas1 ,mr4 ,mc,adams1 ,ms4 ,torres ,small of ,new ,mexico1 ,mr4 ,sablan1 ,mr4 ,cuellar1 and ,mr4 ,richmond ,march #d1 #bjai ,reported from the ,committee on ,house ,administration with an amendment ,strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic ,march #d1 #bjai ,committees on ,intelligence 7,permanent ,select71 the ,judiciary1 ,oversight and ,reform1 ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology1 ,education and ,labor1 ,ways and ,means1 ,financial ,services1 ,ethics1 and ,homeland ,security discharged2 committed to the ,committee of the ,whole ,house on the ,state of the ,union and ordered to be printed ,for text of introduced bill1 see copy of bill as introduced on ,january #c1 #bjai ,a ,,bill ,to expand ,americans' access to the ballot box1 reduce the influence of big money in politics1 and strengthen ethics rules for public servants1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,for the ,people ,act of #bjai4 #b4 ,organization of ,act into divisions2 table of contents 7a7 ,divisions ,this ,act is organized into #c divisions as follows3 7#a7 ,division ,a--,voting4 7#b7 ,division ,b--,campaign ,finance4 7#c7 ,division ,c--,ethics4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents of this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #b4 ,organization of ,act into divisions2 table of contents4 ,division ,a--,voting ,title ,i--,election ,access ,sec4 #ajjj4 ,short title2 statement of policy4 ,subtitle ,a--,voter ,registration ,modernization ,sec4 #ajjj;,a4 ,short title4 ,part #a--,promoting ,internet ,registration ,sec4 #ajja4 ,requiring availability of ,internet for voter registration4 ,sec4 #ajjb4 ,use of ,internet to update registration information4 ,sec4 #ajjc4 ,provision of election information by electronic mail to individuals registered to vote4 ,sec4 #ajjd4 ,clarification of requirement regarding necessary information to show eligibility to vote4 ,sec4 #ajje4 ,effective date4 ,part #b--;,automatic ,voter ,registration ,sec4 #ajaa4 ,short title2 findings and purpose4 ,sec4 #ajab4 ,automatic registration of eligible individuals4 ,sec4 #ajac4 ,contributing agency assistance in registration4 ,sec4 #ajad4 ,one-time contributing agency assistance in registration of eligible voters in existing records4 ,sec4 #ajae4 ,voter protection and security in automatic registration4 ,sec4 #ajaf4 ,registration portability and correction4 ,sec4 #ajag4 ,payments and grants4 ,sec4 #ajah4 ,treatment of exempt ,states4 ,sec4 #ajai4 ,miscellaneous provisions4 ,sec4 #ajbj4 ,definitions4 ,sec4 #ajba4 ,effective date4 ,part #c--,same ,day ,voter ,registration ,sec4 #ajca4 ,same day registration4 ,part #d--;,conditions on ,removal on ,basis of ,interstate ,cross-,checks ,sec4 #ajda4 ,conditions on removal of registrants from official list of eligible voters on basis of interstate cross-checks4 ,part #e--,other ,initiatives to ,promote ,voter ,registration ,sec4 #ajea4 ,annual reports on voter registration statistics4 ,part #f--;,availability of ,,hava ,requirements ,payments ,sec4 #ajfa4 ,availability of requirements payments under ,,hava to cover costs of compliance with new requirements4 ,part #g--,prohibiting ,interference ,with ,voter ,registration ,sec4 #ajga4 ,reserved4 ,sec4 #ajgb4 ,establishment of best practices4 ,subtitle ,b--,access to ,voting for ,individuals ,with ,disabilities ,sec4 #aaja4 ,requirements for ,states to promote access to voter registration and voting for individuals with disabilities4 ,sec4 #aajb4 ,expansion and reauthorization of grant program to assure voting access for individuals with disabilities4 ,subtitle ,c--,prohibiting ,voter ,caging ,sec4 #abja4 ,reserved4 ,sec4 #abjb4 ,development and adoption of best practices for preventing voter caging4 ,subtitle ,d--,reserved ,subtitle ,e--,reserved ,subtitle ,f--,promoting ,accuracy1 ,integrity1 and ,security ,through ,voter-,verified ,permanent ,paper ,ballot ,sec4 #aeja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #aejb4 ,paper ballot and manual counting requirements4 ,sec4 #aejc4 ,accessibility and ballot verification for individuals with disabilities4 ,sec4 #aejd4 ,durability and readability requirements for ballots4 ,sec4 #aeje4 ,effective date for new requirements4 ,subtitle ,g--,provisional ,ballots ,sec4 #afja4 ,requirements for counting provisional ballots2 establishment of uniform and nondiscriminatory standards4 ,subtitle ,h--,early ,voting ,sec4 #afaa4 ,early voting4 ,subtitle ,i--,voting by ,mail ,sec4 #afba4 ,voting by ,mail4 ,subtitle ,j--,absent ,uniformed ,services ,voters and ,overseas ,voters ,sec4 #agja4 ,pre-election reports on availability and transmission of absentee ballots4 ,sec4 #agjb4 ,enforcement4 ,sec4 #agjc4 ,revisions to #de-;day absentee ballot transmission rule4 ,sec4 #agjd4 ,use of single absentee ballot application for subsequent elections4 ,sec4 #agje4 ,effective date4 ,subtitle ,k--,poll ,worker ,recruitment and ,training ,sec4 #ahja4 ,reserved4 ,sec4 #ahjb4 ,grants to ,states for poll worker recruitment and training4 ,sec4 #ahjc4 ,state defined4 ,subtitle ,l--,enhancement of ,enforcement ,sec4 #ahaa4 ,enhancement of enforcement of ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb4 ,subtitle ,m--,federal ,election ,integrity ,sec4 #ahba4 ,prohibition on campaign activities by chief ,state election administration officials4 ,subtitle ,n--,promoting ,voter ,access ,through ,election ,administration ,improvements ,part #a--,promoting ,voter ,access ,sec4 #aija4 ,treatment of institutions of higher education4 ,sec4 #aijb4 ,minimum notification requirements for voters affected by polling place changes4 ,sec4 #aijc4 ,reserved4 ,sec4 #aijd4 ,permitting use of sworn written statement to meet identification requirements for voting4 ,sec4 #aije4 ,reserved4 ,sec4 #aijf4 ,reimbursement for costs incurred by ,states in establishing program to track and confirm receipt of absentee ballots4 ,sec4 #aijg4 ,voter information response systems and hotline4 ,part #b--;,improvements in ,operation of ,election ,assistance ,commission ,sec4 #aiaa4 ,reauthorization of ,election ,assistance ,commission4 ,sec4 #aiac4 ,requiring states to participate in post-general election surveys4 ,sec4 #aiad4 ,reports by ,national ,institute of ,standards and ,technology on use of funds transferred from ,election ,assistance ,commission4 ,sec4 #aiae4 ,recommendations to improve operations of ,election ,assistance ,commission4 ,sec4 #aiaf4 ,repeal of exemption of ,election ,assistance ,commission from certain government contracting requirements4 ,part #c--,miscellaneous ,provisions ,sec4 #aiba4 ,application of laws to ,commonwealth of ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 ,sec4 #aibb4 ,no effect on other laws4 ,subtitle ,o--,severability ,sec4 #aica4 ,severability4 ,title ,,ii--,election ,integrity ,subtitle ,a--,reserved ,subtitle ,b--,reserved ,subtitle ,c--,reserved ,subtitle ,d--,reserved ,subtitle ,e--,reserved ,subtitle ,f--,saving ,eligible ,voters ,from ,voter ,purging ,sec4 #beja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #bejb4 ,conditions for removal of voters from list of registered voters4 ,subtitle ,g--,no ,effect on ,authority of ,states to ,provide ,greater ,opportunities for ,voting ,sec4 #bfja4 ,no effect on authority of ,states to provide greater opportunities for voting4 ,subtitle ,h--,severability ,sec4 #bgja4 ,severability4 ,title ,,iii--,election ,security ,sec4 #cjjj4 ,short title2 sense of ,congress4 ,subtitle ,a--,financial ,support for ,election ,infrastructure ,part #a--,voting ,system ,security ,improvement ,grants ,sec4 #cjja4 ,grants for obtaining compliant paper ballot voting systems and carrying out voting system security improvements4 ,sec4 #cjjb4 ,coordination of voting system security activities with use of requirements payments and election administration requirements under ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb4 ,sec4 #cjjc4 ,incorporation of definitions4 ,part #b--;,grants for ,risk-limiting ,audits of ,results of ,elections ,sec4 #cjaa4 ,grants to ,states for conducting risk-limiting audits of results of elections4 ,sec4 #cjab4 ,,gao analysis of effects of audits4 ,part #c--,reserved ,subtitle ,b--,security ,measures ,sec4 #caja4 ,election infrastructure designation4 ,sec4 #cajb4 ,timely threat information4 ,sec4 #cajc4 ,security clearance assistance for election officials4 ,sec4 #cajd4 ,security risk and vulnerability assessments4 ,sec4 #caje4 ,annual reports4 ,subtitle ,c--,enhancing ,protections for ,united ,states ,democratic ,institutions ,sec4 #cbja4 ,national strategy to protect ,united ,states democratic institutions4 ,sec4 #cbjb4 ,national ,commission to ,protect ,united ,states ,democratic ,institutions4 ,subtitle ,d--,promoting ,cybersecurity ,through ,improvements in ,election ,administration ,sec4 #ccja4 ,testing of existing voting systems to ensure compliance with election cybersecurity guidelines and other guidelines4 ,sec4 #ccjb4 ,treatment of electronic poll books as part of voting systems4 ,sec4 #ccjc4 ,pre-election reports on voting system usage4 ,sec4 #ccjd4 ,streamlining collection of election information4 ,subtitle ,e--,preventing ,election ,hacking ,sec4 #cdja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #cdjb4 ,election ,security ,bug ,bounty ,program4 ,sec4 #cdjc4 ,definitions4 ,subtitle ,f--,miscellaneous ,provisions ,sec4 #ceja4 ,definitions4 ,sec4 #cejb4 ,initial report on adequacy of resources available for implementation4 ,subtitle ,g--,severability ,sec4 #cfja4 ,severability4 ,division ,b--,campaign ,finance ,title ,,iv--,campaign ,finance ,transparency ,subtitle ,a--,findings ,relating to ,illicit ,money ,undermining ,our ,democracy ,sec4 #djja4 ,findings relating to illicit money undermining our democracy4 ,subtitle ,b--,,disclose ,act ,sec4 #dajj4 ,short title4 ,part #a--,regulation of ,certain ,political ,spending ,sec4 #daja4 ,application of ban on contributions and expenditures by foreign nationals to domestic corporations1 limited liability corporations1 and partnerships that are foreign-controlled1 foreign-influenced1 and foreign-owned4 ,sec4 #dajb4 ,clarification of application of foreign money ban to certain disbursements and activities4 ,part #b--,reporting of ,campaign-,related ,disbursements ,sec4 #daaa4 ,reporting of campaign-related disbursements4 ,sec4 #daab4 ,application of foreign money ban to disbursements for campaign-related disbursements consisting of covered transfers4 ,sec4 #daac4 ,effective date4 ,part #c--,other ,administrative ,reforms ,sec4 #daba4 ,petition for certiorari4 ,sec4 #dabb4 ,judicial review of actions related to campaign finance laws4 ,subtitle ,c--,honest ,ads ,sec4 #dbja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #dbjb4 ,purpose4 ,sec4 #dbjc4 ,findings4 ,sec4 #dbjd4 ,sense of ,congress4 ,sec4 #dbje4 ,expansion of definition of public communication4 ,sec4 #dbjf4 ,expansion of definition of electioneering communication4 ,sec4 #dbjg4 ,application of disclaimer statements to online communications4 ,sec4 #dbjh4 ,political record requirements for online platforms4 ,sec4 #dbji4 ,preventing contributions1 expenditures1 independent expenditures1 and disbursements for electioneering communications by foreign nationals in the form of online advertising4 ,subtitle ,d--,stand ,by ,every ,ad ,sec4 #dcja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #dcjb4 ,stand ,by ,every ,ad4 ,sec4 #dcjc4 ,disclaimer requirements for communications made through prerecorded telephone calls4 ,sec4 #dcjd4 ,no expansion of persons subject to disclaimer requirements on ,internet communications4 ,sec4 #dcje4 ,effective date4 ,subtitle ,e--,reserved ,subtitle ,f--,reserved ,subtitle ,g--,reserved ,subtitle ,h--,limitation and ,disclosure ,requirements for ,presidential ,inaugural ,committees ,sec4 #dgja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #dgjb4 ,limitations and disclosure of certain donations to1 and disbursements by1 ,inaugural ,committees4 ,subtitle ,i--,severability ,sec4 #dhja4 ,severability4 ,title ,v--,campaign ,finance ,empowerment ,subtitle ,a--,findings ,relating to ,citizens ,united ,decision ,sec4 #ejja4 ,findings relating to ,citizens ,united decision4 ,subtitle ,b--,congressional ,elections ,sec4 #eajj4 ,short title4 ,part #a--,my ,voice ,voucher ,pilot ,program ,sec4 #eaja4 ,establishment of pilot program4 ,sec4 #eajb4 ,voucher program described4 ,sec4 #eajc4 ,reports4 ,sec4 #eajd4 ,definitions4 ,part #b--,small ,dollar ,financing of ,congressional ,election ,campaigns ,sec4 #eaaa4 ,benefits and eligibility requirements for candidates4 8,title ,v--,small ,dollar ,financing of ,congressional ,election ,campaigns 8,subtitle ,a--,benefits ,sec4 #eja4 ,benefits for participating candidates4 ,sec4 #ejb4 ,procedures for making payments4 ,sec4 #ejc4 ,use of funds4 ,sec4 #ejd4 ,qualified small dollar contributions described4 8,subtitle ,b--,eligibility and ,certification ,sec4 #eaa4 ,eligibility4 ,sec4 #eab4 ,qualifying requirements4 ,sec4 #eac4 ,certification4 8,subtitle ,c--,requirements for ,candidates ,certified as ,participating ,candidates ,sec4 #eba4 ,contribution and expenditure requirements4 ,sec4 #ebb4 ,administration of campaign4 ,sec4 #ebc4 ,preventing unnecessary spending of public funds4 ,sec4 #ebd4 ,remitting unspent funds after election4 8,subtitle ,d--,enhanced ,match ,support ,sec4 #eca4 ,enhanced support for general election4 ,sec4 #ecb4 ,eligibility4 ,sec4 #ecc4 ,amount4 ,sec4 #ecd4 ,waiver of authority to retain portion of unspent funds after election4 8,subtitle ,e--,administrative ,provisions ,sec4 #eda4 ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund4 ,sec4 #edb4 ,reviews and reports by ,government ,accountability ,office4 ,sec4 #edc4 ,administration by ,commission4 ,sec4 #edd4 ,violations and penalties4 ,sec4 #ede4 ,appeals process4 ,sec4 #edf4 ,indexing of amounts4 ,sec4 #edg4 ,election cycle defined40 ,sec4 #eaab4 ,contributions and expenditures by multicandidate and political party committees on behalf of participating candidates4 ,sec4 #eaac4 ,prohibiting use of contributions by participating candidates for purposes other than campaign for election4 ,sec4 #eaad4 ,effective date4 ,subtitle ,c--,presidential ,elections ,sec4 #ebjj4 ,short title4 ,part #a--,primary ,elections ,sec4 #ebja4 ,increase in and modifications to matching payments4 ,sec4 #ebjb4 ,eligibility requirements for matching payments4 ,sec4 #ebjc4 ,repeal of expenditure limitations4 ,sec4 #ebjd4 ,period of availability of matching payments4 ,sec4 #ebje4 ,examination and audits of matchable contributions4 ,sec4 #ebjf4 ,modification to limitation on contributions for ,presidential primary candidates4 ,sec4 #ebjg4 ,use of ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund as source of payments4 ,part #b--;,general ,elections ,sec4 #ebaa4 ,modification of eligibility requirements for public financing4 ,sec4 #ebab4 ,repeal of expenditure limitations and use of qualified campaign contributions4 ,sec4 #ebac4 ,matching payments and other modifications to payment amounts4 ,sec4 #ebad4 ,increase in limit on coordinated party expenditures4 ,sec4 #ebae4 ,establishment of uniform date for release of payments4 ,sec4 #ebaf4 ,amounts in ,presidential ,election ,campaign ,fund4 ,sec4 #ebag4 ,use of general election payments for general election legal and accounting compliance4 ,sec4 #ebah4 ,use of ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund as source of payments4 ,part #c--;,effective ,date ,sec4 #ebba4 ,effective date4 ,subtitle ,d--,personal ,use ,services as ,authorized ,campaign ,expenditures ,sec4 #ecja4 ,short title2 findings2 purpose4 ,sec4 #ecjb4 ,treatment of payments for child care and other personal use services as authorized campaign expenditure4 ,subtitle ,e--,severability ,sec4 #edja4 ,severability4 ,title ,,vi--,campaign ,finance ,oversight ,subtitle ,a--,restoring ,integrity to ,america's ,elections ,sec4 #fjja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #fjjb4 ,membership of ,federal ,election ,commission4 ,sec4 #fjjc4 ,assignment of powers to ,chair of ,federal ,election ,commission4 ,sec4 #fjjd4 ,revision to enforcement process4 ,sec4 #fjje4 ,permitting appearance at hearings on requests for advisory opinions by persons opposing the requests4 ,sec4 #fjjf4 ,permanent extension of administrative penalty authority4 ,sec4 #fjjg4 ,restrictions on ex parte communications4 ,sec4 #fjjh4 ,effective date2 transition4 ,subtitle ,b--,stopping ,super ,,pac-,candidate ,coordination ,sec4 #faja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #fajb4 ,clarification of treatment of coordinated expenditures as contributions to candidates4 ,sec4 #fajc4 ,clarification of ban on fundraising for super ,p,a,cs by ,federal candidates and officeholders4 ,subtitle ,c--,severability ,sec4 #fbja4 ,severability4 ,division ,c--,ethics ,title ,,vii--,reserved ,title ,,viii--,reserved ,title ,,ix--,congressional ,ethics ,reform ,subtitle ,a--,requiring ,members of ,congress to reimburse ,treasury for amounts paid as settlements and awards under ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie ,sec4 #ijja4 ,requiring ,members of ,congress to reimburse ,treasury for amounts paid as settlements and awards under ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie in all cases of employment discrimination acts by ,members4 ,subtitle ,b--,conflicts of ,interests ,sec4 #iaja4 ,reserved4 ,sec4 #iajb4 ,conflict of interest rules for ,members of ,congress and congressional staff4 ,sec4 #iajc4 ,exercise of rulemaking powers4 ,subtitle ,c--,campaign ,finance and ,lobbying ,disclosure ,sec4 #ibja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #ibjb4 ,requiring disclosure in certain reports filed with ,federal ,election ,commission of persons who are registered lobbyists4 ,sec4 #ibjc4 ,effective date4 ,subtitle ,d--,access to ,congressionally ,mandated ,reports ,sec4 #icja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #icjb4 ,definitions4 ,sec4 #icjc4 ,establishment of online portal for congressionally mandated reports4 ,sec4 #icjd4 ,federal agency responsibilities4 ,sec4 #icje4 ,removing and altering reports4 ,sec4 #icjf4 ,relationship to the ,freedom of ,information ,act4 ,sec4 #icjg4 ,implementation4 ,subtitle ,e--,severability ,sec4 #idja4 ,severability4 ,title ,x--,reserved ,a ,voting ,i ,election ,access ,sec4 #ajjj4 ,short title2 statement of policy4 ,subtitle ,a--,voter ,registration ,modernization ,sec4 #ajjj;,a4 ,short title4 ,part #a--,promoting ,internet ,registration ,sec4 #ajja4 ,requiring availability of ,internet for voter registration4 ,sec4 #ajjb4 ,use of ,internet to update registration information4 ,sec4 #ajjc4 ,provision of election information by electronic mail to individuals registered to vote4 ,sec4 #ajjd4 ,clarification of requirement regarding necessary information to show eligibility to vote4 ,sec4 #ajje4 ,effective date4 ,part #b--;,automatic ,voter ,registration ,sec4 #ajaa4 ,short title2 findings and purpose4 ,sec4 #ajab4 ,automatic registration of eligible individuals4 ,sec4 #ajac4 ,contributing agency assistance in registration4 ,sec4 #ajad4 ,one-time contributing agency assistance in registration of eligible voters in existing records4 ,sec4 #ajae4 ,voter protection and security in automatic registration4 ,sec4 #ajaf4 ,registration portability and correction4 ,sec4 #ajag4 ,payments and grants4 ,sec4 #ajah4 ,treatment of exempt ,states4 ,sec4 #ajai4 ,miscellaneous provisions4 ,sec4 #ajbj4 ,definitions4 ,sec4 #ajba4 ,effective date4 ,part #c--,same ,day ,voter ,registration ,sec4 #ajca4 ,same day registration4 ,part #d--;,conditions on ,removal on ,basis of ,interstate ,cross-,checks ,sec4 #ajda4 ,conditions on removal of registrants from official list of eligible voters on basis of interstate cross-checks4 ,part #e--,other ,initiatives to ,promote ,voter ,registration ,sec4 #ajea4 ,annual reports on voter registration statistics4 ,part #f--;,availability of ,,hava ,requirements ,payments ,sec4 #ajfa4 ,availability of requirements payments under ,,hava to cover costs of compliance with new requirements4 ,part #g--,prohibiting ,interference ,with ,voter ,registration ,sec4 #ajga4 ,reserved4 ,sec4 #ajgb4 ,establishment of best practices4 ,subtitle ,b--,access to ,voting for ,individuals ,with ,disabilities ,sec4 #aaja4 ,requirements for ,states to promote access to voter registration and voting for individuals with disabilities4 ,sec4 #aajb4 ,expansion and reauthorization of grant program to assure voting access for individuals with disabilities4 ,subtitle ,c--,prohibiting ,voter ,caging ,sec4 #abja4 ,reserved4 ,sec4 #abjb4 ,development and adoption of best practices for preventing voter caging4 ,subtitle ,d--,reserved ,subtitle ,e--,reserved ,subtitle ,f--,promoting ,accuracy1 ,integrity1 and ,security ,through ,voter-,verified ,permanent ,paper ,ballot ,sec4 #aeja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #aejb4 ,paper ballot and manual counting requirements4 ,sec4 #aejc4 ,accessibility and ballot verification for individuals with disabilities4 ,sec4 #aejd4 ,durability and readability requirements for ballots4 ,sec4 #aeje4 ,effective date for new requirements4 ,subtitle ,g--,provisional ,ballots ,sec4 #afja4 ,requirements for counting provisional ballots2 establishment of uniform and nondiscriminatory standards4 ,subtitle ,h--,early ,voting ,sec4 #afaa4 ,early voting4 ,subtitle ,i--,voting by ,mail ,sec4 #afba4 ,voting by ,mail4 ,subtitle ,j--,absent ,uniformed ,services ,voters and ,overseas ,voters ,sec4 #agja4 ,pre-election reports on availability and transmission of absentee ballots4 ,sec4 #agjb4 ,enforcement4 ,sec4 #agjc4 ,revisions to #de-;day absentee ballot transmission rule4 ,sec4 #agjd4 ,use of single absentee ballot application for subsequent elections4 ,sec4 #agje4 ,effective date4 ,subtitle ,k--,poll ,worker ,recruitment and ,training ,sec4 #ahja4 ,reserved4 ,sec4 #ahjb4 ,grants to ,states for poll worker recruitment and training4 ,sec4 #ahjc4 ,state defined4 ,subtitle ,l--,enhancement of ,enforcement ,sec4 #ahaa4 ,enhancement of enforcement of ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb4 ,subtitle ,m--,federal ,election ,integrity ,sec4 #ahba4 ,prohibition on campaign activities by chief ,state election administration officials4 ,subtitle ,n--,promoting ,voter ,access ,through ,election ,administration ,improvements ,part #a--,promoting ,voter ,access ,sec4 #aija4 ,treatment of institutions of higher education4 ,sec4 #aijb4 ,minimum notification requirements for voters affected by polling place changes4 ,sec4 #aijc4 ,reserved4 ,sec4 #aijd4 ,permitting use of sworn written statement to meet identification requirements for voting4 ,sec4 #aije4 ,reserved4 ,sec4 #aijf4 ,reimbursement for costs incurred by ,states in establishing program to track and confirm receipt of absentee ballots4 ,sec4 #aijg4 ,voter information response systems and hotline4 ,part #b--;,improvements in ,operation of ,election ,assistance ,commission ,sec4 #aiaa4 ,reauthorization of ,election ,assistance ,commission4 ,sec4 #aiac4 ,requiring states to participate in post-general election surveys4 ,sec4 #aiad4 ,reports by ,national ,institute of ,standards and ,technology on use of funds transferred from ,election ,assistance ,commission4 ,sec4 #aiae4 ,recommendations to improve operations of ,election ,assistance ,commission4 ,sec4 #aiaf4 ,repeal of exemption of ,election ,assistance ,commission from certain government contracting requirements4 ,part #c--,miscellaneous ,provisions ,sec4 #aiba4 ,application of laws to ,commonwealth of ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 ,sec4 #aibb4 ,no effect on other laws4 ,subtitle ,o--,severability ,sec4 #aica4 ,severability4 #ajjj4 ,short title2 statement of policy 7a7 ,short title ,this title may be cited as the ,voter ,empowerment ,act of #bjai4 7b7 ,statement of policy ,it is the policy of the ,united ,states that-- 7#a7 all eligible citizens of the ,united ,states should access and exercise their constitutional right to vote in a free1 fair1 and timely manner2 and 7#b7 the integrity1 security1 and accountability of the voting process must be vigilantly protected1 maintained1 and enhanced in order to protect and preserve electoral and participatory democracy in the ,united ,states4 ,a ,voter ,registration ,modernization #ajjj;,a4 ,short title ,this subtitle may be cited as the ,voter ,registration ,modernization ,act of #bjai4 #a ,promoting ,internet ,registration #ajja4 ,requiring availability of ,internet for voter registration 7a7 ,requiring ,availability of ,internet for ,registration ,the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjeja et seq47 is amended by inserting after section #f the following new section3 #f;,a4 ,internet ,registration 7a7 ,requiring ,availability of ,internet for ,online ,registration 7#a7 ,availability of online registration and correction of existing registration information ,each ,state1 acting through the chief ,state election official1 shall ensure that the following services are available to the public at any time on the official public websites of the appropriate ,state and local election officials in the ,state1 in the same manner and subject to the same terms and conditions as the services provided by voter registration agencies under section #g7;a73 7,a7 ,online application for voter registration4 7,b7 ,online assistance to applicants in applying to register to vote4 7,c7 ,online completion and submission by applicants of the mail voter registration application form prescribed by the ,election ,assistance ,commission pursuant to section #i7;a77#b71 including assistance with providing a signature as required under subsection 7c74 7,d7 ,online receipt of completed voter registration applications4 7b7 ,acceptance of completed applications ,a ,state shall accept an online voter registration application provided by an individual under this section1 and ensure that the individual is registered to vote in the ,state1 if-- 7#a7 the individual meets the same voter registration requirements applicable to individuals who register to vote by mail in accordance with section #f7;a77#a7 using the mail voter registration application form prescribed by the ,election ,assistance ,commission pursuant to section #i7;a77#b72 and 7#b7 the individual meets the requirements of subsection 7c7 to provide a signature in electronic form 7but only in the case of applications submitted during or after the second year in which this section is in effect in the ,state74 7c7 ,signature requirements 7#a7 ,in general ,for purposes of this section1 an individual meets the requirements of this subsection as follows3 7,a7 ,in the case of an individual who has a signature on file with a ,state agency1 including the ,state motor vehicle authority1 that is required to provide voter registration services under this ,act or any other law1 the individual consents to the transfer of that electronic signature4 7,b7 ,if subparagraph 7,a7 does not apply1 the individual submits with the application an electronic copy of the individual's handwritten signature through electronic means4 7,c7 ,if subparagraph 7,a7 and subparagraph 7,b7 do not apply1 the individual executes a computerized mark in the signature field on an online voter registration application1 in accordance with reasonable security measures established by the ,state1 but only if the ,state accepts such mark from the individual4 7#b7 ,treatment of individuals unable to meet requirement ,if an individual is unable to meet the requirements of paragraph 7#a71 the ,state shall-- 7,a7 permit the individual to complete all other elements of the online voter registration application2 7,b7 permit the individual to provide a signature at the time the individual requests a ballot in an election 7whether the individual requests the ballot at a polling place or requests the ballot by mail72 and 7,c7 if the individual carries out the steps described in subparagraph 7,a7 and subparagraph 7,b71 ensure that the individual is registered to vote in the ,state4 7#c7 ,notice ,the ,state shall ensure that individuals applying to register to vote online are notified of the requirements of paragraph 7#a7 and of the treatment of individuals unable to meet such requirements1 as described in paragraph 7#b74 7d7 ,confirmation and disposition 7#a7 ,confirmation of receipt ,upon the online submission of a completed voter registration application by an individual under this section1 the appropriate ,state or local election official shall send the individual a notice confirming the ,state's receipt of the application and providing instructions on how the individual may check the status of the application4 7#b7 ,notice of disposition ,not later than #g days after the appropriate ,state or local election official has approved or rejected an application submitted by an individual under this section1 the official shall send the individual a notice of the disposition of the application4 7#c7 ,method of notification ,the appropriate ,state or local election official shall send the notices required under this subsection by regular mail1 and1 in the case of an individual who has provided the official with an electronic mail address1 by both electronic mail and regular mail4 7e7 ,provision of ,services in ,nonpartisan ,manner ,the services made available under subsection 7a7 shall be provided in a manner that ensures that1 consistent with section #g7;a77#e7-- 7#a7 the online application does not seek to influence an applicant's political preference or party registration2 and 7#b7 there is no display on the website promoting any political preference or party allegiance1 except that nothing in this paragraph may be construed to prohibit an applicant from registering to vote as a member of a political party4 7f7 ,protection of ,security of ,information ,in meeting the requirements of this section1 the ,state shall establish appropriate technological security measures to prevent to the greatest extent practicable any unauthorized access to information provided by individuals using the services made available under subsection 7a74 7g7 ,accessibility of services ,a state shall ensure that the services made available under this section are made available to individuals with disabilities to the same extent as services are made available to all other individuals4 7h7 ,use of ,additional ,telephone-,based ,system ,a ,state shall make the services made available online under subsection 7a7 available through the use of an automated telephone-based system1 subject to the same terms and conditions applicable under this section to the services made available online1 in addition to making the services available online in accordance with the requirements of this section4 7i7 ,nondiscrimination among registered voters using mail and online registration ,in carrying out this ,act1 the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb1 or any other ,federal1 ,state1 or local law governing the treatment of registered voters in the ,state or the administration of elections for public office in the ,state1 a ,state shall treat a registered voter who registered to vote online in accordance with this section in the same manner as the ,state treats a registered voter who registered to vote by mail4 4 7b7 ,special requirements for individuals using online registration 7#a7 ,treatment as individuals registering to vote by mail for purposes of first-time voter identification requirements ,section #cjc7;b77#a77;,a7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhc7;b77#a77;,a77 is amended by striking by mail and inserting by mail or online under section #f;,a of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic4 7#b7 ,requiring signature for first-time voters in jurisdiction ,section #cjc7;b7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhc7;b77 is amended-- 7,a7 by redesignating paragraph 7#e7 as paragraph 7#f72 and 7,b7 by inserting after paragraph 7#d7 the following new paragraph3 7#e7 ,signature requirements for first-time voters using online registration 7,a7 ,in general ,a ,state shall1 in a uniform and nondiscriminatory manner1 require an individual to meet the requirements of subparagraph 7,b7 if-- 7i7 the individual registered to vote in the ,state online under section #f;,a of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic2 and 7ii7 the individual has not previously voted in an election for ,federal office in the ,state4 7,b7 ,requirements ,an individual meets the requirements of this subparagraph if-- 7i7 in the case of an individual who votes in person1 the individual provides the appropriate ,state or local election official with a handwritten signature2 or 7ii7 in the case of an individual who votes by mail1 the individual submits with the ballot a handwritten signature4 7,c7 ,inapplicability ,subparagraph 7,a7 does not apply in the case of an individual who is-- 7i7 entitled to vote by absentee ballot under the ,uniformed and ,overseas ,citizens ,absentee ,voting ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcjb et seq472 7ii7 provided the right to vote otherwise than in person under section #c7;b77#b77;,b77ii7 of the ,voting ,accessibility for the ,elderly and ,handicapped ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjajb7;b77#b77;,b77ii772 or 7iii7 entitled to vote otherwise than in person under any other ,federal law4 4 7#c7 ,conforming amendment relating to effective date ,section #cjc7;d77#b77;,a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhc7;d77#b77;,a77 is amended by striking ,each ,state and inserting ,except as provided in subsection 7b77#e71 each ,state4 7c7 ,conforming ,amendments 7#a7 ,timing of registration ,section #h7;a77#a7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejg7;a77#a77 is amended-- 7,a7 by striking and at the end of subparagraph 7,c72 7,b7 by redesignating subparagraph 7,d7 as subparagraph 7,e72 and 7,c7 by inserting after subparagraph 7,c7 the following new subparagraph3 7,d7 in the case of online registration through the official public website of an election official under section #f;,a1 if the valid voter registration application is submitted online not later than the lesser of #cj days1 or the period provided by ,state law1 before the date of the election 7as determined by treating the date on which the application is sent electronically as the date on which it is submitted72 and 4 7#b7 ,informing applicants of eligibility requirements and penalties ,section #h7;a77#e7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejg7;a77#e77 is amended by striking and #g and inserting #f;,a1 and #g4 #ajjb4 ,use of ,internet to update registration information 7a7 ,in ,general 7#a7 ,updates to information contained on computerized statewide voter registration list ,section #cjc7;a7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhc7;a77 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#f7 ,use of ,internet by registered voters to update information 7,a7 ,in general ,the appropriate ,state or local election official shall ensure that any registered voter on the computerized list may at any time update the voter's registration information1 including the voter's address and electronic mail address1 online through the official public website of the election official responsible for the maintenance of the list1 so long as the voter attests to the contents of the update by providing a signature in electronic form in the same manner required under section #f;,a7c7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic4 7,b7 ,processing of updated information by election officials ,if a registered voter updates registration information under subparagraph 7,a71 the appropriate ,state or local election official shall-- 7i7 revise any information on the computerized list to reflect the update made by the voter2 and 7ii7 if the updated registration information affects the voter's eligibility to vote in an election for ,federal office1 ensure that the information is processed with respect to the election if the voter updates the information not later than the lesser of #g days1 or the period provided by ,state law1 before the date of the election4 7,c7 ,confirmation and disposition 7i7 ,confirmation of receipt ,upon the online submission of updated registration information by an individual under this paragraph1 the appropriate ,state or local election official shall send the individual a notice confirming the ,state's receipt of the updated information and providing instructions on how the individual may check the status of the update4 7ii7 ,notice of disposition ,not later than #g days after the appropriate ,state or local election official has accepted or rejected updated information submitted by an individual under this paragraph1 the official shall send the individual a notice of the disposition of the update4 7iii7 ,method of notification ,the appropriate ,state or local election official shall send the notices required under this subparagraph by regular mail1 and1 in the case of an individual who has requested that the ,state provide voter registration and voting information through electronic mail1 by both electronic mail and regular mail4 4 7#b7 ,conforming amendment relating to effective date ,section #cjc7;d77#a77;,a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhc7;d77#a77;,a77 is amended by striking subparagraph 7,b7 and inserting subparagraph 7,b7 and subsection 7a77#f74 7b7 ,ability of registrant ,to use online update ,to provide information on residence ,section #h7;d77#b77;,a7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejg7;d77#b77;,a77 is amended-- 7#a7 in the first sentence1 by inserting after return the card the following3 or update the registrant's information on the computerized ,statewide voter registration list using the online method provided under section #cjc7;a77#f7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb2 and 7#b7 in the second sentence1 by striking returned1 and inserting the following3 returned or if the registrant does not update the registrant's information on the computerized ,statewide voter registration list using such online method14 #ajjc4 ,provision of election information by electronic mail to individuals registered to vote 7a7 ,including ,option on ,voter ,registration ,application ,to ,provide ,e-,mail ,address and ,receive ,information 7#a7 ,in general ,section #i7;b7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejh7;b77 is amended-- 7,a7 by striking and at the end of paragraph 7#c72 7,b7 by striking the period at the end of paragraph 7#d7 and inserting 2 and2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#e7 shall include a space for the applicant to provide 7at the applicant's option7 an electronic mail address1 together with a statement that1 if the applicant so requests1 instead of using regular mail the appropriate ,state and local election officials shall provide to the applicant1 through electronic mail sent to that address1 the same voting information 7as defined in section #cjb7;b77#b7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb7 which the officials would provide to the applicant through regular mail4 4 7#b7 ,prohibiting use for purposes unrelated to official duties of election officials ,section #i of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejh7 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7c7 ,prohibiting use of electronic mail addresses for other than official purposes ,the chief ,state election official shall ensure that any electronic mail address provided by an applicant under subsection 7b77#e7 is used only for purposes of carrying out official duties of election officials and is not transmitted by any ,state or local election official 7or any agent of such an official1 including a contractor7 to any person who does not require the address to carry out such official duties and who is not under the direct supervision and control of a ,state or local election official4 4 7b7 ,requiring ,provision of ,information by ,election ,officials ,section #cjb7;b7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhb7;b77 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#c7 ,provision of other information by electronic mail ,if an individual who is a registered voter has provided the ,state or local election official with an electronic mail address for the purpose of receiving voting information 7as described in section #i7;b77#e7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic71 the appropriate ,state or local election official1 through electronic mail transmitted not later than #g days before the date of the election for ,federal office involved1 shall provide the individual with information on how to obtain the following information by electronic means3 7,a7 ,the name and address of the polling place at which the individual is assigned to vote in the election4 7,b7 ,the hours of operation for the polling place4 7,c7 ,a description of any identification or other information the individual may be required to present at the polling place4 4 #ajjd4 ,clarification of requirement regarding necessary information to show eligibility to vote ,section #h of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejg7 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subsection 7j7 as subsection 7k72 and 7#b7 by inserting after subsection 7i7 the following new subsection3 7j7 ,requirement for ,state ,to ,register ,applicants ,providing ,necessary ,information ,to ,show ,eligibility ,to ,vote ,for purposes meeting the requirement of subsection 7a77#a7 that an eligible applicant is registered to vote in an election for ,federal office within the deadlines required under such subsection1 the ,state shall consider an applicant to have provided a valid voter registration form if-- 7#a7 the applicant has substantially completed the application form and attested to the statement required by section #i7;b77#b72 and 7#b7 in the case of an applicant who registers to vote online in accordance with section #f;,a1 the applicant provides a signature in accordance with subsection 7c7 of such section4 4 #ajje4 ,effective date 7a7 ,in ,general ,except as provided in subsection 7b71 the amendments made by this part 7other than the amendments made by section #ajjd7 shall take effect ,january #a1 #bjbj4 7b7 ,waiver ,subject to the approval of the ,election ,assistance ,commission1 if a ,state certifies to the ,election ,assistance ,commission that the ,state will not meet the deadline referred to in subsection 7a7 because of extraordinary circumstances and includes in the certification the reasons for the failure to meet the deadline1 subsection 7a7 shall apply to the ,state as if the reference in such subsection to ,january #a1 #bjbj were a reference to ,january #a1 #bjbb4 #b ,automatic ,voter ,registration #ajaa4 ,short title2 findings and purpose 7a7 ,short title ,this part may be cited as the ,automatic ,voter ,registration ,act of #bjai4 7b7 ,findings and purpose 7#a7 ,findings ,congress finds that-- 7,a7 the right to vote is a fundamental right of citizens of the ,united ,states2 7,b7 it is the responsibility of the ,state and ,federal ,governments to ensure that every eligible citizen is registered to vote2 7,c7 existing voter registration systems can be inaccurate1 costly1 inaccessible and confusing1 with damaging effects on voter participation in elections and disproportionate impacts on young people1 persons with disabilities1 and racial and ethnic minorities2 and 7,d7 voter registration systems must be updated with #bast ,century technologies and procedures to maintain their security4 7#b7 ,purpose ,it is the purpose of this part-- 7,a7 to establish that it is the responsibility of government at every level to ensure that all eligible citizens are registered to vote2 7,b7 to enable the ,state and ,federal ,governments to register all eligible citizens to vote with accurate1 cost-efficient1 and up-to-date procedures2 7,c7 to modernize voter registration and list maintenance procedures with electronic and ,internet capabilities2 and 7,d7 to protect and enhance the integrity1 accuracy1 efficiency1 and accessibility of the electoral process for all eligible citizens4 #ajab4 ,automatic registration of eligible individuals 7a7 ,requiring ,states to establish and operate automatic registration system 7#a7 ,in general ,the chief ,state election official of each ,state shall establish and operate a system of automatic registration for the registration of eligible individuals to vote for elections for ,federal office in the ,state1 in accordance with the provisions of this part4 7#b7 ,definition ,the term automatic registration means a system that registers an individual to vote in elections for ,federal office in a ,state1 if eligible1 by electronically transferring the information necessary for registration from government agencies to election officials of the ,state so that1 unless the individual affirmatively declines to be registered1 the individual will be registered to vote in such elections4 7b7 ,registration of voters based on new agency records ,the chief ,state election official shall-- 7#a7 not later than #ae days after a contributing agency has transmitted information with respect to an individual pursuant to section #ajac1 ensure that the individual is registered to vote in elections for ,federal office in the ,state if the individual is eligible to be registered to vote in such elections2 and 7#b7 not later than #abj days after a contributing agency has transmitted such information with respect to the individual1 send written notice to the individual1 in addition to other means of notice established by this part1 of the individual's voter registration status4 7c7 ,one-time registration of voters based on existing contributing agency records ,the chief ,state election official shall-- 7#a7 identify all individuals whose information is transmitted by a contributing agency pursuant to section #ajad and who are eligible to be1 but are not currently1 registered to vote in that ,state2 7#b7 promptly send each such individual written notice1 in addition to other means of notice established by this part1 which shall not identify the contributing agency that transmitted the information but shall include-- 7,a7 an explanation that voter registration is voluntary1 but if the individual does not decline registration1 the individual will be registered to vote2 7,b7 a statement offering the opportunity to decline voter registration through means consistent with the requirements of this part2 7,c7 in the case of a ,state in which affiliation or enrollment with a political party is required in order to participate in an election to select the party's candidate in an election for ,federal office1 a statement offering the individual the opportunity to affiliate or enroll with a political party or to decline to affiliate or enroll with a political party1 through means consistent with the requirements of this part2 7,d7 the substantive qualifications of an elector in the ,state as listed in the mail voter registration application form for elections for ,federal office prescribed pursuant to section #i of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic1 the consequences of false registration1 and a statement that the individual should decline to register if the individual does not meet all those qualifications2 7,e7 instructions for correcting any erroneous information2 and 7,f7 instructions for providing any additional information which is listed in the mail voter registration application form for elections for ,federal office prescribed pursuant to section #i of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic2 7#c7 ensure that each such individual who is eligible to register to vote in elections for ,federal office in the ,state is promptly registered to vote not later than #de days after the official sends the individual the written notice under paragraph 7#b71 unless1 during the #cj-;day period which begins on the date the election official sends the individual such written notice1 the individual declines registration in writing1 through a communication made over the ,internet1 or by an officially-logged telephone communication2 and 7#d7 send written notice to each such individual1 in addition to other means of notice established by this part1 of the individual's voter registration status4 7d7 ,treatment of individuals under #ah years of age ,a ,state may not refuse to treat an individual as an eligible individual for purposes of this part on the grounds that the individual is less than #ah years of age at the time a contributing agency receives information with respect to the individual1 so long as the individual is at least #af years of age at such time4 7e7 ,contributing agency defined ,in this part1 the term contributing agency means1 with respect to a ,state1 an agency listed in section #ajac7;e74 #ajac4 ,contributing agency assistance in registration 7a7 ,in general ,in accordance with this part1 each contributing agency in a ,state shall assist the ,state's chief election official in registering to vote all eligible individuals served by that agency4 7b7 ,requirements for contributing agencies 7#a7 ,instructions on automatic registration ,with each application for service or assistance1 and with each related recertification1 renewal1 or change of address1 or1 in the case of an institution of higher education1 with each registration of a student for enrollment in a course of study1 each contributing agency that 7in the normal course of its operations7 requests individuals to affirm ,united ,states citizenship 7either directly or as part of the overall application for service or assistance7 shall inform each such individual who is a citizen of the ,united ,states of the following3 7,a7 ,unless that individual declines to register to vote1 or is found ineligible to vote1 the individual will be registered to vote or1 if applicable1 the individual's registration will be updated4 7,b7 ,the substantive qualifications of an elector in the ,state as listed in the mail voter registration application form for elections for ,federal office prescribed pursuant to section #i of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic1 the consequences of false registration1 and the individual should decline to register if the individual does not meet all those qualifications4 7,c7 ,in the case of a ,state in which affiliation or enrollment with a political party is required in order to participate in an election to select the party's candidate in an election for ,federal office1 the requirement that the individual must affiliate or enroll with a political party in order to participate in such an election4 7,d7 ,voter registration is voluntary1 and neither registering nor declining to register to vote will in any way affect the availability of services or benefits1 nor be used for other purposes4 7#b7 ,opportunity to decline registration required ,each contributing agency shall ensure that each application for service or assistance1 and each related recertification1 renewal1 or change of address1 or1 in the case of an institution of higher education1 each registration of a student for enrollment in a course of study1 cannot be completed until the individual is given the opportunity to decline to be registered to vote4 7#c7 ,information transmittal ,upon the expiration of the #cj-;day period which begins on the date the contributing agency informs the individual of the information described in paragraph 7#a71 each contributing agency shall electronically transmit to the appropriate ,state election official1 in a format compatible with the statewide voter database maintained under section #cjc of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhc71 the following information1 unless during such #cj-;day period the individual declined to be registered to vote3 7,a7 ,the individual's given name7s7 and surname7s74 7,b7 ,the individual's date of birth4 7,c7 ,the individual's residential address4 7,d7 ,information showing that the individual is a citizen of the ,united ,states4 7,e7 ,the date on which information pertaining to that individual was collected or last updated4 7,f7 ,if available1 the individual's signature in electronic form4 7,g7 ,information regarding the individual's affiliation or enrollment with a political party1 if the individual provides such information4 7,h7 ,any additional information listed in the mail voter registration application form for elections for ,federal office prescribed pursuant to section #i of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic1 including any valid driver's license number or the last #d digits of the individual's social security number1 if the individual provided such information4 7c7 ,alternate procedure for certain contributing agencies ,with each application for service or assistance1 and with each related recertification1 renewal1 or change of address1 any contributing agency that in the normal course of its operations does not request individuals applying for service or assistance to affirm ,united ,states citizenship 7either directly or as part of the overall application for service or assistance7 shall-- 7#a7 complete the requirements of section #g7;a77#f7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejf7;a77#f772 7#b7 ensure that each applicant's transaction with the agency cannot be completed until the applicant has indicated whether the applicant wishes to register to vote or declines to register to vote in elections for ,federal office held in the ,state2 and 7#c7 for each individual who wishes to register to vote1 transmit that individual's information in accordance with subsection 7b77#c74 7d7 ,required availability of automatic registration opportunity with each application for service or assistance ,each contributing agency shall offer each individual1 with each application for service or assistance1 and with each related recertification1 renewal1 or change of address1 or in the case of an institution of higher education1 with each registration of a student for enrollment in a course of study1 the opportunity to register to vote as prescribed by this section without regard to whether the individual previously declined a registration opportunity4 7e7 ,contributing agencies 7#a7 ,state agencies ,in each ,state1 each of the following agencies shall be treated as a contributing agency3 7,a7 ,each agency in a ,state that is required by ,federal law to provide voter registration services1 including the ,state motor vehicle authority and other voter registration agencies under the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic4 7,b7 ,each agency in a ,state that administers a program pursuant to title ,,iii of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eja et seq471 title ,,xix of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acif et seq471 or the ,patient ,protection and ,affordable ,care ,act 7,public ,law #aaa-adh74 7,c7 ,each ,state agency primarily responsible for regulating the private possession of firearms4 7,d7 ,each ,state agency primarily responsible for maintaining identifying information for students enrolled at public secondary schools1 including1 where applicable1 the ,state agency responsible for maintaining the education data system described in section #fbja7;e77#b7 of the ,america ,,competes ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ihga7;e77#b774 7,e7 ,in the case of a ,state in which an individual disenfranchised by a criminal conviction may become eligible to vote upon completion of a criminal sentence or any part thereof1 or upon formal restoration of rights1 the ,state agency responsible for administering that sentence1 or part thereof1 or that restoration of rights4 7,f7 ,any other agency of the ,state which is designated by the ,state as a contributing agency4 7#b7 ,federal agencies ,in each ,state1 each of the following agencies of the ,federal government shall be treated as a contributing agency with respect to individuals who are residents of that ,state 7except as provided in subparagraph 7,c773 7,a7 ,the ,social ,security ,administration1 the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs1 the ,defense ,manpower ,data ,center of the ,department of ,defense1 the ,employee and ,training ,administration of the ,department of ,labor1 and the ,center for ,medicare ,medicaid ,services of the ,department of ,health and ,human ,services4 7,b7 ,the ,bureau of ,citizenship and ,immigration ,services1 but only with respect to individuals who have completed the naturalization process4 7,c7 ,in the case of an individual who is a resident of a ,state in which an individual disenfranchised by a criminal conviction under ,federal law may become eligible to vote upon completion of a criminal sentence or any part thereof1 or upon formal restoration of rights1 the ,federal agency responsible for administering that sentence or part thereof 7without regard to whether the agency is located in the same ,state in which the individual is a resident71 but only with respect to individuals who have completed the criminal sentence or any part thereof4 7,d7 ,any other agency of the ,federal government which the ,state designates as a contributing agency1 but only if the ,state and the head of the agency determine that the agency collects information sufficient to carry out the responsibilities of a contributing agency under this section4 7#c7 ,special rule for institutions of higher education 7,a7 ,special rule ,for purposes of this part1 each institution of higher education described in subparagraph 7,b7 shall be treated as a contributing agency in the ,state in which it is located1 except that-- 7i7 the institution shall be treated as a contributing agency only if1 in its normal course of operations1 the institution requests each student registering for enrollment in a course of study1 including enrollment in a program of distance education1 as defined in section #ajc7g7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajjc7g771 to affirm whether or not the student is a ,united ,states citizen2 and 7ii7 if the institution is treated as a contributing agency in a ,state pursuant to clause 7i71 the institution shall serve as a contributing agency only with respect to students1 including students enrolled in a program of distance education1 as defined in section #ajc7g7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajjc7g771 who reside in the ,state4 7,b7 ,institutions described ,an institution described in this subparagraph is an institution of higher education which has a program participation agreement in effect with the ,secretary of ,education under section #dhg of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajid7 and which is located in a ,state to which section #d7;b7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejc7;b77 does not apply4 7#d7 ,publication ,not later than #ahj days prior to the date of each election for ,federal office held in the ,state1 the chief ,state election official shall publish on the public website of the official an updated list of all contributing agencies in that ,state4 7#e7 ,public education ,the chief ,state election official of each ,state1 in collaboration with each contributing agency1 shall take appropriate measures to educate the public about voter registration under this section4 #ajad4 ,one-time contributing agency assistance in registration of eligible voters in existing records 7a7 ,initial transmittal of information ,for each individual already listed in a contributing agency's records as of the date of enactment of this ,act1 and for whom the agency has the information listed in section #ajac7;b77#c71 the agency shall promptly transmit that information to the appropriate ,state election official in accordance with section #ajac7;b77#c7 not later than the effective date described in section #ajaa7;a74 7b7 ,transition ,for each individual listed in a contributing agency's records as of the effective date described in section #ajaa7;a7 7but who was not listed in a contributing agency's records as of the date of enactment of this ,act71 and for whom the agency has the information listed in section #ajac7;b77#c71 the ,agency shall promptly transmit that information to the appropriate ,state election official in accordance with section #ajac7;b77#c7 not later than #f months after the effective date described in section #ajaa7;a74 #ajae4 ,voter protection and security in automatic registration 7a7 ,protections for errors in registration ,an individual shall not be prosecuted under any ,federal or ,state law1 adversely affected in any civil adjudication concerning immigration status or naturalization1 or subject to an allegation in any legal proceeding that the individual is not a citizen of the ,united ,states on any of the following grounds3 7#a7 ,the individual notified an election office of the individual's automatic registration to vote under this part4 7#b7 ,the individual is not eligible to vote in elections for ,federal office but was automatically registered to vote under this part4 7#c7 ,the individual was automatically registered to vote under this part at an incorrect address4 7#d7 ,the individual declined the opportunity to register to vote or did not make an affirmation of citizenship1 including through automatic registration1 under this part4 7b7 ,limits on use of automatic registration ,the automatic registration of any individual or the fact that an individual declined the opportunity to register to vote or did not make an affirmation of citizenship 7including through automatic registration7 under this part may not be used as evidence against that individual in any ,state or ,federal law enforcement proceeding1 and an individual's lack of knowledge or willfulness of such registration may be demonstrated by the individual's testimony alone4 7c7 ,protection of election integrity ,nothing in subsections 7a7 or 7b7 may be construed to prohibit or restrict any action under color of law against an individual who-- 7#a7 knowingly and willfully makes a false statement to effectuate or perpetuate automatic voter registration by any individual2 or 7#b7 casts a ballot knowingly and willfully in violation of ,state law or the laws of the ,united ,states4 7d7 ,contributing agencies' protection of information ,nothing in this part authorizes a contributing agency to collect1 retain1 transmit1 or publicly disclose any of the following3 7#a7 ,an individual's decision to decline to register to vote or not to register to vote4 7#b7 ,an individual's decision not to affirm his or her citizenship4 7#c7 ,any information that a contributing agency transmits pursuant to section #ajac7;b77#c71 except in pursuing the agency's ordinary course of business4 7e7 ,election officials' protection of information 7#a7 ,public disclosure prohibited 7,a7 ,in general ,subject to subparagraph 7,b71 with respect to any individual for whom any ,state election official receives information from a contributing agency1 the ,state election officials shall not publicly disclose any of the following3 7i7 ,the identity of the contributing agency4 7ii7 ,any information not necessary to voter registration4 7iii7 ,any voter information otherwise shielded from disclosure under ,state law or section #h7;a7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejg7;a774 7iv7 ,any portion of the individual's social security number4 7v7 ,any portion of the individual's motor vehicle driver's license number4 7vi7 ,the individual's signature4 7vii7 ,the individual's telephone number4 7viii7 ,the individual's email address4 7,b7 ,special rule for individuals registered to vote ,with respect to any individual for whom any ,state election official receives information from a contributing agency and who1 on the basis of such information1 is registered to vote in the ,state under this part1 the ,state election officials shall not publicly disclose any of the following3 7i7 ,the identity of the contributing agency4 7ii7 ,any information not necessary to voter registration4 7iii7 ,any voter information otherwise shielded from disclosure under ,state law or section #h7;a7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejg7;a774 7iv7 ,any portion of the individual's social security number4 7v7 ,any portion of the individual's motor vehicle driver's license number4 7vi7 ,the individual's signature4 7#b7 ,voter record changes ,each ,state shall maintain for at least #b years and shall make available for public inspection 7and1 where available1 photocopying at a reasonable cost71 including in electronic form and through electronic methods1 all records of changes to voter records1 including removals1 the reasons for removals1 and updates4 7#c7 ,database management standards ,the ,director of the ,national ,institute of ,standards and ,technology shall1 after providing the public with notice and the opportunity to comment-- 7,a7 establish standards governing the comparison of data for voter registration list maintenance purposes1 identifying as part of such standards the specific data elements1 the matching rules used1 and how a ,state may use the data to determine and deem that an individual is ineligible under ,state law to vote in an election1 or to deem a record to be a duplicate or outdated2 7,b7 ensure that the standards developed pursuant to this paragraph are uniform and nondiscriminatory and are applied in a uniform and nondiscriminatory manner2 and 7,c7 not later than #de days after the deadline for public notice and comment1 publish the standards developed pursuant to this paragraph on the ,director's website and make those standards available in written form upon request4 7#d7 ,security policy ,the ,director of the ,national ,institute of ,standards and ,technology shall1 after providing the public with notice and the opportunity to comment1 publish privacy and security standards for voter registration information not later than #de days after the deadline for public notice and comment4 ,the standards shall require the chief ,state election official of each ,state to adopt a policy that shall specify-- 7,a7 each class of users who shall have authorized access to the computerized statewide voter registration list1 specifying for each class the permission and levels of access to be granted1 and setting forth other safeguards to protect the privacy1 security1 and accuracy of the information on the list2 and 7,b7 security safeguards to protect personal information transmitted through the information transmittal processes of section #ajac or section #ajad1 the online system used pursuant to section #ajag1 any telephone interface1 the maintenance of the voter registration database1 and any audit procedure to track access to the system4 7#e7 ,state compliance with national standards 7,a7 ,certification ,the chief executive officer of the ,state shall annually file with the ,election ,assistance ,commission a statement certifying to the ,director of the ,national ,institute of ,standards and ,technology that the ,state is in compliance with the standards referred to in paragraphs 7#c7 and 7#d74 ,a ,state may meet the requirement of the previous sentence by filing with the ,commission a statement which reads as follows3 hereby certifies that it is in compliance with the standards referred to in paragraphs 7#c7 and 7#d7 of section #ajae7;e7 of the ,automatic ,voter ,registration ,act of #bjai4 7with the blank to be filled in with the name of the ,state involved74 7,b7 ,publication of policies and procedures ,the chief ,state election official of a ,state shall publish on the official's website the policies and procedures established under this section1 and shall make those policies and procedures available in written form upon public request4 7,c7 ,funding dependent on certification ,if a ,state does not timely file the certification required under this paragraph1 it shall not receive any payment under this part for the upcoming fiscal year4 7,d7 ,compliance of ,states that require changes to ,state law ,in the case of a ,state that requires ,state legislation to carry out an activity covered by any certification submitted under this paragraph1 for a period of not more than #b years the ,state shall be permitted to make the certification notwithstanding that the legislation has not been enacted at the time the certification is submitted1 and such ,state shall submit an additional certification once such legislation is enacted4 7f7 ,restrictions on use of information ,no person acting under color of law may discriminate against any individual based on1 or use for any purpose other than voter registration1 election administration1 or enforcement relating to election crimes1 any of the following3 7#a7 ,voter registration records4 7#b7 ,an individual's declination to register to vote or complete an affirmation of citizenship under section #ajac7;b74 7#c7 ,an individual's voter registration status4 7g7 ,prohibition on the use of voter registration information for commercial purposes ,information collected under this part shall not be used for commercial purposes4 ,nothing in this subsection may be construed to prohibit the transmission1 exchange1 or dissemination of information for political purposes1 including the support of campaigns for election for ,federal1 ,state1 or local public office or the activities of political committees 7including committees of political parties7 under the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga4 #ajaf4 ,registration portability and correction 7a7 ,correcting registration information at polling place ,notwithstanding section #cjb7;a7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhb7;a771 if an individual is registered to vote in elections for ,federal office held in a ,state1 the appropriate election official at the polling pace for any such election 7including a location used as a polling place on a date other than the date of the election7 shall permit the individual to-- 7#a7 update the individual's address for purposes of the records of the election official2 7#b7 correct any incorrect information relating to the individual1 including the individual's name and political party affiliation1 in the records of the election official2 and 7#c7 cast a ballot in the election on the basis of the updated address or corrected information1 and to have the ballot treated as a regular ballot and not as a provisional ballot under section #cjb7;a7 of such ,act4 7b7 ,updates to computerized ,statewide voter registration lists ,if an election official at the polling place receives an updated address or corrected information from an individual under subsection 7a71 the official shall ensure that the address or information is promptly entered into the computerized ,statewide voter registration list in accordance with section #cjc7;a77#a77;,a77vi7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhc7;a77#a77;,a77vi774 #ajag4 ,payments and grants 7a7 ,in general ,the ,election ,assistance ,commission shall make grants to each eligible ,state to assist the ,state in implementing the requirements of this part 7or1 in the case of an exempt ,state1 in implementing its existing automatic voter registration program74 7b7 ,eligibility2 application ,a ,state is eligible to receive a grant under this section if the ,state submits to the ,commission1 at such time and in such form as the ,commission may require1 an application containing-- 7#a7 a description of the activities the ,state will carry out with the grant2 7#b7 an assurance that the ,state shall carry out such activities without partisan bias and without promoting any particular point of view regarding any issue2 and 7#c7 such other information and assurances as the ,commission may require4 7c7 ,amount of grant2 priorities ,the ,commission shall determine the amount of a grant made to an eligible ,state under this section4 ,in determining the amounts of the grants1 the ,commission shall give priority to providing funds for those activities which are most likely to accelerate compliance with the requirements of this part 7or1 in the case of an exempt ,state1 which are most likely to enhance the ability of the ,state to automatically register individuals to vote through its existing automatic voter registration program71 including-- 7#a7 investments supporting electronic information transfer1 including electronic collection and transfer of signatures1 between contributing agencies and the appropriate ,state election officials2 7#b7 updates to online or electronic voter registration systems already operating as of the date of the enactment of this ,act2 7#c7 introduction of online voter registration systems in jurisdictions in which those systems did not previously exist2 and 7#d7 public education on the availability of new methods of registering to vote1 updating registration1 and correcting registration4 7d7 ,authorization of appropriations 7#a7 ,authorization ,there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section-- 7,a7 #ejj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjai2 and 7,b7 such sums as may be necessary for each succeeding fiscal year4 7#b7 ,continuing availability of funds ,any amounts appropriated pursuant to the authority of this subsection shall remain available without fiscal year limitation until expended4 #ajah4 ,treatment of exempt ,states 7a7 ,waiver of requirements ,except as provided in subsection 7b71 this part does not apply with respect to an exempt ,state4 7b7 ,exceptions ,the following provisions of this part apply with respect to an exempt ,state3 7#a7 section #ajaf 7relating to registration portability and correction74 7#b7 section #ajag 7relating to payments and grants74 7#c7 ,section #ajai7;e7 7relating to enforcement74 7#d7 ,section #ajai7;f7 7relating to relation to other laws74 #ajai4 ,miscellaneous provisions 7a7 ,accessibility of registration services ,each contributing agency shall ensure that the services it provides under this part are made available to individuals with disabilities to the same extent as services are made available to all other individuals4 7b7 ,transmission through secure third party permitted ,nothing in this part shall be construed to prevent a contributing agency from contracting with a third party to assist the agency in meeting the information transmittal requirements of this part1 so long as the data transmittal complies with the applicable requirements of this part1 including the privacy and security provisions of section #ajae4 7c7 ,nonpartisan1 nondiscriminatory provision of services ,the services made available by contributing agencies under this part and by the ,state under sections #ajjf and #ajjg shall be made in a manner consistent with paragraphs 7#d71 7#e71 and 7#f77;,c7 of section #g7;a7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejf7;a774 7d7 ,notices ,each ,state may send notices under this part via electronic mail if the individual has provided an electronic mail address and consented to electronic mail communications for election-related materials4 ,all notices sent pursuant to this part that require a response must offer the individual notified the opportunity to respond at no cost to the individual4 7e7 ,enforcement ,section #aa of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjeaj71 relating to civil enforcement and the availability of private rights of action1 shall apply with respect to this part in the same manner as such section applies to such ,act4 7f7 ,relation to other laws ,except as provided1 nothing in this part may be construed to authorize or require conduct prohibited under1 or to supersede1 restrict1 or limit the application of any of the following3 7#a7 ,the ,voting ,rights ,act of #aife 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajcja et seq474 7#b7 ,the ,uniformed and ,overseas ,citizens ,absentee ,voting ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcja et seq474 7#c7 ,the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjeja et seq474 7#d7 ,the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjija et seq474 #ajbj4 ,definitions ,in this part1 the following definitions apply3 7#a7 ,the term chief ,state election official means1 with respect to a ,state1 the individual designated by the ,state under section #aj of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjeji7 to be responsible for coordination of the ,state's responsibilities under such ,act4 7#b7 ,the term ,commission means the ,election ,assistance ,commission4 7#c7 ,the term exempt ,state means a ,state which1 under law which is in effect continuously on and after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 operates an automatic voter registration program under which an individual is automatically registered to vote in elections for ,federal office in the ,state if the individual provides the motor vehicle authority of the ,state 7or1 in the case of a ,state in which an individual is automatically registered to vote at the time the individual applies for benefits or services with a ,permanent ,dividend ,fund of the ,state1 provides the appropriate official of such ,fund7 with such identifying information as the ,state may require4 7#d7 ,the term ,state means each of the several ,states and the ,district of ,columbia4 #ajba4 ,effective date 7a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subsection 7b71 this part and the amendments made by this part shall apply with respect to a ,state beginning ,january #a1 #bjba4 7b7 ,waiver ,subject to the approval of the ,commission1 if a ,state certifies to the ,commission that the ,state will not meet the deadline referred to in subsection 7a7 because of extraordinary circumstances and includes in the certification the reasons for the failure to meet the deadline1 subsection 7a7 shall apply to the ,state as if the reference in such subsection to ,january #a1 #bjba were a reference to ,january #a1 #bjbc4 #c ,same ,day ,voter ,registration #ajca4 ,same day registration 7a7 ,in general ,title ,,iii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha et seq47 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating sections #cjd and #cje as sections #cje and #cjf2 and 7#b7 by inserting after section #cjc the following new section3 #cjd4 ,same day registration 7a7 ,in general 7#a7 ,registration ,notwithstanding section #h7;a77#a77;,d7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejg7;a77#a77;,d771 each ,state shall permit any eligible individual on the day of a ,federal election and on any day when voting1 including early voting1 is permitted for a ,federal election-- 7,a7 to register to vote in such election at the polling place using a form that meets the requirements under section #i7;b7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7or1 if the individual is already registered to vote1 to revise any of the individual's voter registration information72 and 7,b7 to cast a vote in such election4 7#b7 ,exception ,the requirements under paragraph 7#a7 shall not apply to a ,state in which1 under a ,state law in effect continuously on and after the date of the enactment of this section1 there is no voter registration requirement for individuals in the ,state with respect to elections for ,federal office4 7b7 ,eligible individual ,for purposes of this section1 the term eligible individual means1 with respect to any election for ,federal office1 an individual who is otherwise qualified to vote in that election4 7c7 ,effective date ,each ,state shall be required to comply with the requirements of subsection 7a7 for the regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office occurring in ,november #bjbj and for any subsequent election for ,federal office4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment relating to enforcement ,section #dja of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #baaaa7 is amended by striking sections #cja1 #cjb1 and #cjc and inserting subtitle ,a of title ,,iii4 7c7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents of such ,act is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating the items relating to sections #cjd and #cje as relating to sections #cje and #cjf2 and 7#b7 by inserting after the item relating to section #cjc the following new item3 ,sec4 #cjd4 ,same day registration4 4 #d ,conditions on ,removal on ,basis of ,interstate ,cross-,checks #ajda4 ,conditions on removal of registrants from official list of eligible voters on basis of interstate cross-checks 7a7 ,minimum information required for removal under cross-check ,section #h7;c77#b7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejg7;c77#b77 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subparagraph 7,b7 as subparagraph 7,d72 and 7#b7 by inserting after subparagraph 7,a7 the following new subparagraphs3 7,b7 ,to the extent that the program carried out by a ,state under subparagraph 7,a7 to systematically remove the names of ineligible voters from the official lists of eligible voters uses information obtained in an interstate cross-check1 in addition to any other conditions imposed under this ,act on the authority of the ,state to remove the name of the voter from such a list1 the ,state may not remove the name of the voter from such a list unless-- 7i7 the ,state obtained the voter's full name 7including the voter's middle name1 if any7 and date of birth1 and the last #d digits of the voter's social security number1 in the interstate cross-check2 or 7ii7 the ,state obtained documentation from the ,,eric system that the voter is no longer a resident of the ,state4 7,c7 ,in this paragraph-- 7i7 the term interstate cross-check means the transmission of information from an election official in one ,state to an election official of another ,state2 and 7ii7 the term ,,eric system means the system operated by the ,electronic ,registration ,information ,center to share voter registration information and voter identification information among participating ,states4 4 7b7 ,requiring completion of cross-checks not later than #f months prior to election ,subparagraph 7,a7 of section #h7;c77#b7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejg7;c77#b77 is amended by striking not later than #ij days and inserting the following3 not later than #ij days 7or1 in the case of a program in which the ,state uses interstate cross-checks1 not later than #f months74 7c7 ,conforming amendment ,subparagraph 7,d7 of section #h7;c77#b7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejg7;c77#b771 as redesignated by subsection 7a77#a71 is amended by striking ,subparagraph 7,a7 and inserting ,this paragraph4 7d7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this ,act shall apply with respect to elections held on or after the expiration of the #f-month period which begins on the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #e ,other ,initiatives to ,promote ,voter ,registration #ajea4 ,annual reports on voter registration statistics 7a7 ,annual report ,not later than #ij days after the end of each year1 each ,state shall submit to the ,election ,assistance ,commission and ,congress a report containing the following categories of information for the year3 7#a7 ,the number of individuals who were registered under part #b4 7#b7 ,the number of voter registration application forms completed by individuals that were transmitted by motor vehicle authorities in the ,state 7pursuant to section #e7;d7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic7 and voter registration agencies in the ,state 7as designated under section #g of such ,act7 to the chief ,state election official of the ,state1 broken down by each such authority and agency4 7#c7 ,the number of such individuals whose voter registration application forms were accepted and who were registered to vote in the ,state and the number of such individuals whose forms were rejected and who were not registered to vote in the ,state1 broken down by each such authority and agency4 7#d7 ,the number of change of address forms and other forms of information indicating that an individual's identifying information has been changed that were transmitted by such motor vehicle authorities and voter registration agencies to the chief ,state election official of the ,state1 broken down by each such authority and agency and the type of form transmitted4 7#e7 ,the number of individuals on the ,statewide computerized voter registration list 7as established and maintained under section #cjc of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb7 whose voter registration information was revised by the chief ,state election official as a result of the forms transmitted to the official by such motor vehicle authorities and voter registration agencies 7as described in paragraph 7#c771 broken down by each such authority and agency and the type of form transmitted4 7#f7 ,the number of individuals who requested the chief ,state election official to revise voter registration information on such list1 and the number of individuals whose information was revised as a result of such a request4 7b7 ,breakdown of information by race and ethnicity of ,individuals ,in preparing the report under this section1 the ,state shall1 for each category of information described in subsection 7a71 include a breakdown by race and ethnicity of the individuals whose information is included in the category1 to the extent that information on the race and ethnicity of such individuals is available to the ,state4 7c7 ,confidentiality of information ,in preparing and submitting a report under this section1 the chief ,state election official shall ensure that no information regarding the identification of any individual is revealed4 7d7 ,state defined ,in this section1 a ,state includes the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 and the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands1 but does not include any ,state in which1 under a ,state law in effect continuously on and after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 there is no voter registration requirement for individuals in the ,state with respect to elections for ,federal office4 #f ,availability of ,,hava ,requirements ,payments #ajfa4 ,availability of requirements payments under ,,hava to cover costs of compliance with new requirements 7a7 ,in ,general ,section #bea7;b7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajja7;b77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a71 by striking 7#b7 and 7#c7 and inserting 7#b71 7#c71 and 7#d72 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#d7 ,certain voter registration activities ,a ,state may use a requirements payment to carry out any of the requirements of the ,voter ,registration ,modernization ,act of #bjai1 including the requirements of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic which are imposed pursuant to the amendments made to such ,act by the ,voter ,registration ,modernization ,act of #bjai4 4 7b7 ,conforming ,amendment ,section #bed7;a77#a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajjd7;a77#a77 is amended by striking section #bea7;a77#b7 and inserting section #bea7;b77#b74 7c7 ,effective ,date ,the amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to fiscal year #bjah and each succeeding fiscal year4 #g ,prohibiting ,interference ,with ,voter ,registration #ajga4 ,reserved #ajgb4 ,establishment of best practices 7a7 ,best practices ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,election ,assistance ,commission shall develop and publish recommendations for best practices for ,states to use to deter and prevent violations of section #fab of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code 7as added by section #ajga71 and section #ab of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjeaa7 7relating to the unlawful interference with registering to vote1 or voting1 or attempting to register to vote or vote71 including practices to provide for the posting of relevant information at polling places and voter registration agencies under such ,act1 the training of poll workers and election officials1 and relevant educational materials4 ,for purposes of this subsection1 the term ,state includes the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 and the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 7b7 ,inclusion in voter information requirements ,section #cjb7;b77#b7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhb7;b77#b77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking and at the end of subparagraph 7,e72 7#b7 by striking the period at the end of subparagraph 7,f7 and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,g7 information relating to the prohibitions of section #fab of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 and section #ab of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjeaa7 7relating to the unlawful interference with registering to vote1 or voting1 or attempting to register to vote or vote71 including information on how individuals may report allegations of violations of such prohibitions4 4 ,b ,access to ,voting for ,individuals ,with ,disabilities #aaja4 ,requirements for ,states to promote access to voter registration and voting for individuals with disabilities 7a7 ,requirements ,subtitle ,a of title ,,iii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha et seq471 as amended by section #ajca7;a71 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating sections #cje and #cjf as sections #cjf and #cjg2 and 7#b7 by inserting after section #cjd the following new section3 #cje4 ,access to voter registration and voting for individuals with disabilities 7a7 ,treatment of applications and ballots ,each ,state shall-- 7#a7 permit individuals with disabilities to use absentee registration procedures and to vote by absentee ballot in elections for ,federal office2 7#b7 accept and process1 with respect to any election for ,federal office1 any otherwise valid voter registration application and absentee ballot application from an individual with a disability if the application is received by the appropriate ,state election official within the deadline for the election which is applicable under ,federal law2 7#c7 in addition to any other method of registering to vote or applying for an absentee ballot in the ,state1 establish procedures-- 7,a7 for individuals with disabilities to request by mail and electronically voter registration applications and absentee ballot applications with respect to elections for ,federal office in accordance with subsection 7c72 7,b7 for ,states to send by mail and electronically 7in accordance with the preferred method of transmission designated by the individual under subparagraph 7,c77 voter registration applications and absentee ballot applications requested under subparagraph 7,a7 in accordance with subsection 7c72 and 7,c7 by which such an individual can designate whether the individual prefers that such voter registration application or absentee ballot application be transmitted by mail or electronically2 7#d7 in addition to any other method of transmitting blank absentee ballots in the ,state1 establish procedures for transmitting by mail and electronically blank absentee ballots to individuals with disabilities with respect to elections for ,federal office in accordance with subsection 7d72 7#e7 transmit a validly requested absentee ballot to an individual with a disability-- 7,a7 except as provided in subsection 7e71 in the case in which the request is received at least #de days before an election for ,federal office1 not later than #de days before the election2 and 7,b7 in the case in which the request is received less than #de days before an election for ,federal office-- 7i7 in accordance with ,state law2 and 7ii7 if practicable and as determined appropriate by the ,state1 in a manner that expedites the transmission of such absentee ballot2 and 7#f7 if the ,state declares or otherwise holds a runoff election for ,federal office1 establish a written plan that provides absentee ballots are made available to individuals with disabilities in a manner that gives them sufficient time to vote in the runoff election4 7b7 ,designation of single ,state office ,to ,provide ,information on ,registration and ,absentee ,ballot ,procedures for ,all ,disabled ,voters in ,state ,each ,state shall designate a single office which shall be responsible for providing information regarding voter registration procedures and absentee ballot procedures to be used by individuals with disabilities with respect to elections for ,federal office to all individuals with disabilities who wish to register to vote or vote in any jurisdiction in the ,state4 7c7 ,designation of ,means of ,electronic ,communication for ,individuals with ,disabilities ,to ,request and for ,states ,to ,send ,voter ,registration ,applications and ,absentee ,ballot ,applications1 and for ,other ,purposes ,related to ,voting ,information 7#a7 ,in general ,each ,state shall1 in addition to the designation of a single ,state office under subsection 7b71 designate not less than #a means of electronic communication-- 7,a7 for use by individuals with disabilities who wish to register to vote or vote in any jurisdiction in the ,state to request voter registration applications and absentee ballot applications under subsection 7a77#c72 7,b7 for use by ,states to send voter registration applications and absentee ballot applications requested under such subsection2 and 7,c7 for the purpose of providing related voting1 balloting1 and election information to individuals with disabilities4 7#b7 ,clarification regarding provision of multiple means of electronic communication ,a ,state may1 in addition to the means of electronic communication so designated1 provide multiple means of electronic communication to individuals with disabilities1 including a means of electronic communication for the appropriate jurisdiction of the ,state4 7#c7 ,inclusion of designated means of electronic communication with informational and instructional materials that accompany balloting materials ,each ,state shall include a means of electronic communication so designated with all informational and instructional materials that accompany balloting materials sent by the ,state to individuals with disabilities4 7#d7 ,transmission if no preference indicated ,in the case where an individual with a disability does not designate a preference under subsection 7a77#c77;,c71 the ,state shall transmit the voter registration application or absentee ballot application by any delivery method allowable in accordance with applicable ,state law1 or if there is no applicable ,state law1 by mail4 7d7 ,transmission of blank absentee ballots by mail and electronically 7#a7 ,in general ,each ,state shall establish procedures-- 7,a7 to securely transmit blank absentee ballots by mail and electronically 7in accordance with the preferred method of transmission designated by the individual with a disability under subparagraph 7,b77 to individuals with disabilities for an election for ,federal office2 and 7,b7 by which the individual with a disability can designate whether the individual prefers that such blank absentee ballot be transmitted by mail or electronically4 7#b7 ,transmission if no preference indicated ,in the case where an individual with a disability does not designate a preference under paragraph 7#a77;,b71 the ,state shall transmit the ballot by any delivery method allowable in accordance with applicable ,state law1 or if there is no applicable ,state law1 by mail4 7#c7 ,application of methods to track delivery to and return of ballot by individual requesting ballot ,under the procedures established under paragraph 7#a71 the ,state shall apply such methods as the ,state considers appropriate1 such as assigning a unique identifier to the ballot1 to ensure that if an individual with a disability requests the ,state to transmit a blank absentee ballot to the individual in accordance with this subsection1 the voted absentee ballot which is returned by the individual is the same blank absentee ballot which the ,state transmitted to the individual4 7e7 ,hardship ,exemption 7#a7 ,in general ,if the chief ,state election official determines that the ,state is unable to meet the requirement under subsection 7a77#e77;,a7 with respect to an election for ,federal office due to an undue hardship described in paragraph 7#b77;,b71 the chief ,state election official shall request that the ,attorney ,general grant a waiver to the ,state of the application of such subsection4 ,such request shall include-- 7,a7 a recognition that the purpose of such subsection is to individuals with disabilities enough time to vote in an election for ,federal office2 7,b7 an explanation of the hardship that indicates why the ,state is unable to transmit such individuals an absentee ballot in accordance with such subsection2 7,c7 the number of days prior to the election for ,federal office that the ,state requires absentee ballots be transmitted to such individuals2 and 7,d7 a comprehensive plan to ensure that such individuals are able to receive absentee ballots which they have requested and submit marked absentee ballots to the appropriate ,state election official in time to have that ballot counted in the election for ,federal office1 which includes-- 7i7 the steps the ,state will undertake to ensure that such individuals have time to receive1 mark1 and submit their ballots in time to have those ballots counted in the election2 7ii7 why the plan provides such individuals sufficient time to vote as a substitute for the requirements under such subsection2 and 7iii7 the underlying factual information which explains how the plan provides such sufficient time to vote as a substitute for such requirements4 7#b7 ,approval of waiver request ,the ,attorney ,general shall approve a waiver request under paragraph 7#a7 if the ,attorney ,general determines each of the following requirements are met3 7,a7 ,the comprehensive plan under subparagraph 7,d7 of such paragraph provides individuals with disabilities sufficient time to receive absentee ballots they have requested and submit marked absentee ballots to the appropriate ,state election official in time to have that ballot counted in the election for ,federal office4 7,b7 ,one or more of the following issues creates an undue hardship for the ,state3 7i7 ,the ,state's primary election date prohibits the ,state from complying with subsection 7a77#e77;,a74 7ii7 ,the ,state has suffered a delay in generating ballots due to a legal contest4 7iii7 ,the ,state ,constitution prohibits the ,state from complying with such subsection4 7#c7 ,timing of waiver 7,a7 ,in general ,except as provided under subparagraph 7,b71 a ,state that requests a waiver under paragraph 7#a7 shall submit to the ,attorney ,general the written waiver request not later than #ij days before the election for ,federal office with respect to which the request is submitted4 ,the ,attorney ,general shall approve or deny the waiver request not later than #fe days before such election4 7,b7 ,exception ,if a ,state requests a waiver under paragraph 7#a7 as the result of an undue hardship described in paragraph 7#b77;,b77ii71 the ,state shall submit to the ,attorney ,general the written waiver request as soon as practicable4 ,the ,attorney ,general shall approve or deny the waiver request not later than #e business days after the date on which the request is received4 7#d7 ,application of waiver ,a waiver approved under paragraph 7#b7 shall only apply with respect to the election for ,federal office for which the request was submitted4 ,for each subsequent election for ,federal office1 the ,attorney ,general shall only approve a waiver if the ,state has submitted a request under paragraph 7#a7 with respect to such election4 7f7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this section may be construed to allow the marking or casting of ballots over the internet4 7g7 ,individual with a disability defined ,in this section1 an individual with a disability means an individual with an impairment that substantially limits any major life activities and who is otherwise qualified to vote in elections for ,federal office4 7h7 ,effective date ,this section shall apply with respect to elections for ,federal office held on or after ,january #a1 #bjbj4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment relating to issuance of voluntary guidance by election assistance commission ,section #caa7;b7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #baaja7;b77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking and at the end of paragraph 7#b72 7#b7 by striking the period at the end of paragraph 7#c7 and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#d7 in the case of the recommendations with respect to section #cje1 ,january #a1 #bjbj4 4 7c7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents of such ,act1 as amended by section #ajca7;c71 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating the items relating to sections #cje and #cjf as relating to sections #cjf and #cjg2 and 7#b7 by inserting after the item relating to section #cjd the following new item3 ,sec4 #cje4 ,access to voter registration and voting for individuals with disabilities4 4 #aajb4 ,expansion and reauthorization of grant program to assure voting access for individuals with disabilities 7a7 ,purposes of payments ,section #bfa7;b7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajba7;b77 is amended by striking paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7 and inserting the following3 7#a7 making absentee voting and voting at home accessible to individuals with the full range of disabilities 7including impairments involving vision1 hearing1 mobility1 or dexterity7 through the implementation of accessible absentee voting systems that work in conjunction with assistive technologies for which individuals have access at their homes1 independent living centers1 or other facilities2 7#b7 making polling places1 including the path of travel1 entrances1 exits1 and voting areas of each polling facility1 accessible to individuals with disabilities1 including the blind and visually impaired1 in a manner that provides the same opportunity for access and participation 7including privacy and independence7 as for other voters2 and 7#c7 providing solutions to problems of access to voting and elections for individuals with disabilities that are universally designed and provide the same opportunities for individuals with and without disabilities4 4 7b7 ,reauthorization ,section #bfd7;a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajbd7;a77 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#d7 ,for fiscal year #bjbj and each succeeding fiscal year1 such sums as may be necessary to carry out this part4 4 7c7 ,period of availability of funds ,section #bfd of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajbd7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7b71 by striking ,any amounts and inserting ,except as provided in subsection 7b71 any amounts2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7c7 ,return and transfer of certain funds 7#a7 ,deadline for obligation and expenditure ,in the case of any amounts appropriated pursuant to the authority of subsection 7a7 for a payment to a ,state or unit of local government for fiscal year #bjbj or any succeeding fiscal year1 any portion of such amounts which have not been obligated or expended by the ,state or unit of local government prior to the expiration of the #d-year period which begins on the date the ,state or unit of local government first received the amounts shall be transferred to the ,commission4 7#b7 ,reallocation of transferred amounts 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,commission shall use the amounts transferred under paragraph 7#a7 to make payments on a pro rata basis to each covered payment recipient described in subparagraph 7,b71 which may obligate and expend such payment for the purposes described in section #bfa7;b7 during the #a-year period which begins on the date of receipt4 7,b7 ,covered payment recipients described ,in subparagraph 7,a71 a covered payment recipient is a ,state or unit of local government with respect to which-- 7i7 amounts were appropriated pursuant to the authority of subsection 7a72 and 7ii7 no amounts were transferred to the ,commission under paragraph 7#a74 4 ,c ,prohibiting ,voter ,caging #abja4 ,reserved #abjb4 ,development and adoption of best practices for preventing voter caging 7a7 ,best practices ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,election ,assistance ,commission shall develop and publish for the use of ,states recommendations for best practices to deter and prevent violations of section #fac of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 as added by section #abja7;a71 including practices to provide for the posting of relevant information at polling places and voter registration agencies1 the training of poll workers and election officials1 and relevant educational measures4 ,for purposes of this subsection1 the term ,state includes the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 and the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 7b7 ,inclusion in voting information requirements ,section #cjb7;b77#b7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhb7;b77#b771 as amended by section #ajgb7;b71 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking and at the end of subparagraph 7,f72 7#b7 by striking the period at the end of subparagraph 7,g7 and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,h7 information relating to the prohibition against voter caging and other questionable challenges 7as set forth in section #fac of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code71 including information on how individuals may report allegations of violations of such prohibition4 4 ,d ,reserved ,e ,reserved ,f ,promoting ,accuracy1 ,integrity1 and ,security ,through ,voter-,verified ,permanent ,paper ,ballot #aeja4 ,short title ,this subtitle may be cited as the ,voter ,confidence and ,increased ,accessibility ,act of #bjai4 #aejb4 ,paper ballot and manual counting requirements 7a7 ,in general ,section #cja7;a77#b7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha7;a77#b77 is amended to read as follows3 7#b7 ,paper ballot requirement 7,a7 ,voter-verified paper ballots 7i7 ,paper ballot requirement 7,i7 ,the voting system shall require the use of an individual1 durable1 voter-verified paper ballot of the voter's vote that shall be marked and made available for inspection and verification by the voter before the voter's vote is cast and counted1 and which shall be counted by hand or read by an optical character recognition device or other counting device4 ,for purposes of this subclause1 the term individual1 durable1 voter-verified paper ballot means a paper ballot marked by the voter by hand or a paper ballot marked through the use of a nontabulating ballot marking device or system1 so long as the voter shall have the option to mark his or her ballot by hand4 7,,ii7 ,the voting system shall provide the voter with an opportunity to correct any error on the paper ballot before the permanent voter-verified paper ballot is preserved in accordance with clause 7ii74 7,,iii7 ,the voting system shall not preserve the voter-verified paper ballots in any manner that makes it possible1 at any time after the ballot has been cast1 to associate a voter with the record of the voter's vote without the voter's consent4 7ii7 ,preservation as official record ,the individual1 durable1 voter-verified paper ballot used in accordance with clause 7i7 shall constitute the official ballot and shall be preserved and used as the official ballot for purposes of any recount or audit conducted with respect to any election for ,federal office in which the voting system is used4 7iii7 ,manual counting requirements for recounts and audits 7,i7 ,each paper ballot used pursuant to clause 7i7 shall be suitable for a manual audit1 and shall be counted by hand in any recount or audit conducted with respect to any election for ,federal office4 7,,ii7 ,in the event of any inconsistencies or irregularities between any electronic vote tallies and the vote tallies determined by counting by hand the individual1 durable1 voter-verified paper ballots used pursuant to clause 7i71 and subject to subparagraph 7,b71 the individual1 durable1 voter-verified paper ballots shall be the true and correct record of the votes cast4 7iv7 ,application to all ballots ,the requirements of this subparagraph shall apply to all ballots cast in elections for ,federal office1 including ballots cast by absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters under the ,uniformed and ,overseas ,citizens ,absentee ,voting ,act and other absentee voters4 7,b7 ,special rule for treatment of disputes when paper ballots have been shown to be compromised 7i7 ,in general ,in the event that-- 7,i7 there is any inconsistency between any electronic vote tallies and the vote tallies determined by counting by hand the individual1 durable1 voter-verified paper ballots used pursuant to subparagraph 7,a77i7 with respect to any election for ,federal office2 and 7,,ii7 it is demonstrated by clear and convincing evidence 7as determined in accordance with the applicable standards in the jurisdiction involved7 in any recount1 audit1 or contest of the result of the election that the paper ballots have been compromised 7by damage or mischief or otherwise7 and that a sufficient number of the ballots have been so compromised that the result of the election could be changed1 the determination of the appropriate remedy with respect to the election shall be made in accordance with applicable ,state law1 except that the electronic tally shall not be used as the exclusive basis for determining the official certified result4 7ii7 ,rule for consideration of ballots associated with each voting machine ,for purposes of clause 7i71 only the paper ballots deemed compromised1 if any1 shall be considered in the calculation of whether or not the result of the election could be changed due to the compromised paper ballots4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment clarifying applicability of alternative language accessibility ,section #cja7;a77#d7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha7;a77#d77 is amended by inserting 7including the paper ballots required to be used under paragraph 7#b77 after voting system4 7c7 ,other conforming amendments ,section #cja7;a77#a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha7;a77#a77 is amended-- 7#a7 in subparagraph 7,a77i71 by striking counted and inserting counted1 in accordance with paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c72 7#b7 in subparagraph 7,a77ii71 by striking counted and inserting counted1 in accordance with paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c72 7#c7 in subparagraph 7,a77iii71 by striking counted each place it appears and inserting counted1 in accordance with paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c72 and 7#d7 in subparagraph 7,b77ii71 by striking counted and inserting counted1 in accordance with paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c74 #aejc4 ,accessibility and ballot verification for individuals with disabilities 7a7 ,in general ,section #cja7;a77#c77;,b7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha7;a77#c77;,b77 is amended to read as follows3 7,b7 7i7 ensure that individuals with disabilities and others are given an equivalent opportunity to vote1 including with privacy and independence1 in a manner that produces a voter-verified paper ballot as for other voters2 7ii7 satisfy the requirement of subparagraph 7,a7 through the use of at least one voting system equipped for individuals with disabilities1 including nonvisual and enhanced visual accessibility for the blind and visually impaired1 and nonmanual and enhanced manual accessibility for the mobility and dexterity impaired1 at each polling place2 and 7iii7 meet the requirements of subparagraph 7,a7 and paragraph 7#b77;,a7 by using a system that-- 7,i7 allows the voter to privately and independently verify the permanent paper ballot through the presentation1 in accessible form1 of the printed or marked vote selections from the same printed or marked information that would be used for any vote counting or auditing2 and 7,,ii7 allows the voter to privately and independently verify and cast the permanent paper ballot without requiring the voter to manually handle the paper ballot4 4 7b7 ,specific requirement of study1 testing1 and development of accessible paper ballot verification mechanisms 7#a7 ,study and reporting ,subtitle ,c of title ,,ii of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha et seq47 is amended-- 7,a7 by redesignating section #bdg as section #bdh2 and 7,b7 by inserting after section #bdf the following new section3 #bdg4 ,study and report on accessible paper ballot verification mechanisms 7a7 ,study and report ,the ,director of the ,national ,science ,foundation shall make grants to not fewer than #c eligible entities to study1 test1 and develop accessible paper ballot voting1 verification1 and casting mechanisms and devices and best practices to enhance the accessibility of paper ballot voting and verification mechanisms for individuals with disabilities1 for voters whose primary language is not ,english1 and for voters with difficulties in literacy1 including best practices for the mechanisms themselves and the processes through which the mechanisms are used4 7b7 ,eligibility ,an entity is eligible to receive a grant under this part if it submits to the ,director 7at such time and in such form as the ,director may require7 an application containing-- 7#a7 certifications that the entity shall specifically investigate enhanced methods or devices1 including non-electronic devices1 that will assist such individuals and voters in marking voter-verified paper ballots and presenting or transmitting the information printed or marked on such ballots back to such individuals and voters1 and casting such ballots2 7#b7 a certification that the entity shall complete the activities carried out with the grant not later than ,december #ca1 #bjbj2 and 7#c7 such other information and certifications as the ,director may require4 7c7 ,availability of technology ,any technology developed with the grants made under this section shall be treated as non-proprietary and shall be made available to the public1 including to manufacturers of voting systems4 7d7 ,coordination with grants for technology improvements ,the ,director shall carry out this section so that the activities carried out with the grants made under subsection 7a7 are coordinated with the research conducted under the grant program carried out by the ,commission under section #bga1 to the extent that the ,director and ,commission determine necessary to provide for the advancement of accessible voting technology4 7e7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out subsection 7a7 #e1jjj1jjj1 to remain available until expended4 4 7#b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents of such ,act is amended-- 7,a7 by redesignating the item relating to section #bdg as relating to section #bdh2 and 7,b7 by inserting after the item relating to section #bdf the following new item3 ,sec4 #bdg4 ,study and report on accessible paper ballot verification mechanisms4 4 7c7 ,clarification of accessibility standards under voluntary voting system guidance ,in adopting any voluntary guidance under subtitle ,b of title ,,iii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act with respect to the accessibility of the paper ballot verification requirements for individuals with disabilities1 the ,election ,assistance ,commission shall include and apply the same accessibility standards applicable under the voluntary guidance adopted for accessible voting systems under such subtitle4 7d7 ,permitting use of funds for protection and advocacy systems to support actions to enforce election-related disability access ,section #bib7;a7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajfb7;a77 is amended by striking 2 except that and all that follows and inserting a period4 #aejd4 ,durability and readability requirements for ballots ,section #cja7;a7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha7;a77 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#g7 ,durability and readability requirements for ballots 7,a7 ,durability requirements for paper ballots 7i7 ,in general ,all voter-verified paper ballots required to be used under this ,act shall be marked or printed on durable paper4 7ii7 ,definition ,for purposes of this ,act1 paper is durable if it is capable of withstanding multiple counts and recounts by hand without compromising the fundamental integrity of the ballots1 and capable of retaining the information marked or printed on them for the full duration of a retention and preservation period of #bb months4 7,b7 ,readability requirements for paper ballots marked by ballot marking device ,all voter-verified paper ballots completed by the voter through the use of a ballot marking device shall be clearly readable by the voter without assistance 7other than eyeglasses or other personal vision enhancing devices7 and by an optical character recognition device or other device equipped for individuals with disabilities4 4 #aeje4 ,effective date for new requirements ,section #cja7;d7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha7;d77 is amended to read as follows3 7d7 ,effective ,date 7#a7 ,in general ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 each ,state and jurisdiction shall be required to comply with the requirements of this section on and after ,january #a1 #bjjf4 7#b7 ,special rule for certain requirements 7,a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subparagraphs 7,b7 and 7,c71 the requirements of this section which are first imposed on a ,state and jurisdiction pursuant to the amendments made by the ,voter ,confidence and ,increased ,accessibility ,act of #bjai shall apply with respect to voting systems used for any election for ,federal office held in #bjbj or any succeeding year4 7,b7 ,delay for jurisdictions using certain paper record printers or certain systems using or producing voter-verifiable paper records in #bjah 7i7 ,delay ,in the case of a jurisdiction described in clause 7ii71 subparagraph 7,a7 shall apply to a voting system in the jurisdiction as if the reference in such subparagraph to #bjbj were a reference to #bjbb1 but only with respect to the following requirements of this section3 7,i7 ,paragraph 7#b77;,a77i77,i7 of subsection 7a7 7relating to the use of voter-verified paper ballots74 7,,ii7 ,paragraph 7#c77;,b77ii77,i7 and 7,,ii7 of subsection 7a7 7relating to access to verification from and casting of the durable paper ballot74 7,,iii7 ,paragraph 7#g7 of subsection 7a7 7relating to durability and readability requirements for ballots74 7ii7 ,jurisdictions described ,a jurisdiction described in this clause is a jurisdiction-- 7,i7 which used voter verifiable paper record printers attached to direct recording electronic voting machines1 or which used other voting systems that used or produced paper records of the vote verifiable by voters but that are not in compliance with paragraphs 7#b77;,a77i77,i71 7#c77;,b77iii77,i7 and 7,,ii71 and 7#g7 of subsection 7a7 7as amended or added by the ,voter ,confidence and ,increased ,accessibility ,act of #bjai71 for the administration of the regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office held in ,november #bjah2 and 7,,ii7 which will continue to use such printers or systems for the administration of elections for ,federal office held in years before #bjbb4 7iii7 ,mandatory availability of paper ballots at polling places using grandfathered printers and systems 7,i7 ,requiring ballots to be offered and provided ,the appropriate election official at each polling place that uses a printer or system described in clause 7ii77,i7 for the administration of elections for ,federal office shall offer each individual who is eligible to cast a vote in the election at the polling place the opportunity to cast the vote using a blank pre-printed paper ballot which the individual may mark by hand and which is not produced by the direct recording electronic voting machine or other such system4 ,the official shall provide the individual with the ballot and the supplies necessary to mark the ballot1 and shall ensure 7to the greatest extent practicable7 that the waiting period for the individual to cast a vote is the lesser of #cj minutes or the average waiting period for an individual who does not agree to cast the vote using such a paper ballot under this clause4 7,,ii7 ,treatment of ballot ,any paper ballot which is cast by an individual under this clause shall be counted and otherwise treated as a regular ballot for all purposes 7including by incorporating it into the final unofficial vote count 7as defined by the ,state7 for the precinct7 and not as a provisional ballot1 unless the individual casting the ballot would have otherwise been required to cast a provisional ballot4 7,,iii7 ,posting of notice ,the appropriate election official shall ensure there is prominently displayed at each polling place a notice that describes the obligation of the official to offer individuals the opportunity to cast votes using a pre-printed blank paper ballot4 7,,iv7 ,training of election officials ,the chief ,state election official shall ensure that election officials at polling places in the ,state are aware of the requirements of this clause1 including the requirement to display a notice under subclause 7,,iii71 and are aware that it is a violation of the requirements of this title for an election official to fail to offer an individual the opportunity to cast a vote using a blank pre-printed paper ballot4 7,v7 ,period of applicability ,the requirements of this clause apply only during the period in which the delay is in effect under clause 7i74 7,c7 ,special rule for jurisdictions using certain nontabulating ballot marking devices ,in the case of a jurisdiction which uses a nontabulating ballot marking device which automatically deposits the ballot into a privacy sleeve1 subparagraph 7,a7 shall apply to a voting system in the jurisdiction as if the reference in such subparagraph to any election for ,federal office held in #bjbj or any succeeding year were a reference to elections for ,federal office occurring held in #bjbb or each succeeding year1 but only with respect to paragraph 7#c77;,b77iii77,,ii7 of subsection 7a7 7relating to nonmanual casting of the durable paper ballot74 4 ,g ,provisional ,ballots #afja4 ,requirements for counting provisional ballots2 establishment of uniform and nondiscriminatory standards 7a7 ,in general ,section #cjb of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhb7 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subsection 7d7 as subsection 7f72 and 7#b7 by inserting after subsection 7c7 the following new subsections3 7d7 ,statewide counting of provisional ballots 7#a7 ,in general ,for purposes of subsection 7a77#d71 notwithstanding the precinct or polling place at which a provisional ballot is cast within the ,state1 the appropriate election official shall count each vote on such ballot for each election in which the individual who cast such ballot is eligible to vote4 7#b7 ,effective date ,this subsection shall apply with respect to elections held on or after ,january #a1 #bjbj4 7e7 ,uniform and nondiscriminatory standards 7#a7 ,in general ,consistent with the requirements of this section1 each ,state shall establish uniform and nondiscriminatory standards for the issuance1 handling1 and counting of provisional ballots4 7#b7 ,effective date ,this subsection shall apply with respect to elections held on or after ,january #a1 #bjbj4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment ,section #cjb7;f7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhb7;f771 as redesignated by subsection 7a71 is amended by striking ,each ,state and inserting ,except as provided in subsections 7d77#b7 and 7e77#b71 each ,state4 ,h ,early ,voting #afaa4 ,early voting 7a7 ,requirements ,subtitle ,a of title ,,iii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha et seq471 as amended by section #ajca7;a7 and section #aaja7;a71 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating sections #cjf and #cjg as sections #cjg and #cjh2 and 7#b7 by inserting after section #cje the following new section3 #cjf4 ,early voting 7a7 ,requiring ,voting ,prior to ,date of ,election 7#a7 ,in general ,each ,state shall allow individuals to vote in an election for ,federal office during an early voting period which occurs prior to the date of the election1 in the same manner as voting is allowed on such date4 7#b7 ,length of period ,the early voting period required under this subsection with respect to an election shall consist of a period of consecutive days 7including weekends7 which begins on the #aeth day before the date of the election 7or1 at the option of the ,state1 on a day prior to the #aeth day before the date of the election7 and ends on the date of the election4 7b7 ,minimum early voting requirements ,each polling place which allows voting during an early voting period under subsection 7a7 shall-- 7#a7 allow such voting for no less than #d hours on each day1 except that the polling place may allow such voting for fewer than #d hours on ,sundays2 and 7#b7 have uniform hours each day for which such voting occurs4 7c7 ,location of polling places near public transportation ,to the greatest extent practicable1 a ,state shall ensure that each polling place which allows voting during an early voting period under subsection 7a7 is located within walking distance of a stop on a public transportation route4 7d7 ,standards 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,commission shall issue standards for the administration of voting prior to the day scheduled for a ,federal election4 ,such standards shall include the nondiscriminatory geographic placement of polling places at which such voting occurs4 7#b7 ,deviation ,the standards described in paragraph 7#a7 shall permit ,states1 upon providing adequate public notice1 to deviate from any requirement in the case of unforeseen circumstances such as a natural disaster1 terrorist attack1 or a change in voter turnout4 7e7 ,effective date ,this section shall apply with respect to elections held on or after ,january #a1 #bjbj4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment relating to issuance of voluntary guidance by election assistance commission ,section #caa7;b7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #baaja7;b771 as amended by section #aaja7;b71 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking and at the end of paragraph 7#c72 7#b7 by striking the period at the end of paragraph 7#d7 and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#e7 in the case of the recommendations with respect to section #cjf1 ,june #cj1 #bjbj4 4 7c7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents of such ,act1 as amended by section #ajca7;c7 and section #aaja7;d71 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating the items relating to sections #cjf and #cjg as relating to sections #cjg and #cjh2 and 7#b7 by inserting after the item relating to section #cje the following new item3 ,sec4 #cjf4 ,early voting4 4 ,i ,voting by ,mail #afba4 ,voting by ,mail 7a7 ,requirements ,subtitle ,a of title ,,iii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha et seq471 as amended by section #ajca7;a71 section #aaja7;a71 and section #afaa7;a71 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating sections #cjg and #cjh as sections #cjh and #cji2 and 7#b7 by inserting after section #cjf the following new section3 #cjg4 ,promoting ability of voters to vote by mail 7a7 ,in ,general ,if an individual in a ,state is eligible to cast a vote in an election for ,federal office1 the ,state may not impose any additional conditions or requirements on the eligibility of the individual to cast the vote in such election by absentee ballot by mail1 except as required under subsection 7b7 and except to the extent that the ,state imposes a deadline for requesting the ballot and related voting materials from the appropriate ,state or local election official and for returning the ballot to the appropriate ,state or local election official4 7b7 ,requiring signature verification 7#a7 ,requirement ,a ,state may not accept and process an absentee ballot submitted by any individual with respect to an election for ,federal office unless the ,state verifies the identification of the individual by comparing the individual's signature on the absentee ballot with the individual's signature on the official list of registered voters in the ,state1 in accordance with such procedures as the ,state may adopt 7subject to the requirements of paragraph 7#b774 7#b7 ,due process requirements 7,a7 ,notice and opportunity to cure discrepancy ,if an individual submits an absentee ballot and the appropriate ,state or local election official determines that a discrepancy exists between the signature on such ballot and the signature of such individual on the official list of registered voters in the ,state1 such election official1 prior to making a final determination as to the validity of such ballot1 shall make a good faith effort to immediately notify such individual by mail1 telephone1 and 7if available7 electronic mail that-- 7i7 a discrepancy exists between the signature on such ballot and the signature of such individual on the official list of registered voters in the ,state2 7ii7 such individual may provide the official with information to cure such discrepancy1 either in person1 by telephone1 or by electronic methods2 and 7iii7 if such discrepancy is not cured prior to the expiration of the #g-;day period which begins on the date of the election1 such ballot will not be counted4 7,b7 ,other requirements ,an election official may not make a determination that a discrepancy exists between the signature on an absentee ballot and the signature of the individual who submits the ballot on the official list of registered voters in the ,state unless-- 7i7 at least #b election officials make the determination2 and 7ii7 each official who makes the determination has received training in procedures used to verify signatures4 7c7 ,deadline for providing balloting materials ,if an individual requests to vote by absentee ballot in an election for ,federal office1 the appropriate ,state or local election official shall ensure that the ballot and relating voting materials are received by the individual-- 7#a7 not later than #b weeks before the date of the election2 or 7#b7 in the case of a ,state which imposes a deadline for requesting an absentee ballot and related voting materials which is less than #b weeks before the date of the election1 as expeditiously as possible4 7d7 ,accessibility for individuals with disabilities ,consistent with section #cje1 the ,state shall ensure that all absentee ballots and related voting materials in elections for ,federal office are accessible to individuals with disabilities in a manner that provides the same opportunity for access and participation 7including with privacy and independence7 as for other voters4 7e7 ,uniform deadline for acceptance of mailed ballots ,if a ballot submitted by an individual by mail with respect to an election for ,federal office in a ,state is postmarked on or before the date of the election1 the ,state may not refuse to accept or process the ballot on the grounds that the individual did not meet a deadline for returning the ballot to the appropriate ,state or local election official4 7f7 ,no effect on ballots submitted by absent military and overseas voters ,nothing in this section may be construed to affect the treatment of any ballot submitted by an individual who is entitled to vote by absentee ballot under the ,uniformed and ,overseas ,citizens ,absentee ,voting ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcja et seq474 7g7 ,effective date ,this section shall apply with respect to elections held on or after ,january #a1 #bjbj4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment relating to issuance of voluntary guidance by election assistance commission ,section #caa7;b7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #baaja7;b771 as amended by section #aaja7;b7 and section #afaa7;b71 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking and at the end of paragraph 7#d72 7#b7 by striking the period at the end of paragraph 7#e7 and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#f7 in the case of the recommendations with respect to section #cjg1 ,june #cj1 #bjbj4 4 7c7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents of such ,act1 as amended by section #ajca7;c71 section #aaja7;d71 and section #afaa7;c71 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating the items relating to sections #cjg and #cjh as relating to sections #cjh and #cji2 and 7#b7 by inserting after the item relating to section #cjf the following new item3 ,sec4 #cjg4 ,promoting ability of voters to vote by mail4 4 7d7 ,development of biometric verification 7#a7 ,development of standards ,the ,national ,institute of ,standards1 in consultation with the ,election ,assistance ,commission1 shall develop standards for the use of biometric methods which could be used voluntarily in place of the signature verification requirements of section #cjg7;b7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7as added by subsection 7a77 for purposes of verifying the identification of an individual voting by absentee ballot in elections for ,federal office4 7#b7 ,public notice and comment ,the ,national ,institute of ,standards shall solicit comments from the public in the development of standards under paragraph 7#a74 7#c7 ,deadline ,not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,national ,institute of ,standards shall publish the standards developed under paragraph 7#a74 ,j ,absent ,uniformed ,services ,voters and ,overseas ,voters #agja4 ,pre-election reports on availability and transmission of absentee ballots ,section #ajb7;c7 of the ,uniformed and ,overseas ,citizens ,absentee ,voting ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcjb7;c77 is amended to read as follows3 7c7 ,reports on ,availability1 transmission1 and receipt of absentee ballots 7#a7 ,pre-election report on absentee ballot availability ,not later than #ee days before any regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office1 each ,state shall submit a report to the ,attorney ,general1 the ,election ,assistance ,commission 7hereafter in this subsection referred to as the ,commission71 and the ,presidential ,designee1 and make that report publicly available that same day1 certifying that absentee ballots for the election are or will be available for transmission to absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters by not later than #de days before the election4 ,the report shall be in a form prescribed jointly by the ,attorney ,general and the ,commission and shall require the ,state to certify specific information about ballot availability from each unit of local government which will administer the election4 7#b7 ,pre-election report on absentee ballot transmission ,not later than #dc days before any regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office1 each ,state shall submit a report to the ,attorney ,general1 the ,commission1 and the ,presidential ,designee1 and make that report publicly available that same day1 certifying whether all absentee ballots have been transmitted by not later than #de days before the election to all qualified absent uniformed services and overseas voters whose requests were received at least #de days before the election4 ,the report shall be in a form prescribed jointly by the ,attorney ,general and the ,commission1 and shall require the ,state to certify specific information about ballot transmission1 including the total numbers of ballot requests received and ballots transmitted1 from each unit of local government which will administer the election4 7#c7 ,post-election report on number of absentee ballots transmitted and received ,not later than #ij days after the date of each regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office1 each ,state and unit of local government which administered the election shall 7through the ,state1 in the case of a unit of local government7 submit a report to the ,attorney ,general1 the ,commission1 and the ,presidential ,designee on the combined number of absentee ballots transmitted to absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters for the election and the combined number of such ballots which were returned by such voters and cast in the election1 and shall make such report available to the general public that same day4 4 #agjb4 ,enforcement 7a7 ,availability of civil penalties and private rights of action ,section #aje of the ,uniformed and ,overseas ,citizens ,absentee ,voting ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcjg7 is amended to read as follows3 #aje4 ,enforcement 7a7 ,action by ,attorney ,general 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,attorney ,general may bring civil action in an appropriate district court for such declaratory or injunctive relief as may be necessary to carry out this title4 7#b7 ,penalty ,in a civil action brought under paragraph 7#a71 if the court finds that the ,state violated any provision of this title1 it may1 to vindicate the public interest1 assess a civil penalty against the ,state-- 7,a7 in an amount not to exceed #aaj1jjj for each such violation1 in the case of a first violation2 or 7,b7 in an amount not to exceed #bbj1jjj for each such violation1 for any subsequent violation4 7#c7 ,report to ,congress ,not later than ,december #ca of each year1 the ,attorney ,general shall submit to ,congress an annual report on any civil action brought under paragraph 7#a7 during the preceding year4 7b7 ,private right of action ,a person who is aggrieved by a ,state's violation of this title may bring a civil action in an appropriate district court for such declaratory or injunctive relief as may be necessary to carry out this title4 7c7 ,state as only necessary defendant ,in any action brought under this section1 the only necessary party defendant is the ,state1 and it shall not be a defense to any such action that a local election official or a unit of local government is not named as a defendant1 notwithstanding that a ,state has exercised the authority described in section #egf of the ,military and ,overseas ,voter ,empowerment ,act to delegate to another jurisdiction in the ,state any duty or responsibility which is the subject of an action brought under this section4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to violations alleged to have occurred on or after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #agjc4 ,revisions to #de-;day absentee ballot transmission rule 7a7 ,repeal of waiver authority 7#a7 ,in general ,section #ajb of the ,uniformed and ,overseas ,citizens ,absentee ,voting ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcjb7 is amended by striking subsection 7g74 7#b7 ,conforming amendment ,section #ajb7;a77#h77;,a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcjb7;a77#h77;,a77 is amended by striking except as provided in subsection 7g714 7b7 ,requiring use of express delivery in case of failure to meet requirement ,section #ajb of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcjb71 as amended by subsection 7a71 is amended by inserting after subsection 7f7 the following new subsection3 7g7 ,requiring use of express delivery in case of failure ,to transmit ballots within deadlines 7#a7 ,transmission of ballot by express delivery ,if a ,state fails to meet the requirement of subsection 7a77#h77;,a7 to transmit a validly requested absentee ballot to an absent uniformed services voter or overseas voter not later than #de days before the election 7in the case in which the request is received at least #de days before the election7-- 7,a7 the ,state shall transmit the ballot to the voter by express delivery2 or 7,b7 in the case of a voter who has designated that absentee ballots be transmitted electronically in accordance with subsection 7f77#a71 the ,state shall transmit the ballot to the voter electronically4 7#b7 ,special rule for transmission fewer than #dj days before the election ,if1 in carrying out paragraph 7#a71 a ,state transmits an absentee ballot to an absent uniformed services voter or overseas voter fewer than #dj days before the election1 the ,state shall enable the ballot to be returned by the voter by express delivery1 except that in the case of an absentee ballot of an absent uniformed services voter for a regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office1 the ,state may satisfy the requirement of this paragraph by notifying the voter of the procedures for the collection and delivery of such ballots under section #ajc;,a4 4 7c7 ,clarification of treatment of weekends ,section #ajb7;a77#h77;,a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcjb7;a77#h77;,a77 is amended by striking the election2 and inserting the following3 the election 7or1 if the #deth day preceding the election is a weekend or legal public holiday1 not later than the most recent weekday which precedes such #deth day and which is not a legal public holiday1 but only if the request is received by at least such most recent weekday724 #agjd4 ,use of single absentee ballot application for subsequent elections 7a7 ,in general ,section #ajd of the ,uniformed and ,overseas ,citizens ,absentee ,voting ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcjf7 is amended to read as follows3 #ajd4 ,use of single application for subsequent elections 7a7 ,in general ,if a ,state accepts and processes an official post card form 7prescribed under section #aja7 submitted by an absent uniformed services voter or overseas voter for simultaneous voter registration and absentee ballot application 7in accordance with section #ajb7;a77#d77 and the voter requests that the application be considered an application for an absentee ballot for each subsequent election for ,federal office held in the ,state through the next regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office 7including any runoff elections which may occur as a result of the outcome of such general election71 the ,state shall provide an absentee ballot to the voter for each such subsequent election4 7b7 ,exception for voters changing registration ,subsection 7a7 shall not apply with respect to a voter registered to vote in a ,state for any election held after the voter notifies the ,state that the voter no longer wishes to be registered to vote in the ,state or after the ,state determines that the voter has registered to vote in another ,state or is otherwise no longer eligible to vote in the ,state4 7c7 ,prohibition of refusal of application on grounds of early submission ,a ,state may not refuse to accept or to process1 with respect to any election for ,federal office1 any otherwise valid voter registration application or absentee ballot application 7including the postcard form prescribed under section #aja7 submitted by an absent uniformed services voter or overseas voter on the grounds that the voter submitted the application before the first date on which the ,state otherwise accepts or processes such applications for that election which are submitted by absentee voters who are not members of the uniformed services or overseas citizens4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall apply with respect to voter registration and absentee ballot applications which are submitted to a ,state or local election official on or after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #agje4 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this subtitle shall apply with respect to elections occurring on or after ,january #a1 #bjbj4 ,k ,poll ,worker ,recruitment and ,training #ahja4 ,reserved #ahjb4 ,grants to ,states for poll worker recruitment and training 7a7 ,grants by ,election ,assistance ,commission 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,election ,assistance ,commission 7hereafter referred to as the ,commission7 shall make a grant to each eligible ,state for recruiting and training individuals to serve as poll workers on dates of elections for public office4 7#b7 ,use of ,commission materials ,in carrying out activities with a grant provided under this section1 the recipient of the grant shall use the manual prepared by the ,commission on successful practices for poll worker recruiting1 training and retention as an interactive training tool1 and shall develop training programs with the participation and input of experts in adult learning4 7b7 ,requirements for ,eligibility 7#a7 ,application ,each ,state that desires to receive a payment under this section shall submit an application for the payment to the ,commission at such time and in such manner and containing such information as the ,commission shall require4 7#b7 ,contents of ,application ,each application submitted under paragraph 7#a7 shall-- 7,a7 describe the activities for which assistance under this section is sought2 7,b7 provide assurances that the funds provided under this section will be used to supplement and not supplant other funds used to carry out the activities2 7,c7 provide assurances that the ,state will furnish the ,commission with information on the number of individuals who served as poll workers after recruitment and training with the funds provided under this section2 and 7,d7 provide such additional information and certifications as the ,commission determines to be essential to ensure compliance with the requirements of this section4 7c7 ,amount of ,grant 7#a7 ,in general ,the amount of a grant made to a ,state under this section shall be equal to the product of-- 7,a7 the aggregate amount made available for grants to ,states under this section2 and 7,b7 the voting age population percentage for the ,state4 7#b7 ,voting age population percentage defined ,in paragraph 7#a71 the voting age population percentage for a ,state is the quotient of-- 7,a7 the voting age population of the ,state 7as determined on the basis of the most recent information available from the ,bureau of the ,census72 and 7,b7 the total voting age population of all ,states 7as determined on the basis of the most recent information available from the ,bureau of the ,census74 7d7 ,reports to ,congress 7#a7 ,reports by recipients of grants ,not later than #f months after the date on which the final grant is made under this section1 each recipient of a grant shall submit a report to the ,commission on the activities conducted with the funds provided by the grant4 7#b7 ,reports by ,commission ,not later than #a year after the date on which the final grant is made under this section1 the ,commission shall submit a report to ,congress on the grants made under this section and the activities carried out by recipients with the grants1 and shall include in the report such recommendations as the ,commission considers appropriate4 7e7 ,funding 7#a7 ,continuing availability of amount appropriated ,any amount appropriated to carry out this section shall remain available without fiscal year limitation until expended4 7#b7 ,administrative expenses ,of the amount appropriated for any fiscal year to carry out this section1 not more than #c percent shall be available for administrative expenses of the ,commission4 #ahjc4 ,state defined ,in this subtitle1 the term ,state includes the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 and the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 ,l ,enhancement of ,enforcement #ahaa4 ,enhancement of enforcement of ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7a7 ,complaints2 availability of private right of action ,section #dja of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #baaaa7 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking ,the ,attorney ,general and inserting 7a7 ,in ,general4--,the ,attorney ,general2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new subsections3 7b7 ,filing of ,complaints by ,aggrieved ,persons 7#a7 ,in general ,a person who is aggrieved by a violation of title ,,iii which has occurred1 is occurring1 or is about to occur may file a written1 signed1 notarized complaint with the ,attorney ,general describing the violation and requesting the ,attorney ,general to take appropriate action under this section4 ,the ,attorney ,general shall immediately provide a copy of a complaint filed under the previous sentence to the entity responsible for administering the ,state-based administrative complaint procedures described in section #djb7;a7 for the ,state involved4 7#b7 ,response by ,attorney ,general ,the ,attorney ,general shall respond to each complaint filed under paragraph 7#a71 in accordance with procedures established by the ,attorney ,general that require responses and determinations to be made within the same 7or shorter7 deadlines which apply to a ,state under the ,state-based administrative complaint procedures described in section #djb7;a77#b74 ,the ,attorney ,general shall immediately provide a copy of the response made under the previous sentence to the entity responsible for administering the ,state-based administrative complaint procedures described in section #djb7;a7 for the ,state involved4 7c7 ,availability of private right of action ,any person who is authorized to file a complaint under subsection 7b77#a7 7including any individual who seeks to enforce the individual's right to a voter-verified paper ballot1 the right to have the voter-verified paper ballot counted in accordance with this ,act1 or any other right under title ,,iii7 may file an action under section #aigi of the ,revised ,statutes of the ,united ,states 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aihc7 to enforce the uniform and nondiscriminatory election technology and administration requirements under subtitle ,a of title ,,iii4 7d7 ,no effect on ,state procedures ,nothing in this section may be construed to affect the availability of the ,state-based administrative complaint procedures required under section #djb to any person filing a complaint under this subsection4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to violations occurring with respect to elections for ,federal office held in #bjbj or any succeeding year4 ,m ,federal ,election ,integrity #ahba4 ,prohibition on campaign activities by chief ,state election administration officials 7a7 ,in ,general ,title ,,iii of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaja et seq47 is amended by inserting after section #cai the following new section3 #cai;,a4 ,campaign activities by chief ,state election administration officials 7a7 ,prohibition ,it shall be unlawful for a chief ,state election administration official to take an active part in political management or in a political campaign with respect to any election for ,federal office over which such official has supervisory authority4 7b7 ,chief ,state election administration official ,the term chief ,state election administration official means the highest ,state official with responsibility for the administration of ,federal elections under ,state law4 7c7 ,active part in political management or in a political campaign ,the term active part in political management or in a political campaign means-- 7#a7 serving as a member of an authorized committee of a candidate for ,federal office2 7#b7 the use of official authority or influence for the purpose of interfering with or affecting the result of an election for ,federal office2 7#c7 the solicitation1 acceptance1 or receipt of a contribution from any person on behalf of a candidate for ,federal office2 and 7#d7 any other act which would be prohibited under paragraph 7#b7 or 7#c7 of section #gcbc7;b7 of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 if taken by an individual to whom such paragraph applies 7other than any prohibition on running for public office74 7d7 ,exception in case of recusal from administration of elections involving official or immediate family member 7#a7 ,in general ,this section does not apply to a chief ,state election administration official with respect to an election for ,federal office in which the official or an immediate family member of the official is a candidate1 but only if-- 7,a7 such official recuses himself or herself from all of the official's responsibilities for the administration of such election2 and 7,b7 the official who assumes responsibility for supervising the administration of the election does not report directly to such official4 7#b7 ,immediate family member defined ,in paragraph 7#a71 the term immediate family member means1 with respect to a candidate1 a father1 mother1 son1 daughter1 brother1 sister1 husband1 wife1 father-in-law1 or mother-in-law4 4 7b7 ,effective ,date ,the amendments made by subsection 7a7 shall apply with respect to elections for ,federal office held after ,december #bjai4 ,n ,promoting ,voter ,access ,through ,election ,administration ,improvements #a ,promoting ,voter ,access #aija4 ,treatment of institutions of higher education 7a7 ,treatment of certain institutions as voter registration agencies under ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic ,section #g7;a7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejf7;a77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#b7-- 7,a7 by striking and at the end of subparagraph 7,a72 7,b7 by striking the period at the end of subparagraph 7,b7 and inserting 2 and2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,c7 each institution of higher education which has a program participation agreement in effect with the ,secretary of ,education under section #dhg of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajid71 other than an institution which is treated as a contributing agency under the ,automatic ,voter ,registration ,act of #bjai4 2 and 7#b7 in paragraph 7#f77;,a71 by inserting or1 in the case of an institution of higher education1 with each registration of a student for enrollment in a course of study1 including enrollment in a program of distance education1 as defined in section #ajc7g7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajjc7g771 after assistance14 7b7 ,responsibilities of institutions under ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#a7 ,in general ,section #dhg7;a77#bc7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajid7;a77#bc77 is amended to read as follows3 7#bc7 7,a7 7i7 ,the institution will ensure that an appropriate staff person or office is designated publicly as a ,campus ,vote ,coordinator and will ensure that such person's or office's contact information is included on the institution's website4 7ii7 ,not fewer than twice during each calendar year 7beginning with #bjbj71 the ,campus ,vote ,coordinator shall transmit electronically to each student enrolled in the institution 7including students enrolled in distance education programs7 a message containing the following information3 7,i7 ,information on the location of polling places in the jurisdiction in which the institution is located1 together with information on available methods of transportation to and from such polling places4 7,,ii7 ,a referral to a government-affiliated website or online platform which provides centralized voter registration information for all ,states1 including access to applicable voter registration forms and information to assist individuals who are not registered to vote in registering to vote4 7,,iii7 ,any additional voter registration and voting information the ,coordinator considers appropriate1 in consultation with the appropriate ,state election official4 7iii7 ,in addition to transmitting the message described in clause 7ii7 not fewer than twice during each calendar year1 the ,campus ,vote ,coordinator shall transmit the message under such clause not fewer than #cj days prior to the deadline for registering to vote for any election for ,federal1 ,state1 or local office in the ,state4 7,b7 ,if the institution in its normal course of operations requests each student registering for enrollment in a course of study1 including students registering for enrollment in a program of distance education1 to affirm whether or not the student is a ,united ,states citizen1 the institution will comply with the applicable requirements for a contributing agency under the ,automatic ,voter ,registration ,act of #bjai4 7,c7 ,if the institution is not described in subparagraph 7,b71 the institution will comply with the requirements for a voter registration agency in the ,state in which it is located in accordance with section #g of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejf74 7,d7 ,this paragraph applies only with respect to an institution which is located in a ,state to which section #d7;b7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejc7;b77 does not apply4 4 7#b7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this subsection shall apply with respect to elections held on or after ,january #a1 #bjbj4 7c7 ,grants to institutions demonstrating excellence in student voter registration 7#a7 ,grants authorized ,the ,secretary of ,education may award competitive grants to public and private nonprofit institutions of higher education that are subject to the requirements of section #dhg7;a77#bc7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajid7;a77#bc771 as amended by subsection 7a7 and that the ,secretary determines have demonstrated excellence in registering students to vote in elections for public office beyond meeting the minimum requirements of such section4 7#b7 ,eligibility ,an institution of higher education is eligible to receive a grant under this subsection if the institution submits to the ,secretary of ,education1 at such time and in such form as the ,secretary may require1 an application containing such information and assurances as the ,secretary may require to make the determination described in paragraph 7#a71 including information and assurances that the institution carried out activities to promote voter registration by students1 such as the following3 7,a7 ,sponsoring large on-campus voter mobilization efforts4 7,b7 ,engaging the surrounding community in nonpartisan voter registration and get out the vote efforts4 7,c7 ,creating a website for students with centralized information about voter registration and election dates4 7,d7 ,inviting candidates to speak on campus4 7,e7 ,offering rides to students to the polls to increase voter education1 registration1 and mobilization4 7#c7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year #bjbj and each succeeding fiscal year such sums as may be necessary to award grants under this subsection4 7d7 ,sense of ,congress relating to option of students to register in jurisdiction of institution of higher education or jurisdiction of domicile ,it is the sense of ,congress that1 as provided under existing law1 students who attend an institution of higher education and reside in the jurisdiction of the institution while attending the institution should have the option of registering to vote in elections for ,federal office in that jurisdiction or in the jurisdiction of their own domicile4 #aijb4 ,minimum notification requirements for voters affected by polling place changes 7a7 ,requirements ,section #cjb of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhb71 as amended by section #afja7;a71 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subsection 7f7 as subsection 7g72 and 7#b7 by inserting after subsection 7e7 the following new subsection3 7f7 ,minimum notification requirements for voters affected by polling place changes 7#a7 ,in general ,if a ,state assigns an individual who is a registered voter in a ,state to a polling place with respect to an election for ,federal office which is not the same polling place to which the individual was previously assigned with respect to the most recent election for ,federal office in the ,state in which the individual was eligible to vote-- 7,a7 the ,state shall notify the individual of the location of the polling place not later than #g days before the date of the election2 or 7,b7 if the ,state makes such an assignment fewer than #g days before the date of the election and the individual appears on the date of the election at the polling place to which the individual was previously assigned1 the ,state shall make every reasonable effort to enable the individual to vote on the date of the election4 7#b7 ,effective date ,this subsection shall apply with respect to elections held on or after ,january #a1 #bjbj4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment ,section #cjb7;g7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhb7;g771 as redesignated by subsection 7a7 and as amended by section #afja7;b71 is amended by striking 7d77#b7 and 7e77#b7 and inserting 7d77#b71 7e77#b71 and 7f77#b74 #aijc4 ,reserved #aijd4 ,permitting use of sworn written statement to meet identification requirements for voting 7a7 ,permitting use of statement ,title ,,iii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha et seq47 is amended by inserting after section #cjc the following new section3 #cjc;,a4 ,permitting use of sworn written statement to meet identification requirements 7a7 ,use of statement 7#a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subsection 7c71 if a ,state has in effect a requirement that an individual present identification as a condition of receiving and casting a ballot in an election for ,federal office1 the ,state shall permit the individual to meet the requirement-- 7,a7 in the case of an individual who desires to vote in person1 by presenting the appropriate ,state or local election official with a sworn written statement1 signed by the individual under penalty of perjury1 attesting to the individual's identity and attesting that the individual is eligible to vote in the election2 or 7,b7 in the case of an individual who desires to vote by mail1 by submitting with the ballot the statement described in subparagraph 7,a74 7#b7 ,development of pre-printed version of statement by ,commission ,the ,commission shall develop a pre-printed version of the statement described in paragraph 7#a77;,a7 which includes a blank space for an individual to provide a name and signature for use by election officials in ,states which are subject to paragraph 7#a74 7#c7 ,providing pre-printed copy of statement ,a ,state which is subject to paragraph 7#a7 shall-- 7,a7 make copies of the pre-printed version of the statement described in paragraph 7#a77;,a7 which is prepared by the ,commission available at polling places for election officials to distribute to individuals who desire to vote in person2 and 7,b7 include a copy of such pre-printed version of the statement with each blank absentee or other ballot transmitted to an individual who desires to vote by mail4 7b7 ,requiring use of ballot in same manner as individuals presenting identification ,an individual who presents or submits a sworn written statement in accordance with subsection 7a77#a7 shall be permitted to cast a ballot in the election in the same manner as an individual who presents identification4 7c7 ,exception for first-time voters registering by mail ,subsections 7a7 and 7b7 do not apply with respect to any individual described in paragraph 7#a7 of section #cjc7;b7 who is required to meet the requirements of paragraph 7#b7 of such section4 4 7b7 ,requiring ,states to include information on use of sworn written statement in voting information material posted at polling places ,section #cjb7;b77#b7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhb7;b77#b771 as amended by section #ajgb7;b7 and section #abjb7;b71 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking and at the end of subparagraph 7,g72 7#b7 by striking the period at the end of subparagraph 7,h7 and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,i7 in the case of a ,state that has in effect a requirement that an individual present identification as a condition of receiving and casting a ballot in an election for ,federal office1 information on how an individual may meet such requirement by presenting a sworn written statement in accordance with section #cjc;,a4 4 7c7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents of such ,act is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #cjc the following new item3 ,sec4 #cjc;,a4 ,permitting use of sworn written statement to meet identification requirements4 4 7e7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to elections occurring on or after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #aije4 ,reserved #aijf4 ,reimbursement for costs incurred by ,states in establishing program to track and confirm receipt of absentee ballots 7a7 ,reimbursement ,subtitle ,d of title ,,ii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aedja et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following new part3 #g ,payments to ,reimburse ,states for ,costs ,incurred in ,establishing ,program to ,track and ,confirm ,receipt of ,absentee ,ballots #big4 ,payments to ,states 7a7 ,payments ,for ,costs of ,establishing ,program ,in accordance with this section1 the ,commission shall make a payment to a ,state to reimburse the ,state for the costs incurred in establishing1 if the ,state so chooses to establish1 an absentee ballot tracking program with respect to elections for ,federal office held in the ,state 7including costs incurred prior to the date of the enactment of this part74 7b7 ,absentee ,ballot ,tracking ,program ,described 7#a7 ,program described 7,a7 ,in general ,in this part1 an absentee ballot tracking program is a program to track and confirm the receipt of absentee ballots in an election for ,federal office under which the ,state or local election official responsible for the receipt of voted absentee ballots in the election carries out procedures to track and confirm the receipt of such ballots1 and makes information on the receipt of such ballots available to the individual who cast the ballot1 by means of online access using the ,internet site of the official's office4 7,b7 ,information on whether vote was counted ,the information referred to under subparagraph 7,a7 with respect to the receipt of an absentee ballot shall include information regarding whether the vote cast on the ballot was counted1 and1 in the case of a vote which was not counted1 the reasons therefor4 7#b7 ,use of ,toll-,free ,telephone ,number by ,officials ,without ,internet ,site ,a program established by a ,state or local election official whose office does not have an ,internet site may meet the description of a program under paragraph 7#a7 if the official has established a toll-free telephone number that may be used by an individual who cast an absentee ballot to obtain the information on the receipt of the voted absentee ballot as provided under such paragraph4 7c7 ,certification of ,compliance and ,costs 7#a7 ,certification required ,in order to receive a payment under this section1 a ,state shall submit to the ,commission a statement containing-- 7,a7 a certification that the ,state has established an absentee ballot tracking program with respect to elections for ,federal office held in the ,state2 and 7,b7 a statement of the costs incurred by the ,state in establishing the program4 7#b7 ,amount of payment ,the amount of a payment made to a ,state under this section shall be equal to the costs incurred by the ,state in establishing the absentee ballot tracking program1 as set forth in the statement submitted under paragraph 7#a71 except that such amount may not exceed the product of-- 7,a7 the number of jurisdictions in the ,state which are responsible for operating the program2 and 7,b7 #c1jjj4 7#c7 ,limit on number of payments received ,a ,state may not receive more than one payment under this part4 #big;,a4 ,authorization of ,appropriations 7a7 ,authorization ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,commission for fiscal year #bjbj and each succeeding fiscal year such sums as may be necessary for payments under this part4 7b7 ,continuing ,availability of ,funds ,any amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization under this section shall remain available until expended4 4 7b7 ,clerical ,amendment ,the table of contents of such ,act is amended by adding at the end of the items relating to subtitle ,d of title ,,ii the following3 ,part #g--,payments to ,reimburse ,states for ,costs ,incurred in ,establishing ,program to ,track and ,confirm ,receipt of ,absentee ,ballots ,sec4 #big4 ,payments to ,states4 ,sec4 #big;,a4 ,authorization of appropriations4 4 #aijg4 ,voter information response systems and hotline 7a7 ,establishment and operation of systems and services 7#a7 ,state-based response systems ,the ,attorney ,general shall coordinate the establishment of a ,state-based response system for responding to questions and complaints from individuals voting or seeking to vote1 or registering to vote or seeking to register to vote1 in elections for ,federal office4 ,such system shall provide-- 7,a7 ,state-specific1 same-day1 and immediate assistance to such individuals1 including information on how to register to vote1 the location and hours of operation of polling places1 and how to obtain absentee ballots2 and 7,b7 ,state-specific1 same-day1 and immediate assistance to individuals encountering problems with registering to vote or voting1 including individuals encountering intimidation or deceptive practices4 7#b7 ,hotline ,the ,attorney ,general1 in consultation with ,state election officials1 shall establish and operate a toll-free telephone service1 using a telephone number that is accessible throughout the ,united ,states and that uses easily identifiable numerals1 through which individuals throughout the ,united ,states-- 7,a7 may connect directly to the ,state-based response system described in paragraph 7#a7 with respect to the ,state involved2 7,b7 may obtain information on voting in elections for ,federal office1 including information on how to register to vote in such elections1 the locations and hours of operation of polling places1 and how to obtain absentee ballots2 and 7,c7 may report information to the ,attorney ,general on problems encountered in registering to vote or voting1 including incidences of voter intimidation or suppression4 7#c7 ,collaboration with ,state and local election officials 7,a7 ,collection of information from states ,the ,attorney ,general shall coordinate the collection of information on ,state and local election laws and policies1 including information on the ,statewide computerized voter registration lists maintained under title ,,iii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb1 so that individuals who contact the free telephone service established under paragraph 7#b7 on the date of an election for ,federal office may receive an immediate response on that day4 7,b7 ,forwarding questions and complaints to ,states ,if an individual contacts the free telephone service established under paragraph 7#b7 on the date of an election for ,federal office with a question or complaint with respect to a particular ,state or jurisdiction within a ,state1 the ,attorney ,general shall forward the question or complaint immediately to the appropriate election official of the ,state or jurisdiction so that the official may answer the question or remedy the complaint on that date4 7#d7 ,consultation requirements for development of systems and services ,the ,attorney ,general shall ensure that the ,state-based response system under paragraph 7#a7 and the free telephone service under paragraph 7#b7 are each developed in consultation with civil rights organizations1 voting rights groups1 ,state and local election officials1 voter protection groups1 and other interested community organizations1 especially those that have experience in the operation of similar systems and services4 7b7 ,use of service by individuals with disabilities and individuals with limited ,english language proficiency ,the ,attorney ,general shall design and operate the telephone service established under this section in a manner that ensures that individuals with disabilities are fully able to use the service1 and that assistance is provided in any language in which the ,state 7or any jurisdiction in the ,state7 is required to provide election materials under section #bjc of the ,voting ,rights ,act of #aife44 7c7 ,voter ,hotline ,task ,force 7#a7 ,appointment by attorney general ,the ,attorney ,general shall appoint individuals 7in such number as the ,attorney ,general considers appropriate but in no event fewer than #c7 to serve on a ,voter ,hotline ,task ,force to provide ongoing analysis and assessment of the operation of the telephone service established under this section1 and shall give special consideration in making appointments to the ,task ,force to individuals who represent civil rights organizations4 ,at least one member of the ,task ,force shall be a representative of an organization promoting voting rights or civil rights which has experience in the operation of similar telephone services or in protecting the rights of individuals to vote1 especially individuals who are members of racial1 ethnic1 or linguistic minorities or of communities who have been adversely affected by efforts to suppress voting rights4 7#b7 ,eligibility ,an individual shall be eligible to serve on the ,task ,force under this subsection if the individual meets such criteria as the ,attorney ,general may establish1 except that an individual may not serve on the task force if the individual has been convicted of any criminal offense relating to voter intimidation or voter suppression4 7#c7 ,term of service ,an individual appointed to the ,task ,force shall serve a single term of #b years1 except that the initial terms of the members first appointed to the ,task ,force shall be staggered so that there are at least #c individuals serving on the ,task ,force during each year4 ,a vacancy in the membership of the ,task ,force shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment4 7#d7 ,no compensation for service ,members of the ,task ,force shall serve without pay1 but shall receive travel expenses1 including per diem in lieu of subsistence1 in accordance with applicable provisions under subchapter ,i of chapter #eg of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 7d7 ,bi-,annual report to ,congress ,not later than ,march #a of each odd-numbered year1 the ,attorney ,general shall submit a report to ,congress on the operation of the telephone service established under this section during the previous #b years1 and shall include in the report-- 7#a7 an enumeration of the number and type of calls that were received by the service2 7#b7 a compilation and description of the reports made to the service by individuals citing instances of voter intimidation or suppression2 7#c7 an assessment of the effectiveness of the service in making information available to all households in the ,united ,states with telephone service2 7#d7 any recommendations developed by the ,task ,force established under subsection 7c7 with respect to how voting systems may be maintained or upgraded to better accommodate voters and better ensure the integrity of elections1 including but not limited to identifying how to eliminate coordinated voter suppression efforts and how to establish effective mechanisms for distributing updates on changes to voting requirements2 and 7#e7 any recommendations on best practices for the ,state-based response systems established under subsection 7a77#a74 7e7 ,authorization of appropriations 7#a7 ,authorization ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,attorney ,general for fiscal year #bjai and each succeeding fiscal year such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section4 7#b7 ,set-aside for outreach ,of the amounts appropriated to carry out this section for a fiscal year pursuant to the authorization under paragraph 7#a71 not less than #ae percent shall be used for outreach activities to make the public aware of the availability of the telephone service established under this section1 with an emphasis on outreach to individuals with disabilities and individuals with limited proficiency in the ,english language4 #b ,improvements in ,operation of ,election ,assistance ,commission #aiaa4 ,reauthorization of ,election ,assistance ,commission ,section #baj of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjicj7 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking for each of the fiscal years #bjjc through #bjje and inserting for fiscal year #bjai and each succeeding fiscal year2 and 7#b7 by striking 7but not to exceed #aj1jjj1jjj for each such year74 #aiac4 ,requiring states to participate in post-general election surveys 7a7 ,requirement ,title ,,iii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha et seq471 as amended by section #aijd7;a71 is further amended by inserting after section #cjc;,a the following new section3 #cjc;,b4 ,requiring participation in post-general election surveys 7a7 ,requirement ,each ,state shall furnish to the ,commission such information as the ,commission may request for purposes of conducting any post-election survey of the ,states with respect to the administration of a regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office4 7b7 ,effective date ,this section shall apply with respect to the regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office held in ,november #bjbj and any succeeding election4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents of such ,act1 as amended by section #aijd7;c71 is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section #cjc;,a the following new item3 ,sec4 #cjc;,b4 ,requiring participation in post-general election surveys4 4 #aiad4 ,reports by ,national ,institute of ,standards and ,technology on use of funds transferred from ,election ,assistance ,commission 7a7 ,requiring reports on use funds as condition of receipt ,section #bca of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjiga7 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7e7 ,report on use of funds transferred from ,commission ,to the extent that funds are transferred from the ,commission to the ,director of the ,national ,institute of ,standards and ,technology for purposes of carrying out this section during any fiscal year1 the ,director may not use such funds unless the ,director certifies at the time of transfer that the ,director will submit a report to the ,commission not later than #ij days after the end of the fiscal year detailing how the ,director used such funds during the year4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall apply with respect to fiscal year #bjbj and each succeeding fiscal year4 #aiae4 ,recommendations to improve operations of ,election ,assistance ,commission 7a7 ,assessment of information technology and cybersecurity ,not later than ,december #ca1 #bjai1 the ,election ,assistance ,commission shall carry out an assessment of the security and effectiveness of the ,commission's information technology systems1 including the cybersecurity of such systems4 7b7 ,improvements to administrative complaint procedures 7#a7 ,review of procedures ,the ,election ,assistance ,commission shall carry out a review of the effectiveness and efficiency of the ,state-based administrative complaint procedures established and maintained under section #djb of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #baaab7 for the investigation and resolution of allegations of violations of title ,,iii of such ,act4 7#b7 ,recommendations to streamline procedures ,not later than ,december #ca1 #bjai1 the ,commission shall submit to ,congress a report on the review carried out under paragraph 7#a71 and shall include in the report such recommendations as the ,commission considers appropriate to streamline and improve the procedures which are the subject of the review4 #aiaf4 ,repeal of exemption of ,election ,assistance ,commission from certain government contracting requirements 7a7 ,in general ,section #bje of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjibe7 is amended by striking subsection 7e74 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall apply with respect to contracts entered into by the ,election ,assistance ,commission on or after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #c ,miscellaneous ,provisions #aiba4 ,application of laws to ,commonwealth of ,northern ,mariana ,islands 7a7 ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic ,section #c7d7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejb7d77 is amended by striking ,states and the ,district of ,columbia and inserting ,states1 the ,district of ,columbia1 and the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 7b7 ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#a7 ,coverage of ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands ,section #ija of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #baada7 is amended by striking and the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands and inserting the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 and the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 7#b7 ,conforming amendments to ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb ,such ,act is further amended as follows3 7,a7 ,the second sentence of section #bac7;a77#b7 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjidc7;a77#b77 is amended by striking and ,american ,samoa and inserting ,american ,samoa1 and the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 7,b7 ,section #beb7;c77#b7 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajjb7;c77#b77 is amended by striking or the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands and inserting the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 or the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 7#c7 ,conforming amendment relating to consultation of ,help ,america ,vote ,foundation with local election officials ,section #ijajb7;c7 of title #cf1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking and the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands and inserting the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 and the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 7#d7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this subsection shall apply with respect to fiscal years beginning with the first fiscal year which begins after funds are appropriated to the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands pursuant to the payment under section #b4 #aibb4 ,no effect on other laws 7a7 ,in general ,except as specifically provided1 nothing in this title may be construed to authorize or require conduct prohibited under any of the following laws1 or to supersede1 restrict1 or limit the application of such laws3 7#a7 ,the ,voting ,rights ,act of #aife 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajcja et seq474 7#b7 ,the ,voting ,accessibility for the ,elderly and ,handicapped ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjaja et seq474 7#c7 ,the ,uniformed and ,overseas ,citizens ,absentee ,voting ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcja et seq474 7#d7 ,the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjeja et seq474 7#e7 ,the ,americans with ,disabilities ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #abaja et seq474 7#f7 ,the ,rehabilitation ,act of #aigc 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #gja et seq474 7b7 ,no effect on preclearance or other requirements under ,voting ,rights ,act ,the approval by any person of a payment or grant application under this title1 or any other action taken by any person under this title1 shall not be considered to have any effect on requirements for preclearance under section #e of the ,voting ,rights ,act of #aife 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajcjd7 or any other requirements of such ,act4 7c7 ,no effect on authority of ,states to provide greater opportunities for voting ,nothing in this title or the amendments made by this title may be construed to prohibit any ,state from enacting any law which provides greater opportunities for individuals to register to vote and to vote in elections for ,federal office than are provided by this title and the amendments made by this title4 ,o ,severability #aica4 ,severability ,if any provision of this title or amendment made by this title1 or the application of a provision or amendment to any person or circumstance1 is held to be unconstitutional1 the remainder of this title and amendments made by this title1 and the application of the provisions and amendment to any person or circumstance1 shall not be affected by the holding4 ,,ii ,election ,integrity ,subtitle ,a--,reserved ,subtitle ,b--,reserved ,subtitle ,c--,reserved ,subtitle ,d--,reserved ,subtitle ,e--,reserved ,subtitle ,f--,saving ,eligible ,voters ,from ,voter ,purging ,sec4 #beja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #bejb4 ,conditions for removal of voters from list of registered voters4 ,subtitle ,g--,no ,effect on ,authority of ,states to ,provide ,greater ,opportunities for ,voting ,sec4 #bfja4 ,no effect on authority of ,states to provide greater opportunities for voting4 ,subtitle ,h--,severability ,sec4 #bgja4 ,severability4 ,a ,reserved ,b ,reserved ,c ,reserved ,d ,reserved ,e ,reserved ,f ,saving ,eligible ,voters ,from ,voter ,purging #beja4 ,short title ,this subtitle may be cited as the ,stop ,automatically ,voiding ,eligible ,voters ,off ,their ,enlisted ,rolls in ,states ,act or the ,save ,voters ,act4 #bejb4 ,conditions for removal of voters from list of registered voters 7a7 ,conditions described ,the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjeja et seq47 is amended by inserting after section #h the following new section3 #h;,a4 ,conditions for removal of voters from official list of registered voters 7a7 ,verification on basis of objective and reliable evidence of ineligibility 7#a7 ,requiring verification ,notwithstanding any other provision of this ,act1 a ,state may not remove the name of any registrant from the official list of voters eligible to vote in elections for ,federal office in the ,state unless the ,state verifies1 on the basis of objective and reliable evidence1 that the registrant is ineligible to vote in such elections4 7#b7 ,factors not considered as objective and reliable evidence of ineligibility ,for purposes of paragraph 7#b71 the following factors1 or any combination thereof1 shall not be treated as objective and reliable evidence of a registrant's ineligibility to vote3 7,a7 ,the failure of the registrant to vote in any election4 7,b7 ,the failure of the registrant to respond to any notice sent under section #h7;d71 unless the notice has been returned as undeliverable4 7,c7 ,the failure of the registrant to take any other action with respect to voting in any election or with respect to the registrant's status as a registrant4 7b7 ,notice after removal 7#a7 ,notice to individual removed 7,a7 ,in general ,not later than #dh hours after a ,state removes the name of a registrant from the official list of eligible voters for any reason 7other than the death of the registrant71 the ,state shall send notice of the removal to the former registrant1 and shall include in the notice the grounds for the removal and information how the former registrant may contest the removal1 including a telephone number for the appropriate election official41 and how to contest the removal or be reinstated1 including a contact phone number4 7,b7 ,exceptions ,subparagraph 7,a7 does not apply in the case of a registrant-- 7i7 who sends written confirmation to the ,state that the registrant is no longer eligible to vote in the registrar's jurisdiction in which the registrant was registered2 or 7ii7 who is removed from the official list of eligible voters by reason of the death of the registrant4 7#b7 ,public notice ,not later than #dh hours after conducting any general program to remove the names of ineligible voters from the official list of eligible voters 7as described in section #h7;a77#d771 the ,state shall disseminate a public notice through such methods as may be reasonable to reach the general public 7including by publishing the notice in a newspaper of wide circulation or posting the notice on the websites of the appropriate election officials7 that list maintenance is taking place and that registrants should check their registration status to ensure no errors or mistakes have been made4 ,the ,state shall ensure that the public notice disseminated under this paragraph is in a format that is reasonably convenient and accessible to voters with disabilities1 including voters who have low vision or are blind4 4 7b7 ,conditions for transmission of notices of removal ,section #h7;d7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejg7;d77 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#d7 ,a ,state may not transmit a notice to a registrant under this subsection unless the ,state obtains objective and reliable evidence 7in accordance with the standards for such evidence which are described in section #h;,a7a77#b77 that the registrant has changed residence to a place outside the registrar's jurisdiction in which the registrant is registered4 4 7c7 ,conforming amendments 7#a7 ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic ,section #h7;a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejg7;a77 is amended-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#c71 by striking provide and inserting subject to section #h;,a1 provide2 and 7,b7 in paragraph 7#d71 by striking conduct and inserting subject to section #h;,a1 conduct4 7#b7 ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb ,section #cjc7;a77#d77;,a7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhc7;a77#d77;,a77 is amended by striking 1 registrants and inserting 1 and subject to section #h;,a of such ,act1 registrants4 7d7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this ,act4 ,g ,no ,effect on ,authority of ,states to ,provide ,greater ,opportunities for ,voting #bfja4 ,no effect on authority of ,states to provide greater opportunities for voting ,nothing in this title or the amendments made by this title may be construed to prohibit any ,state from enacting any law which provides greater opportunities for individuals to register to vote and to vote in elections for ,federal office than are provided by this title and the amendments made by this title4 ,h ,severability #bgja4 ,severability ,if any provision of this title or amendment made by this title1 or the application of a provision or amendment to any person or circumstance1 is held to be unconstitutional1 the remainder of this title and amendments made by this title1 and the application of the provisions and amendment to any person or circumstance1 shall not be affected by the holding4 ,,iii ,election ,security ,sec4 #cjjj4 ,short title2 sense of ,congress4 ,subtitle ,a--,financial ,support for ,election ,infrastructure ,part #a--,voting ,system ,security ,improvement ,grants ,sec4 #cjja4 ,grants for obtaining compliant paper ballot voting systems and carrying out voting system security improvements4 ,sec4 #cjjb4 ,coordination of voting system security activities with use of requirements payments and election administration requirements under ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb4 ,sec4 #cjjc4 ,incorporation of definitions4 ,part #b--;,grants for ,risk-limiting ,audits of ,results of ,elections ,sec4 #cjaa4 ,grants to ,states for conducting risk-limiting audits of results of elections4 ,sec4 #cjab4 ,,gao analysis of effects of audits4 ,part #c--,reserved ,subtitle ,b--,security ,measures ,sec4 #caja4 ,election infrastructure designation4 ,sec4 #cajb4 ,timely threat information4 ,sec4 #cajc4 ,security clearance assistance for election officials4 ,sec4 #cajd4 ,security risk and vulnerability assessments4 ,sec4 #caje4 ,annual reports4 ,subtitle ,c--,enhancing ,protections for ,united ,states ,democratic ,institutions ,sec4 #cbja4 ,national strategy to protect ,united ,states democratic institutions4 ,sec4 #cbjb4 ,national ,commission to ,protect ,united ,states ,democratic ,institutions4 ,subtitle ,d--,promoting ,cybersecurity ,through ,improvements in ,election ,administration ,sec4 #ccja4 ,testing of existing voting systems to ensure compliance with election cybersecurity guidelines and other guidelines4 ,sec4 #ccjb4 ,treatment of electronic poll books as part of voting systems4 ,sec4 #ccjc4 ,pre-election reports on voting system usage4 ,sec4 #ccjd4 ,streamlining collection of election information4 ,subtitle ,e--,preventing ,election ,hacking ,sec4 #cdja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #cdjb4 ,election ,security ,bug ,bounty ,program4 ,sec4 #cdjc4 ,definitions4 ,subtitle ,f--,miscellaneous ,provisions ,sec4 #ceja4 ,definitions4 ,sec4 #cejb4 ,initial report on adequacy of resources available for implementation4 ,subtitle ,g--,severability ,sec4 #cfja4 ,severability4 #cjjj4 ,short title2 sense of ,congress 7a7 ,short title ,this title may be cited as the ,election ,security ,act4 7b7 ,sense of ,congress on need to improve election infrastructure security ,it is the sense of ,congress that1 in light of the lessons learned from ,russian interference in the #bjaf ,presidential election1 the ,federal ,government should intensify its efforts to improve the security of election infrastructure in the ,united ,states1 including through the use of individual1 durable1 paper ballots marked by the voter by hand4 ,a ,financial ,support for ,election ,infrastructure #a ,voting ,system ,security ,improvement ,grants #cjja4 ,grants for obtaining compliant paper ballot voting systems and carrying out voting system security improvements 7a7 ,availability of grants ,subtitle ,d of title ,,ii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajja et seq471 as amended by section #aijf7;a71 is amended by adding at the end the following new part3 #h ,grants for ,obtaining ,compliant ,paper ,ballot ,voting ,systems and ,carrying ,out ,voting ,system ,security ,improvements #bih4 ,grants for obtaining compliant paper ballot voting systems and carrying out voting system security improvements 7a7 ,availability and use of grant ,the ,commission shall make a grant to each eligible ,state-- 7#a7 to replace a voting system-- 7,a7 which does not meet the requirements which are first imposed on the ,state pursuant to the amendments made by the ,voter ,confidence and ,increased ,accessibility ,act of #bjai with a voting system which does meet such requirements1 for use in the regularly scheduled general elections for ,federal office held in ,november #bjbj1 or 7,b7 which does meet such requirements but which is not in compliance with the most recent voluntary voting system guidelines issued by the ,commission prior to the regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office held in ,november #bjbj with another system which does meet such requirements and is in compliance with such guidelines2 and 7#b7 to carry out voting system security improvements described in section #bih;,a with respect to the regularly scheduled general elections for ,federal office held in ,november #bjbj and each succeeding election for ,federal office4 7b7 ,amount of grant ,the amount of a grant made to a ,state under this section shall be such amount as the ,commission determines to be appropriate1 except that such amount may not be less than the product of #a and the average of the number of individuals who cast votes in any of the two most recent regularly scheduled general elections for ,federal office held in the ,state4 7c7 ,pro rata reductions ,if the amount of funds appropriated for grants under this part is insufficient to ensure that each ,state receives the amount of the grant calculated under subsection 7b71 the ,commission shall make such pro rata reductions in such amounts as may be necessary to ensure that the entire amount appropriated under this part is distributed to the ,states4 7d7 ,ability of replacement systems to administer ranked choice elections ,to the greatest extent practicable1 an eligible ,state which receives a grant to replace a voting system under this section shall ensure that the replacement system is capable of administering a system of ranked choice voting under which each voter shall rank the candidates for the office in the order of the voter's preference4 #bih;,a4 ,voting system security improvements described 7a7 ,permitted uses ,a voting system security improvement described in this section is any of the following3 7#a7 ,the acquisition of goods and services from qualified election infrastructure vendors by purchase1 lease1 or such other arrangements as may be appropriate4 7#b7 ,cyber and risk mitigation training4 7#c7 ,a security risk and vulnerability assessment of the ,state's election infrastructure which is carried out by a provider of cybersecurity services under a contract entered into between the chief ,state election official and the provider4 7#d7 ,the maintenance of election infrastructure1 including addressing risks and vulnerabilities which are identified under either of the security risk and vulnerability assessments described in paragraph 7#c71 except that none of the funds provided under this part may be used to renovate or replace a building or facility which is used primarily for purposes other than the administration of elections for public office4 7#e7 ,providing increased technical support for any information technology infrastructure that the chief ,state election official deems to be part of the ,state's election infrastructure or designates as critical to the operation of the ,state's election infrastructure4 7#f7 ,enhancing the cybersecurity and operations of the information technology infrastructure described in paragraph 7#d74 7#g7 ,enhancing the cybersecurity of voter registration systems4 7b7 ,qualified election infrastructure vendors described 7#a7 ,in general ,for purposes of this part1 a qualified election infrastructure vendor is any person who provides1 supports1 or maintains1 or who seeks to provide1 support1 or maintain1 election infrastructure on behalf of a ,state1 unit of local government1 or election agency 7as defined in section #ceja of the ,election ,security ,act7 who meets the criteria described in paragraph 7#b74 7#b7 ,criteria ,the criteria described in this paragraph are such criteria as the ,chairman1 in coordination with the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 shall establish and publish1 and shall include each of the following requirements3 7,a7 ,the vendor must be owned and controlled by a citizen or permanent resident of the ,united ,states4 7,b7 ,the vendor must disclose to the ,chairman and the ,secretary1 and to the chief ,state election official of any ,state to which the vendor provides any goods and services with funds provided under this part1 of any sourcing outside the ,united ,states for parts of the election infrastructure4 7,c7 ,the vendor agrees to ensure that the election infrastructure will be developed and maintained in a manner that is consistent with the cybersecurity best practices issued by the ,technical ,guidelines ,development ,committee4 7,d7 ,the vendor agrees to maintain its information technology infrastructure in a manner that is consistent with the cybersecurity best practices issued by the ,technical ,guidelines ,development ,committee4 7,e7 ,the vendor agrees to meet the requirements of paragraph 7#c7 with respect to any known or suspected cybersecurity incidents involving any of the goods and services provided by the vendor pursuant to a grant under this part4 7,f7 ,the vendor agrees to permit independent security testing by the ,commission 7in accordance with section #bca7;a77 and by the ,secretary of the goods and services provided by the vendor pursuant to a grant under this part4 7#c7 ,cybersecurity incident reporting requirements 7,a7 ,in general ,a vendor meets the requirements of this paragraph if1 upon becoming aware of the possibility that an election cybersecurity incident has occurred involving any of the goods and services provided by the vendor pursuant to a grant under this part-- 7i7 the vendor promptly assesses whether or not such an incident occurred1 and submits a notification meeting the requirements of subparagraph 7,b7 to the ,secretary and the ,chairman of the assessment as soon as practicable 7but in no case later than #c days after the vendor first becomes aware of the possibility that the incident occurred72 7ii7 if the incident involves goods or services provided to an election agency1 the vendor submits a notification meeting the requirements of subparagraph 7,b7 to the agency as soon as practicable 7but in no case later than #c days after the vendor first becomes aware of the possibility that the incident occurred71 and cooperates with the agency in providing any other necessary notifications relating to the incident2 and 7iii7 the vendor provides all necessary updates to any notification submitted under clause 7i7 or clause 7ii74 7,b7 ,contents of notifications ,each notification submitted under clause 7i7 or clause 7ii7 of subparagraph 7,a7 shall contain the following information with respect to any election cybersecurity incident covered by the notification3 7i7 ,the date1 time1 and time zone when the election cybersecurity incident began1 if known4 7ii7 ,the date1 time1 and time zone when the election cybersecurity incident was detected4 7iii7 ,the date1 time1 and duration of the election cybersecurity incident4 7iv7 ,the circumstances of the election cybersecurity incident1 including the specific election infrastructure systems believed to have been accessed and information acquired1 if any4 7v7 ,any planned and implemented technical measures to respond to and recover from the incident4 7vi7 ,in the case of any notification which is an update to a prior notification1 any additional material information relating to the incident1 including technical data1 as it becomes available4 #bih;,b4 ,eligibility of ,states ,a ,state is eligible to receive a grant under this part if the ,state submits to the ,commission1 at such time and in such form as the ,commission may require1 an application containing-- 7#a7 a description of how the ,state will use the grant to carry out the activities authorized under this part2 7#b7 a certification and assurance that1 not later than #e years after receiving the grant1 the ,state will carry out risk-limiting audits and will carry out voting system security improvements1 as described in section #bih;,a2 and 7#c7 such other information and assurances as the ,commission may require4 #bih;,c4 ,reports to ,congress ,not later than #ij days after the end of each fiscal year1 the ,commission shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees1 including the ,committees on ,homeland ,security1 ,house ,administration1 and the ,judiciary of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committees on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs1 the ,judiciary1 and ,rules and ,administration of the ,senate1 on the activities carried out with the funds provided under this part4 #bih;,d4 ,authorization of appropriations 7a7 ,authorization ,there are authorized to be appropriated for grants under this part-- 7#a7 #a1jjj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjai2 and 7#b7 #age1jjj1jjj for each of the fiscal years #bjbj1 #bjbb1 #bjbd1 and #bjbf4 7b7 ,continuing availability of amounts ,any amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of this section shall remain available until expended4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents of such ,act1 as amended by section #aijf7;b71 is amended by adding at the end of the items relating to subtitle ,d of title ,,ii the following3 ,part #h--;,grants for ,obtaining ,compliant ,paper ,ballot ,voting ,systems and ,carrying ,out ,voting ,system ,improvements ,sec4 #bih4 ,grants for obtaining compliant paper ballot voting systems and carrying out voting system security improvements4 ,sec4 #bih;,a4 ,voting system security improvements described4 ,sec4 #bih;,b4 ,eligibility of ,states4 ,sec4 #bih;,c4 ,reports to ,congress4 ,sec4 #bih;,d4 ,authorization of appropriations4 #cjjb4 ,coordination of voting system security activities with use of requirements payments and election administration requirements under ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7a7 ,duties of ,election ,assistance ,commission ,section #bjb of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjibb7 is amended in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a7 by striking by and inserting and the security of election infrastructure by4 7b7 ,membership of ,secretary of ,homeland ,security on ,board of ,advisors of ,election ,assistance ,commission ,section #bad7;a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjidd7;a77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking #cg members and inserting #ch members2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#ag7 ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security or the ,secretary's designee4 4 7c7 ,representative of ,department of ,homeland ,security on ,technical ,guidelines ,development ,committee ,section #bba7;c77#a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjifa7;c77#a77 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subparagraph 7,e7 as subparagraph 7,f72 and 7#b7 by inserting after subparagraph 7,d7 the following new subparagraph3 7,e7 ,a representative of the ,department of ,homeland ,security4 4 7d7 ,goals of periodic studies of election administration issues2 consultation with ,secretary of ,homeland ,security ,section #bda7;a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjiha7;a77 is amended-- 7#a7 in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a71 by striking the ,commission shall and inserting the ,commission1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security 7as appropriate71 shall2 7#b7 by striking and at the end of paragraph 7#c72 7#c7 by redesignating paragraph 7#d7 as paragraph 7#e72 and 7#d7 by inserting after paragraph 7#c7 the following new paragraph3 7#d7 will be secure against attempts to undermine the integrity of election systems by cyber or other means2 and 4 7e7 ,requirements payments 7#a7 ,use of payments for voting system security improvements ,section #bea7;b7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajja7;b771 as amended by section #ajfa7;a77#b71 is further amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#e7 ,permitting use of payments for voting system security improvements ,a ,state may use a requirements payment to carry out any of the following activities3 7,a7 ,cyber and risk mitigation training4 7,b7 ,providing increased technical support for any information technology infrastructure that the chief ,state election official deems to be part of the ,state's election infrastructure or designates as critical to the operation of the ,state's election infrastructure4 7,c7 ,enhancing the cybersecurity and operations of the information technology infrastructure described in subparagraph 7,b74 7,d7 ,enhancing the security of voter registration databases4 4 7#b7 ,incorporation of election infrastructure protection in ,state plans for use of payments ,section #bed7;a77#a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajjd7;a77#a77 is amended by striking the period at the end and inserting 1 including the protection of election infrastructure44 7#c7 ,composition of committee responsible for developing ,state plan for use of payments ,section #bee of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajje7 is amended-- 7,a7 by redesignating subsection 7b7 as subsection 7c72 and 7,b7 by inserting after subsection 7a7 the following new subsection3 7b7 ,geographic representation ,the members of the committee shall be a representative group of individuals from the ,state's counties1 cities1 towns1 and ,indian tribes1 and shall represent the needs of rural as well as urban areas of the ,state1 as the case may be4 4 7f7 ,ensuring protection of computerized ,statewide voter registration list ,section #cjc7;a77#c7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhc7;a77#c77 is amended by striking the period at the end and inserting 1 as well as other measures to prevent and deter cybersecurity incidents1 as identified by the ,commission1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 and the ,technical ,guidelines ,development ,committee44 #cjjc4 ,incorporation of definitions 7a7 ,in general ,section #ija of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #baada7 is amended to read as follows3 #ija4 ,definitions ,in this ,act1 the following definitions apply3 7#a7 ,the term cybersecurity incident has the meaning given the term incident in section #bbg of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #adh74 7#b7 ,the term election infrastructure has the meaning given such term in section #ceja of the ,election ,security ,act4 7#c7 ,the term ,state means each of the several ,states1 the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 and the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents of such ,act is amended by amending the item relating to section #ija to read as follows3 ,sec4 #ija4 ,definitions4 4 #b ,grants for ,risk-limiting ,audits of ,results of ,elections #cjaa4 ,grants to ,states for conducting risk-limiting audits of results of elections 7a7 ,availability of grants ,subtitle ,d of title ,,ii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajja et seq471 as amended by sections #aijf7;a7 and #cjja7;a71 is amended by adding at the end the following new part3 #i ,grants for ,conducting ,risk-,limiting ,audits of ,results of ,elections #bii4 ,grants for conducting risk-limiting audits of results of elections 7a7 ,availability of grants ,the ,commission shall make a grant to each eligible ,state to conduct risk-limiting audits as described in subsection 7b7 with respect to the regularly scheduled general elections for ,federal office held in ,november #bjbj and each succeeding election for ,federal office4 7b7 ,risk-limiting audits described ,in this part1 a risk-limiting audit is a post-election process-- 7#a7 which is conducted in accordance with rules and procedures established by the chief ,state election official of the ,state which meet the requirements of subsection 7c72 and 7#b7 under which1 if the reported outcome of the election is incorrect1 there is at least a predetermined percentage chance that the audit will replace the incorrect outcome with the correct outcome as determined by a full1 hand-to-eye tabulation of all votes validly cast in that election that ascertains voter intent manually and directly from voter-verifiable paper records4 7c7 ,requirements for rules and procedures ,the rules and procedures established for conducting a risk-limiting audit shall include the following elements3 7#a7 ,rules for ensuring the security of ballots and documenting that prescribed procedures were followed4 7#b7 ,rules and procedures for ensuring the accuracy of ballot manifests produced by election agencies4 7#c7 ,rules and procedures for governing the format of ballot manifests1 cast vote records1 and other data involved in the audit4 7#d7 ,methods to ensure that any cast vote records used in the audit are those used by the voting system to tally the election results sent to the chief ,state election official and made public4 7#e7 ,procedures for the random selection of ballots to be inspected manually during each audit4 7#f7 ,rules for the calculations and other methods to be used in the audit and to determine whether and when the audit of an election is complete4 7#g7 ,procedures and requirements for testing any software used to conduct risk-limiting audits4 7d7 ,definitions ,in this part1 the following definitions apply3 7#a7 ,the term ballot manifest means a record maintained by each election agency that meets each of the following requirements3 7,a7 ,the record is created without reliance on any part of the voting system used to tabulate votes4 7,b7 ,the record functions as a sampling frame for conducting a risk-limiting audit4 7,c7 ,the record contains the following information with respect to the ballots cast and counted in the election3 7i7 ,the total number of ballots cast and counted by the agency 7including undervotes1 overvotes1 and other invalid votes74 7ii7 ,the total number of ballots cast in each election administered by the agency 7including undervotes1 overvotes1 and other invalid votes74 7iii7 ,a precise description of the manner in which the ballots are physically stored1 including the total number of physical groups of ballots1 the numbering system for each group1 a unique label for each group1 and the number of ballots in each such group4 7#b7 ,the term incorrect outcome means an outcome that differs from the outcome that would be determined by a full tabulation of all votes validly cast in the election1 determining voter intent manually1 directly from voter-verifiable paper records4 7#c7 ,the term outcome means the winner of an election1 whether a candidate or a position4 7#d7 ,the term reported outcome means the outcome of an election which is determined according to the canvass and which will become the official1 certified outcome unless it is revised by an audit1 recount1 or other legal process4 #bii;,a4 ,eligibility of ,states ,a ,state is eligible to receive a grant under this part if the ,state submits to the ,commission1 at such time and in such form as the ,commission may require1 an application containing-- 7#a7 a certification that1 not later than #e years after receiving the grant1 the ,state will conduct risk-limiting audits of the results of elections for ,federal office held in the ,state as described in section #bii2 7#b7 a certification that1 not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this section1 the chief ,state election official of the ,state has established or will establish the rules and procedures for conducting the audits which meet the requirements of section #bii7;c72 7#c7 a certification that the audit shall be completed not later than the date on which the ,state certifies the results of the election2 7#d7 a certification that1 after completing the audit1 the ,state shall publish a report on the results of the audit1 together with such information as necessary to confirm that the audit was conducted properly2 7#e7 a certification that1 if a risk-limiting audit conducted under this part leads to a full manual tally of an election1 ,state law requires that the ,state or election agency shall use the results of the full manual tally as the official results of the election2 and 7#f7 such other information and assurances as the ,commission may require4 #bii;,b4 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated for grants under this part #bj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjai1 to remain available until expended4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents of such ,act1 as amended by sections #aijf7;b7 and #cjja7;b71 is further amended by adding at the end of the items relating to subtitle ,d of title ,,ii the following3 ,part #i--;,grants for ,conducting ,risk-,limiting ,audits of ,results of ,elections ,sec4 #bii4 ,grants for conducting risk-limiting audits of results of elections4 ,sec4 #bii;,a4 ,eligibility of ,states4 ,sec4 #bii;,b4 ,authorization of appropriations4 #cjab4 ,,gao analysis of effects of audits 7a7 ,analysis ,not later than #f months after the first election for ,federal office is held after grants are first awarded to ,states for conducting risk-limiting under part #i of subtitle ,d of title ,,ii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7as added by section #cjaa7 for conducting risk-limiting audits of elections for ,federal office1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall conduct an analysis of the extent to which such audits have improved the administration of such elections and the security of election infrastructure in the ,states receiving such grants4 7b7 ,report ,the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall submit a report on the analysis conducted under subsection 7a7 to the appropriate congressional committees4 #c ,reserved ,b ,security ,measures #caja4 ,election infrastructure designation ,subparagraph 7,j7 of section #bjja7c7 of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #fja7c77 is amended by inserting 1 including election infrastructure before the period at the end4 #cajb4 ,timely threat information ,subsection 7d7 of section #bja of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #aba7 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#bd7 ,to provide timely threat information regarding election infrastructure to the chief ,state election official of the ,state with respect to which such information pertains4 4 #cajc4 ,security clearance assistance for election officials ,in order to promote the timely sharing of information on threats to election infrastructure1 the ,secretary may-- 7#a7 help expedite a security clearance for the chief ,state election official and other appropriate ,state personnel involved in the administration of elections1 as designated by the chief ,state election official2 7#b7 sponsor a security clearance for the chief ,state election official and other appropriate ,state personnel involved in the administration of elections1 as designated by the chief ,state election official2 and 7#c7 facilitate the issuance of a temporary clearance to the chief ,state election official and other appropriate ,state personnel involved in the administration of elections1 as designated by the chief ,state election official1 if the ,secretary determines classified information to be timely and relevant to the election infrastructure of the ,state at issue4 #cajd4 ,security risk and vulnerability assessments 7a7 ,in general ,paragraph 7#f7 of section #bbji7;c7 of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #fei7;c77 is amended by inserting 7including by carrying out a security risk and vulnerability assessment7 after risk management support4 7b7 ,prioritization to enhance election security 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ij days after receiving a written request from a chief ,state election official1 the ,secretary shall1 to the extent practicable1 commence a security risk and vulnerability assessment 7pursuant to paragraph 7#f7 of section #bbg7;c7 of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb1 as amended by subsection 7a77 on election infrastructure in the ,state at issue4 7#b7 ,notification ,if the ,secretary1 upon receipt of a request described in paragraph 7#a71 determines that a security risk and vulnerability assessment cannot be commenced within #ij days1 the ,secretary shall expeditiously notify the chief ,state election official who submitted such request4 #caje4 ,annual reports 7a7 ,reports on assistance and assessments ,not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act and annually thereafter through #bjbf1 the ,secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees-- 7#a7 efforts to carry out section #bjc during the prior year1 including specific information on which ,states were helped1 how many officials have been helped in each ,state1 how many security clearances have been sponsored in each ,state1 and how many temporary clearances have been issued in each ,state2 and 7#b7 efforts to carry out section #bje during the prior year1 including specific information on which ,states were helped1 the dates on which the ,secretary received a request for a security risk and vulnerability assessment pursuant to such section1 the dates on which the ,secretary commenced each such request1 and the dates on which the ,secretary transmitted a notification in accordance with subsection 7b77#b7 of such section4 7b7 ,reports on foreign threats ,not later than #ij days after the end of each fiscal year 7beginning with fiscal year #bjai71 the ,secretary and the ,director of ,national ,intelligence1 in coordination with the heads of appropriate offices of the ,federal government1 shall submit a joint report to the appropriate congressional committees on foreign threats to elections in the ,united ,states1 including physical and cybersecurity threats4 7c7 ,information from ,states ,for purposes of preparing the reports required under this section1 the ,secretary shall solicit and consider information and comments from ,states and election agencies1 except that the provision of such information and comments by a ,state or election agency shall be voluntary and at the discretion of the ,state or agency4 ,c ,enhancing ,protections for ,united ,states ,democratic ,institutions #cbja4 ,national strategy to protect ,united ,states democratic institutions 7a7 ,in general ,not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,president1 acting through the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,chairman1 the ,secretary of ,defense1 the ,secretary of ,state1 the ,attorney ,general1 the ,secretary of ,education1 the ,director of ,national ,intelligence1 the ,chairman of the ,federal ,election ,commission1 and the heads of any other appropriate ,federal agencies1 shall issue a national strategy to protect against cyber attacks1 influence operations1 disinformation campaigns1 and other activities that could undermine the security and integrity of ,united ,states democratic institutions4 7b7 ,considerations ,the national strategy required under subsection 7a7 shall include consideration of the following3 7#a7 ,the threat of a foreign state actor1 foreign terrorist organization 7as designated pursuant to section #bai of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aahi771 or a domestic actor carrying out a cyber attack1 influence operation1 disinformation campaign1 or other activity aimed at undermining the security and integrity of ,united ,states democratic institutions4 7#b7 ,the extent to which ,united ,states democratic institutions are vulnerable to a cyber attack1 influence operation1 disinformation campaign1 or other activity aimed at undermining the security and integrity of such democratic institutions4 7#c7 ,potential consequences1 such as an erosion of public trust or an undermining of the rule of law1 that could result from a successful cyber attack1 influence operation1 disinformation campaign1 or other activity aimed at undermining the security and integrity of ,united ,states democratic institutions4 7#d7 ,lessons learned from other ,western governments the institutions of which were subject to a cyber attack1 influence operation1 disinformation campaign1 or other activity aimed at undermining the security and integrity of such institutions1 as well as actions that could be taken by the ,united ,states ,government to bolster collaboration with foreign partners to detect1 deter1 prevent1 and counter such activities4 7#e7 ,potential impacts such as an erosion of public trust in democratic institutions as could be associated with a successful cyber breach or other activity negatively-affecting election infrastructure4 7#f7 ,roles and responsibilities of the ,secretary1 the ,chairman1 and the heads of other ,federal entities and non-,federal entities1 including chief ,state election officials and representatives of multi-state information sharing and analysis center4 7#g7 ,any findings1 conclusions1 and recommendations to strengthen protections for ,united ,states democratic institutions that have been agreed to by a majority of ,commission members on the ,national ,commission to ,protect ,united ,states ,democratic ,institutions1 authorized pursuant to section #cbjjb4 7c7 ,implementation plan ,not later than #ij days after the issuance of the national strategy required under subsection 7a71 the ,president1 acting through the ,secretary1 in coordination with the ,chairman1 shall issue an implementation plan for ,federal efforts to implement such strategy that includes the following3 7#a7 ,strategic objectives and corresponding tasks4 7#b7 ,projected timelines and costs for the tasks referred to in paragraph 7#a74 7#c7 ,metrics to evaluate performance of such tasks4 7d7 ,classification ,the national strategy required under subsection 7a7 shall be in unclassified form but may contain a classified annex4 #cbjb4 ,national ,commission to ,protect ,united ,states ,democratic ,institutions 7a7 ,establishment ,there is established within the legislative branch the ,national ,commission to ,protect ,united ,states ,democratic ,institutions 7hereafter in this section referred to as the ,commission74 7b7 ,purpose ,the purpose of the ,commission is to counter efforts to undermine democratic institutions within the ,united ,states4 7c7 ,composition 7#a7 ,membership ,the ,commission shall be composed of #aj members appointed for the life of the ,commission as follows3 7,a7 ,one member shall be appointed by the ,secretary4 7,b7 ,one member shall be appointed by the ,chairman4 7,c7 #b members shall be appointed by the majority leader of the ,senate1 in consultation with the ,chairman of the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs1 the ,chairman of the ,committee on the ,judiciary1 and the ,chairman of the ,committee on ,rules and ,administration4 7,d7 #b members shall be appointed by the minority leader of the ,senate1 in consultation with the ranking minority member of the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs1 the ranking minority member of the ,committee on the ,judiciary1 and the ranking minority member of the ,committee on ,rules and ,administration4 7,e7 #b members shall be appointed by the ,speaker of the ,house of ,representatives1 in consultation with the ,chairman of the ,committee on ,homeland ,security1 the ,chairman of the ,committee on ,house ,administration1 and the ,chairman of the ,committee on the ,judiciary4 7,f7 #b members shall be appointed by the minority leader of the ,house of ,representatives1 in consultation with the ranking minority member of the ,committee on ,homeland ,security1 the ranking minority member of the ,committee on the ,judiciary1 and the ranking minority member of the ,committee on ,house ,administration4 7#b7 ,qualifications ,individuals shall be selected for appointment to the ,commission solely on the basis of their professional qualifications1 achievements1 public stature1 experience1 and expertise in relevant fields1 including1 but not limited to cybersecurity1 national security1 and the ,constitution of the ,united ,states4 7#c7 ,no compensation for service ,members shall not receive compensation for service on the ,commission1 but shall receive travel expenses1 including per diem in lieu of subsistence1 in accordance with chapter #eg of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#d7 ,deadline for appointment ,all members of the ,commission shall be appointed no later than #fj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 7#e7 ,vacancies ,a vacancy on the ,commission shall not affect its powers and shall be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made4 ,the appointment of the replacement member shall be made not later than #fj days after the date on which the vacancy occurs4 7d7 ,chair and ,vice ,chair ,the ,commission shall elect a ,chair and ,vice ,chair from among its members4 7e7 ,quorum and meetings 7#a7 ,quorum ,the ,commission shall meet and begin the operations of the ,commission not later than #cj days after the date on which all members have been appointed or1 if such meeting cannot be mutually agreed upon1 on a date designated by the ,speaker of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,president pro ,tempore of the ,senate4 ,each subsequent meeting shall occur upon the call of the ,chair or a majority of its members4 ,a majority of the members of the ,commission shall constitute a quorum1 but a lesser number may hold meetings4 7#b7 ,authority of individuals to act for ,commission ,any member of the ,commission may1 if authorized by the ,commission1 take any action that the ,commission is authorized to take under this section4 7f7 ,powers 7#a7 ,hearings and evidence ,the ,commission 7or1 on the authority of the ,commission1 any subcommittee or member thereof7 may1 for the purpose of carrying out this section1 hold hearings and sit and act at such times and places1 take such testimony1 receive such evidence1 and administer such oaths as the ,commission considers advisable to carry out its duties4 7#b7 ,contracting ,the ,commission may1 to such extent and in such amounts as are provided in appropriation ,acts1 enter into contracts to enable the ,commission to discharge its duties under this section4 7g7 ,assistance from ,federal agencies 7#a7 ,general ,services ,administration ,the ,administrator of ,general ,services shall provide to the ,commission on a reimbursable basis administrative support and other services for the performance of the ,commission's functions4 7#b7 ,other departments and agencies ,in addition to the assistance provided under paragraph 7#a71 the ,department of ,homeland ,security1 the ,election ,assistance ,commission1 and other appropriate departments and agencies of the ,united ,states shall provide to the ,commission such services1 funds1 facilities1 and staff as they may determine advisable and as may be authorized by law4 7h7 ,public meetings ,any public meetings of the ,commission shall be conducted in a manner consistent with the protection of information provided to or developed for or by the ,commission as required by any applicable statute1 regulation1 or ,executive order4 7i7 ,security clearances 7#a7 ,in general ,the heads of appropriate departments and agencies of the executive branch shall cooperate with the ,commission to expeditiously provide ,commission members and staff with appropriate security clearances to the extent possible under applicable procedures and requirements4 7#b7 ,preferences ,in appointing staff1 obtaining detailees1 and entering into contracts for the provision of services for the ,commission1 the ,commission shall give preference to individuals otherwise who have active security clearances4 7j7 ,reports 7#a7 ,interim reports ,at any time prior to the submission of the final report under paragraph 7#b71 the ,commission may submit interim reports to the ,president and ,congress such findings1 conclusions1 and recommendations to strengthen protections for democratic institutions in the ,united ,states as have been agreed to by a majority of the members of the ,commission4 7#b7 ,final report ,not later than #ah months after the date of the first meeting of the ,commission1 the ,commission shall submit to the ,president and ,congress a final report containing such findings1 conclusions1 and recommendations to strengthen protections for democratic institutions in the ,united ,states as have been agreed to by a majority of the members of the ,commission4 7k7 ,termination 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,commission shall terminate upon the expiration of the #fj-;day period which begins on the date on which the ,commission submits the final report required under subsection 7j77#b74 7#b7 ,administrative activities prior to termination ,during the #fj-;day period described in paragraph 7#b71 the ,commission may carry out such administrative activities as may be required to conclude its work1 including providing testimony to committees of ,congress concerning the final report and disseminating the final report4 ,d ,promoting ,cybersecurity ,through ,improvements in ,election ,administration #ccja4 ,testing of existing voting systems to ensure compliance with election cybersecurity guidelines and other guidelines 7a7 ,requiring testing of existing voting systems 7#a7 ,in general ,section #bca7;a7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjiga7;a77 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#c7 ,testing to ensure compliance with guidelines 7,a7 ,testing ,not later than #i months before the date of each regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office1 the ,commission shall provide for the testing by accredited laboratories under this section of the voting system hardware and software which was certified for use in the most recent such election1 on the basis of the most recent voting system guidelines applicable to such hardware or software 7including election cybersecurity guidelines7 issued under this ,act4 7,b7 ,decertification of hardware or software failing to meet guidelines ,if1 on the basis of the testing described in subparagraph 7,a71 the ,commission determines that any voting system hardware or software does not meet the most recent guidelines applicable to such hardware or software issued under this ,act1 the ,commission shall decertify such hardware or software4 4 7#b7 ,effective date ,the amendment made by paragraph 7#a7 shall apply with respect to the regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office held in ,november #bjbj and each succeeding regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office4 7b7 ,issuance of cybersecurity guidelines by ,technical ,guidelines ,development ,committee ,section #bba7;b7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjifa7;b77 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#c7 ,election cybersecurity guidelines ,not later than #f months after the date of the enactment of this paragraph1 the ,development ,committee shall issue election cybersecurity guidelines1 including standards and best practices for procuring1 maintaining1 testing1 operating1 and updating election systems to prevent and deter cybersecurity incidents4 4 #ccjb4 ,treatment of electronic poll books as part of voting systems 7a7 ,inclusion in definition of voting system ,section #cja7;b7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha7;b77 is amended-- 7#a7 in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a71 by striking this section and inserting this ,act2 7#b7 by striking and at the end of paragraph 7#a72 7#c7 by redesignating paragraph 7#b7 as paragraph 7#c72 and 7#d7 by inserting after paragraph 7#a7 the following new paragraph3 7#b7 any electronic poll book used with respect to the election2 and 4 7b7 ,definition ,section #cja of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha7 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subsections 7c7 and 7d7 as subsections 7d7 and 7e72 and 7#b7 by inserting after subsection 7b7 the following new subsection3 7c7 ,electronic poll book defined ,in this ,act1 the term electronic poll book means the total combination of mechanical1 electromechanical1 or electronic equipment 7including the software1 firmware1 and documentation required to program1 control1 and support the equipment7 that is used-- 7#a7 to retain the list of registered voters at a polling location1 or vote center1 or other location at which voters cast votes in an election for ,federal office2 and 7#b7 to identify registered voters who are eligible to vote in an election4 4 7c7 ,effective date ,section #cja7;e7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha7;e771 as redesignated by subsection 7b71 is amended by striking the period at the end and inserting the following3 1 or1 with respect to any requirements relating to electronic poll books1 on and after ,january #a1 #bjbj44 #ccjc4 ,pre-election reports on voting system usage 7a7 ,requiring ,states to submit reports ,title ,,iii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha et seq47 is amended by inserting after section #cja the following new section3 #cja;,a4 ,pre-election reports on voting system usage 7a7 ,requiring ,states to submit reports ,not later than #abj days before the date of each regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office1 the chief ,state election official of a ,state shall submit a report to the ,commission containing a detailed voting system usage plan for each jurisdiction in the ,state which will administer the election1 including a detailed plan for the usage of electronic poll books and other equipment and components of such system4 7b7 ,effective date ,subsection 7a7 shall apply with respect to the regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office held in ,november #bjbj and each succeeding regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents of such ,act is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #cja the following new item3 ,sec4 #cja;,a4 ,pre-election reports on voting system usage4 4 #ccjd4 ,streamlining collection of election information ,section #bjb of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjibb7 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking ,the ,commission and inserting 7a7 ,in general4--,the ,commission2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7b7 ,waiver of certain requirements ,subchapter ,i of chapter #ce of title #dd1 ,united ,states ,code1 shall not apply to the collection of information for purposes of maintaining the clearinghouse described in paragraph 7#a7 of subsection 7a74 4 ,e ,preventing ,election ,hacking #cdja4 ,short title ,this subtitle may be cited as the ,prevent ,election ,hacking ,act of #bjai4 #cdjb4 ,election ,security ,bug ,bounty ,program 7a7 ,establishment ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall establish a program to be known as the ,election ,security ,bug ,bounty ,program 7hereafter in this subtitle referred to as the ,program7 to improve the cybersecurity of the systems used to administer elections for ,federal office by facilitating and encouraging assessments by independent technical experts1 in cooperation with ,state and local election officials and election service providers1 to identify and report election cybersecurity vulnerabilities4 7b7 ,voluntary participation by election officials and election service providers 7#a7 ,no requirement to participate in program ,participation in the ,program shall be entirely voluntary for ,state and local election officials and election service providers4 7#b7 ,encouraging participation and input from election officials ,in developing the ,program1 the ,secretary shall solicit input from1 and encourage participation by1 ,state and local election officials4 7c7 ,activities funded ,in establishing and carrying out the ,program1 the ,secretary shall-- 7#a7 establish a process for ,state and local election officials and election service providers to voluntarily participate in the ,program2 7#b7 designate appropriate information systems to be included in the ,program2 7#c7 provide compensation to eligible individuals1 organizations1 and companies for reports of previously unidentified security vulnerabilities within the information systems designated under subparagraph 7,a7 and establish criteria for individuals1 organizations1 and companies to be considered eligible for such compensation in compliance with ,federal laws2 7#d7 consult with the ,attorney ,general on how to ensure that approved individuals1 organizations1 or companies that comply with the requirements of the ,program are protected from prosecution under section #ajcj of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 and similar provisions of law1 and from liability under civil actions for specific activities authorized under the ,program2 7#e7 consult with the ,secretary of ,defense and the heads of other departments and agencies that have implemented programs to provide compensation for reports of previously undisclosed vulnerabilities in information systems1 regarding lessons that may be applied from such programs2 7#f7 develop an expeditious process by which an individual1 organization1 or company can register with the ,department1 submit to a background check as determined by the ,department1 and receive a determination as to eligibility for participation in the ,program2 and 7#g7 engage qualified interested persons1 including representatives of private entities1 about the structure of the ,program and1 to the extent practicable1 establish a recurring competition for independent technical experts to assess election systems for the purpose of identifying and reporting election cybersecurity vulnerabilities2 7d7 ,use of service providers ,the ,secretary may award competitive contracts as necessary to manage the ,program4 #cdjc4 ,definitions ,in this subtitle1 the following definitions apply3 7#a7 ,the terms election and ,federal office have the meanings given such terms in section #cja of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaja74 7#b7 ,the term election cybersecurity vulnerability means any security vulnerability 7as defined in section #ajb of the ,cybersecurity ,information ,sharing ,act of #bjae 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #aeja77 that affects an election system4 7#c7 ,the term election service provider means any person providing1 supporting1 or maintaining an election system on behalf of a ,state or local election official1 such as a contractor or vendor4 7#d7 ,the term election system means any information system 7as defined in section #cejb of title #dd1 ,united ,states ,code7 which is part of an election infrastructure4 7#e7 ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 or1 upon designation by the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 the ,deputy ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 the ,director of ,cybersecurity and ,infrastructure ,security of the ,department of ,homeland ,security1 or a ,senate-confirmed official that reports to the ,director4 7#f7 ,the term ,state means each of the several ,states1 the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 the ,commonwealth of ,northern ,mariana ,islands1 and the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands4 7#g7 ,the term voting system has the meaning given such term in section #cja7;b7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha7;b774 ,f ,miscellaneous ,provisions #ceja4 ,definitions ,except as provided in section #cdjd1 in this title1 the following definitions apply3 7#a7 ,the term ,chairman means the chair of the ,election ,assistance ,commission4 7#b7 ,the term appropriate congressional committees means the ,committees on ,homeland ,security and ,house ,administration of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committees on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs and ,rules and ,administration of the ,senate4 7#c7 ,the term chief ,state election official means1 with respect to a ,state1 the individual designated by the ,state under section #aj of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjeji7 to be responsible for coordination of the ,state's responsibilities under such ,act4 7#d7 ,the term ,commission means the ,election ,assistance ,commission4 7#e7 ,the term democratic institutions means the diverse range of institutions that are essential to ensuring an independent judiciary1 free and fair elections1 and rule of law4 7#f7 ,the term election agency means any component of a ,state1 or any component of a unit of local government in a ,state1 which is responsible for the administration of elections for ,federal office in the ,state4 7#g7 ,the term election infrastructure means storage facilities1 polling places1 and centralized vote tabulation locations used to support the administration of elections for public office1 as well as related information and communications technology1 including voter registration databases1 voting machines1 electronic mail and other communications systems 7including electronic mail and other systems of vendors who have entered into contracts with election agencies to support the administration of elections1 manage the election process1 and report and display election results71 and other systems used to manage the election process and to report and display election results on behalf of an election agency4 7#h7 ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security4 7#i7 ,the term ,state has the meaning given such term in section #ija of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #baada74 #cejb4 ,initial report on adequacy of resources available for implementation ,not later than #abj days after enactment of this ,act1 the ,chairman and the ,secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate committees of ,congress1 including the ,committees on ,homeland ,security and ,house ,administration of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate1 analyzing the adequacy of the funding1 resources1 and personnel available to carry out this title and the amendments made by this title4 ,g ,severability #cfja4 ,severability ,if any provision of this title or amendment made by this title1 or the application of a provision or amendment to any person or circumstance1 is held to be unconstitutional1 the remainder of this title and amendments made by this title1 and the application of the provisions and amendment to any person or circumstance1 shall not be affected by the holding4 ,b ,campaign ,finance ,,iv ,campaign ,finance ,transparency ,subtitle ,a--,findings ,relating to ,illicit ,money ,undermining ,our ,democracy ,sec4 #djja4 ,findings relating to illicit money undermining our democracy4 ,subtitle ,b--,,disclose ,act ,sec4 #dajj4 ,short title4 ,part #a--,regulation of ,certain ,political ,spending ,sec4 #daja4 ,application of ban on contributions and expenditures by foreign nationals to domestic corporations1 limited liability corporations1 and partnerships that are foreign-controlled1 foreign-influenced1 and foreign-owned4 ,sec4 #dajb4 ,clarification of application of foreign money ban to certain disbursements and activities4 ,part #b--,reporting of ,campaign-,related ,disbursements ,sec4 #daaa4 ,reporting of campaign-related disbursements4 ,sec4 #daab4 ,application of foreign money ban to disbursements for campaign-related disbursements consisting of covered transfers4 ,sec4 #daac4 ,effective date4 ,part #c--,other ,administrative ,reforms ,sec4 #daba4 ,petition for certiorari4 ,sec4 #dabb4 ,judicial review of actions related to campaign finance laws4 ,subtitle ,c--,honest ,ads ,sec4 #dbja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #dbjb4 ,purpose4 ,sec4 #dbjc4 ,findings4 ,sec4 #dbjd4 ,sense of ,congress4 ,sec4 #dbje4 ,expansion of definition of public communication4 ,sec4 #dbjf4 ,expansion of definition of electioneering communication4 ,sec4 #dbjg4 ,application of disclaimer statements to online communications4 ,sec4 #dbjh4 ,political record requirements for online platforms4 ,sec4 #dbji4 ,preventing contributions1 expenditures1 independent expenditures1 and disbursements for electioneering communications by foreign nationals in the form of online advertising4 ,subtitle ,d--,stand ,by ,every ,ad ,sec4 #dcja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #dcjb4 ,stand ,by ,every ,ad4 ,sec4 #dcjc4 ,disclaimer requirements for communications made through prerecorded telephone calls4 ,sec4 #dcjd4 ,no expansion of persons subject to disclaimer requirements on ,internet communications4 ,sec4 #dcje4 ,effective date4 ,subtitle ,e--,reserved ,subtitle ,f--,reserved ,subtitle ,g--,reserved ,subtitle ,h--,limitation and ,disclosure ,requirements for ,presidential ,inaugural ,committees ,sec4 #dgja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #dgjb4 ,limitations and disclosure of certain donations to1 and disbursements by1 ,inaugural ,committees4 ,subtitle ,i--,severability ,sec4 #dhja4 ,severability4 ,a ,findings ,relating to ,illicit ,money ,undermining ,our ,democracy #djja4 ,findings relating to illicit money undermining our democracy ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,criminals1 terrorists1 and corrupt government officials frequently abuse anonymously held ,limited ,liability ,companies 7,l,l,cs71 also known as shell companies1 to hide1 move1 and launder the dirty money derived from illicit activities such as trafficking1 bribery1 exploitation1 and embezzlement4 ,ownership and control of the finances that run through shell companies are obscured to regulators and law enforcement because little information is required and collected when establishing these entities4 7#b7 ,the public release of the ,panama ,papers in #bjaf and the ,paradise ,papers in #bjag revealed that these shell companies often purchase and sell ,united ,states real estate4 ,united ,states anti-money laundering laws do not apply to cash transactions involving real estate effectively concealing the beneficiaries and transactions from regulators and law enforcement4 7#c7 ,congress should curb the use of anonymous shell companies for illicit purposes by requiring ,united ,states companies to disclose their beneficial owners1 strengthening anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism finance laws4 7#d7 ,congress should examine the money laundering and terrorist financing risks in the real estate market1 including the role of anonymous parties1 and review legislation to address any vulnerabilities identified in this sector4 7#e7 ,congress should examine the methods by which corruption flourishes and the means to detect and deter the financial misconduct that fuels this driver of global instability4 ,congress should monitor government efforts to enforce ,united ,states anti-corruption laws and regulations4 ,b ,,disclose ,act #dajj4 ,short title ,this subtitle may be cited as the ,democracy ,is ,strengthened by ,casting ,light ,on ,spending in ,elections ,act of #bjai or the ,,disclose ,act of #bjai4 #a ,regulation of ,certain ,political ,spending #daja4 ,application of ban on contributions and expenditures by foreign nationals to domestic corporations1 limited liability corporations1 and partnerships that are foreign-controlled1 foreign-influenced1 and foreign-owned 7a7 ,application of ban 7#a7 ,in general ,section #cai7;b7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaba7;b77 is amended-- 7,a7 by striking or at the end of paragraph 7#a72 7,b7 by striking the period at the end of paragraph 7#b7 and inserting 2 or2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#c7 except as provided under subsection 7c71 any corporation1 limited liability corporation1 or partnership which is not a foreign national described in paragraph 7#a7 and-- 7,a7 in which a foreign national described in paragraph 7#a7 or 7#b7 directly or indirectly owns or controls-- 7i7 #e percent or more of the voting shares1 if the foreign national is a foreign country1 a foreign government official1 or a corporation principally owned or controlled by a foreign country or foreign government official2 or 7ii7 #bj percent or more of the voting shares1 if the foreign national is not described in clause 7i72 7,b7 in which two or more foreign nationals described in paragraph 7#a7 or 7#b71 each of whom owns or controls at least #e percent of the voting shares1 directly or indirectly own or control #ej percent or more of the voting shares2 7,c7 over which one or more foreign nationals described in paragraph 7#a7 or 7#b7 has the power to direct1 dictate1 or control the decisionmaking process of the corporation1 limited liability corporation1 or partnership with respect to its interests in the ,united ,states2 or 7,d7 over which one or more foreign nationals described in paragraph 7#a7 or 7#b7 has the power to direct1 dictate1 or control the decisionmaking process of the corporation1 limited liability corporation1 or partnership with respect to activities in connection with a ,federal1 ,state1 or local election1 including-- 7i7 the making of a contribution1 donation1 expenditure1 independent expenditure1 or disbursement for an electioneering communication 7within the meaning of section #cjd7;f77#c772 or 7ii7 the administration of a political committee established or maintained by the corporation4 4 7#b7 ,activities of corporate ,p,a,cs of domestic subsidiaries ,section #cai of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaba7 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7c7 ,activities of corporate ,p,a,cs of domestic subsidiaries ,notwithstanding subsection 7a71 a foreign national described in subparagraph 7,a71 7,b71 or 7,c7 of subsection 7b77#c7 which is a domestic corporation whose principal place of business is within the ,united ,states may establish1 administer and solicit contributions to a separate segregated fund pursuant to section #caf7;b77#b77;,c7 so long as-- 7#a7 the foreign national parent corporation of such domestic corporation does not directly or indirectly finance the establishment1 administration1 or solicitation activities of the fund2 and 7#b7 the fund is in compliance with complies with the requirements of section #caf7;b77#h74 4 7b7 ,certification of ,compliance ,section #cai of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaba71 as amended by subsection 7a77#b71 is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7d7 ,certification of compliance required prior ,to carrying out activity ,prior to the making in connection with an election for ,federal office of any contribution1 donation1 expenditure1 independent expenditure1 or disbursement for an electioneering communication by a corporation1 limited liability corporation1 or partnership during a year1 the chief executive officer of the corporation1 limited liability corporation1 or partnership 7or1 if the corporation1 limited liability corporation1 or partnership does not have a chief executive officer1 the highest ranking official of the corporation1 limited liability corporation1 or partnership71 shall file a certification with the ,commission1 under penalty of perjury1 that the corporation1 limited liability corporation1 or partnership is not prohibited from carrying out such activity under subsection 7b77#c71 unless the chief executive officer has previously filed such a certification during that calendar year4 4 7c7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall take effect upon the expiration of the #ahj-;day period which begins on the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and shall take effect without regard to whether or not the ,federal ,election ,commission has promulgated regulations to carry out such amendments4 #dajb4 ,clarification of application of foreign money ban to certain disbursements and activities 7a7 ,application to disbursements to ,super ,p,a,cs ,section #cai7;a77#a77;,a7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaba7;a77#a77;,a77 is amended by striking the semicolon and inserting the following3 1 including any disbursement to a political committee which accepts donations or contributions that do not comply with the limitations1 prohibitions1 and reporting requirements of this ,act 7or any disbursement to or on behalf of any account of a political committee which is established for the purpose of accepting such donations or contributions724 7b7 ,conditions under which corporate ,p,a,cs may make contributions and expenditures ,section #caf7;b7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaah7;b77 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#h7 ,a separate segregated fund established by a corporation may not make a contribution or expenditure during a year unless the fund has certified to the ,commission the following during the year3 7,a7 ,each individual who manages the fund1 and who is responsible for exercising decisionmaking authority for the fund1 is a citizen of the ,united ,states or is lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the ,united ,states4 7,b7 ,no foreign national under section #cai participates in any way in the decisionmaking processes of the fund with regard to contributions or expenditures under this ,act4 7,c7 ,the fund does not solicit or accept recommendations from any foreign national under section #cai with respect to the contributions or expenditures made by the fund4 7,d7 ,any member of the board of directors of the corporation who is a foreign national under section #cai abstains from voting on matters concerning the fund or its activities4 4 #b ,reporting of ,campaign-,related ,disbursements #daaa4 ,reporting of campaign-related disbursements 7a7 ,disclosure requirements for corporations1 labor organizations1 and certain other entities 7#a7 ,in general ,section #cbd of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjabf7 is amended to read as follows3 #cbd4 ,disclosure of campaign-related disbursements by covered organizations 7a7 ,disclosure statement 7#a7 ,in general ,any covered organization that makes campaign-related disbursements aggregating more than #aj1jjj in an election reporting cycle shall1 not later than #bd hours after each disclosure date1 file a statement with the ,commission made under penalty of perjury that contains the information described in paragraph 7#b7-- 7,a7 in the case of the first statement filed under this subsection1 for the period beginning on the first day of the election reporting cycle 7or1 if earlier1 the period beginning one year before the first such disclosure date7 and ending on the first such disclosure date2 and 7,b7 in the case of any subsequent statement filed under this subsection1 for the period beginning on the previous disclosure date and ending on such disclosure date4 7#b7 ,information described ,the information described in this paragraph is as follows3 7,a7 ,the name of the covered organization and the principal place of business of such organization and1 in the case of a covered organization that is a corporation 7other than a business concern that is an issuer of a class of securities registered under section #ab of the ,securities ,exchange ,act of #aicd 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #ghl7 or that is required to file reports under section #ae7;d7 of that ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #gho7d777 or an entity described in subsection 7e77#b71 a list of the beneficial owners 7as defined in paragraph 7#d77;,a77 of the entity that-- 7i7 identifies each beneficial owner by name and current residential or business street address2 and 7ii7 if any beneficial owner exercises control over the entity through another legal entity1 such as a corporation1 partnership1 limited liability company1 or trust1 identifies each such other legal entity and each such beneficial owner who will use that other entity to exercise control over the entity4 7,b7 ,the amount of each campaign-related disbursement made by such organization during the period covered by the statement of more than #a1jjj1 and the name and address of the person to whom the disbursement was made4 7,c7 ,in the case of a campaign-related disbursement that is not a covered transfer1 the election to which the campaign-related disbursement pertains and if the disbursement is made for a public communication1 the name of any candidate identified in such communication and whether such communication is in support of or in opposition to a candidate4 7,d7 ,a certification by the chief executive officer or person who is the head of the covered organization that the campaign-related disbursement is not made in cooperation1 consultation1 or concert with or at the request or suggestion of a candidate1 authorized committee1 or agent of a candidate1 political party1 or agent of a political party4 7,e7 7i7 ,if the covered organization makes campaign-related disbursements using exclusively funds in a segregated bank account consisting of funds that were paid directly to such account by persons other than the covered organization that controls the account1 for each such payment to the account-- 7,i7 the name and address of each person who made such payment during the period covered by the statement2 7,,ii7 the date and amount of such payment2 and 7,,iii7 the aggregate amount of all such payments made by the person during the period beginning on the first day of the election reporting cycle 7or1 if earlier1 the period beginning one year before the disclosure date7 and ending on the disclosure date1 but only if such payment was made by a person who made payments to the account in an aggregate amount of #aj1jjj or more during the period beginning on the first day of the election reporting cycle 7or1 if earlier1 the period beginning one year before the disclosure date7 and ending on the disclosure date4 7ii7 ,in any calendar year after #bjbj1 section #cae7;c77#a77;,b7 shall apply to the amount described in clause 7i7 in the same manner as such section applies to the limitations established under subsections 7a77#a77;,a71 7a77#a77;,b71 7a77#c71 and 7h7 of such section1 except that for purposes of applying such section to the amounts described in subsection 7b71 the base period shall be #bjbj4 7,f7 7i7 ,if the covered organization makes campaign-related disbursements using funds other than funds in a segregated bank account described in subparagraph 7,e71 for each payment to the covered organization-- 7,i7 the name and address of each person who made such payment during the period covered by the statement2 7,,ii7 the date and amount of such payment2 and 7,,iii7 the aggregate amount of all such payments made by the person during the period beginning on the first day of the election reporting cycle 7or1 if earlier1 the period beginning one year before the disclosure date7 and ending on the disclosure date1 but only if such payment was made by a person who made payments to the covered organization in an aggregate amount of #aj1jjj or more during the period beginning on the first day of the election reporting cycle 7or1 if earlier1 the period beginning one year before the disclosure date7 and ending on the disclosure date4 7ii7 ,in any calendar year after #bjbj1 section #cae7;c77#a77;,b7 shall apply to the amount described in clause 7i7 in the same manner as such section applies to the limitations established under subsections 7a77#a77;,a71 7a77#a77;,b71 7a77#c71 and 7h7 of such section1 except that for purposes of applying such section to the amounts described in subsection 7b71 the base period shall be #bjbj4 7,g7 ,such other information as required in rules established by the ,commission to promote the purposes of this section4 7#c7 ,exceptions 7,a7 ,amounts received in ordinary course of business ,the requirement to include in a statement filed under paragraph 7#a7 the information described in paragraph 7#b7 shall not apply to amounts received by the covered organization in commercial transactions in the ordinary course of any trade or business conducted by the covered organization or in the form of investments 7other than investments by the principal shareholder in a limited liability corporation7 in the covered organization4 ,for purposes of this subparagraph1 amounts received by a covered organization as remittances from an employee to the employee's collective bargaining representative shall be treated as amounts received in commercial transactions in the ordinary course of the business conducted by the covered organization4 7,b7 ,donor restriction on use of funds ,the requirement to include in a statement submitted under paragraph 7#a7 the information described in subparagraph 7,f7 of paragraph 7#b7 shall not apply if-- 7i7 the person described in such subparagraph prohibited1 in writing1 the use of the payment made by such person for campaign-related disbursements2 and 7ii7 the covered organization agreed to follow the prohibition and deposited the payment in an account which is segregated from any account used to make campaign-related disbursements4 7,c7 ,threat of harassment or reprisal ,the requirement to include any information relating to the name or address of any person 7other than a candidate7 in a statement submitted under paragraph 7#a7 shall not apply if the inclusion of the information would subject the person to serious threats1 harassment1 or reprisals4 7#d7 ,other definitions ,for purposes of this section3 7,a7 ,beneficial owner defined 7i7 ,in general ,except as provided in clause 7ii71 the term beneficial owner means1 with respect to any entity1 a natural person who1 directly or indirectly-- 7,i7 exercises substantial control over an entity through ownership1 voting rights1 agreement1 or otherwise2 or 7,,ii7 has a substantial interest in or receives substantial economic benefits from the assets of an entity4 7ii7 ,exceptions ,the term beneficial owner shall not include-- 7,i7 a minor child2 7,,ii7 a person acting as a nominee1 intermediary1 custodian1 or agent on behalf of another person2 7,,iii7 a person acting solely as an employee of an entity and whose control over or economic benefits from the entity derives solely from the employment status of the person2 7,,iv7 a person whose only interest in an entity is through a right of inheritance1 unless the person also meets the requirements of clause 7i72 or 7,v7 a creditor of an entity1 unless the creditor also meets the requirements of clause 7i74 7iii7 ,anti-abuse rule ,the exceptions under clause 7ii7 shall not apply if used for the purpose of evading1 circumventing1 or abusing the provisions of clause 7i7 or paragraph 7#b77;,a74 7,b7 ,disclosure date ,the term disclosure date means-- 7i7 the first date during any election reporting cycle by which a person has made campaign-related disbursements aggregating more than #aj1jjj2 and 7ii7 any other date during such election reporting cycle by which a person has made campaign-related disbursements aggregating more than #aj1jjj since the most recent disclosure date for such election reporting cycle4 7,c7 ,election reporting cycle ,the term election reporting cycle means the #b-year period beginning on the date of the most recent general election for ,federal office4 7,d7 ,payment ,the term payment includes any contribution1 donation1 transfer1 payment of dues1 or other payment4 7b7 ,coordination with other provisions 7#a7 ,other reports filed with the ,commission ,information included in a statement filed under this section may be excluded from statements and reports filed under section #cjd4 7#b7 ,treatment as separate segregated fund ,a segregated bank account referred to in subsection 7a77#b77;,e7 may be treated as a separate segregated fund for purposes of section #ebg7;f77#c7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf4 7c7 ,filing ,statements required to be filed under subsection 7a7 shall be subject to the requirements of section #cjd7;d7 to the same extent and in the same manner as if such reports had been required under subsection 7c7 or 7g7 of section #cjd4 7d7 ,campaign-,related disbursement defined 7#a7 ,in general ,in this section1 the term campaign-related disbursement means a disbursement by a covered organization for any of the following3 7,a7 ,an independent expenditure which expressly advocates the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate for election for ,federal office1 or is the functional equivalent of express advocacy because1 when taken as a whole1 it can be interpreted by a reasonable person only as advocating the election or defeat of a candidate for election for ,federal office4 7,b7 ,any public communication which refers to a clearly identified candidate for election for ,federal office and which promotes or supports the election of a candidate for that office1 or attacks or opposes the election of a candidate for that office1 without regard to whether the communication expressly advocates a vote for or against a candidate for that office4 7,c7 ,an electioneering communication1 as defined in section #cjd7;f77#c74 7,d7 ,a covered transfer4 7#b7 ,intent not required ,a disbursement for an item described in subparagraph 7,a71 7,b71 7,c71 or 7,d7 of paragraph 7#a7 shall be treated as a campaign-related disbursement regardless of the intent of the person making the disbursement4 7e7 ,covered organization defined ,in this section1 the term covered organization means any of the following3 7#a7 ,a corporation 7other than an organization described in section #eja7;c77#c7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf74 7#b7 ,a limited liability corporation that is not otherwise treated as a corporation for purposes of this ,act 7other than an organization described in section #eja7;c77#c7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf74 7#c7 ,an organization described in section #eja7;c7 of such ,code and exempt from taxation under section #eja7;a7 of such ,code 7other than an organization described in section #eja7;c77#c7 of such ,code74 7#d7 ,a labor organization 7as defined in section #caf7;b774 7#e7 ,any political organization under section #ebg of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf1 other than a political committee under this ,act 7except as provided in paragraph 7#f774 7#f7 ,a political committee with an account that accepts donations or contributions that do not comply with the contribution limits or source prohibitions under this ,act1 but only with respect to such accounts4 7f7 ,covered transfer defined 7#a7 ,in general ,in this section1 the term covered transfer means any transfer or payment of funds by a covered organization to another person if the covered organization-- 7,a7 designates1 requests1 or suggests that the amounts be used for-- 7i7 campaign-related disbursements 7other than covered transfers72 or 7ii7 making a transfer to another person for the purpose of making or paying for such campaign-related disbursements2 7,b7 made such transfer or payment in response to a solicitation or other request for a donation or payment for-- 7i7 the making of or paying for campaign-related disbursements 7other than covered transfers72 or 7ii7 making a transfer to another person for the purpose of making or paying for such campaign-related disbursements2 7,c7 engaged in discussions with the recipient of the transfer or payment regarding-- 7i7 the making of or paying for campaign-related disbursements 7other than covered transfers72 or 7ii7 donating or transferring any amount of such transfer or payment to another person for the purpose of making or paying for such campaign-related disbursements2 7,d7 made campaign-related disbursements 7other than a covered transfer7 in an aggregate amount of #ej1jjj or more during the #b-year period ending on the date of the transfer or payment1 or knew or had reason to know that the person receiving the transfer or payment made such disbursements in such an aggregate amount during that #b-year period2 or 7,e7 knew or had reason to know that the person receiving the transfer or payment would make campaign-related disbursements in an aggregate amount of #ej1jjj or more during the #b-year period beginning on the date of the transfer or payment4 7#b7 ,exclusions ,the term covered transfer does not include any of the following3 7,a7 ,a disbursement made by a covered organization in a commercial transaction in the ordinary course of any trade or business conducted by the covered organization or in the form of investments made by the covered organization4 7,b7 ,a disbursement made by a covered organization if-- 7i7 the covered organization prohibited1 in writing1 the use of such disbursement for campaign-related disbursements2 and 7ii7 the recipient of the disbursement agreed to follow the prohibition and deposited the disbursement in an account which is segregated from any account used to make campaign-related disbursements4 7#c7 ,special rule regarding transfers among affiliates 7,a7 ,special rule ,a transfer of an amount by one covered organization to another covered organization which is treated as a transfer between affiliates under subparagraph 7,c7 shall be considered a covered transfer by the covered organization which transfers the amount only if the aggregate amount transferred during the year by such covered organization to that same covered organization is equal to or greater than #ej1jjj4 7,b7 ,determination of amount of certain payments among affiliates ,in determining the amount of a transfer between affiliates for purposes of subparagraph 7,a71 to the extent that the transfer consists of funds attributable to dues1 fees1 or assessments which are paid by individuals on a regular1 periodic basis in accordance with a per-individual calculation which is made on a regular basis1 the transfer shall be attributed to the individuals paying the dues1 fees1 or assessments and shall not be attributed to the covered organization4 7,c7 ,description of transfers between affiliates ,a transfer of amounts from one covered organization to another covered organization shall be treated as a transfer between affiliates if-- 7i7 one of the organizations is an affiliate of the other organization2 or 7ii7 each of the organizations is an affiliate of the same organization1 except that the transfer shall not be treated as a transfer between affiliates if one of the organizations is established for the purpose of making campaign-related disbursements4 7,d7 ,determination of affiliate status ,for purposes of subparagraph 7,c71 a covered organization is an affiliate of another covered organization if-- 7i7 the governing instrument of the organization requires it to be bound by decisions of the other organization2 7ii7 the governing board of the organization includes persons who are specifically designated representatives of the other organization or are members of the governing board1 officers1 or paid executive staff members of the other organization1 or whose service on the governing board is contingent upon the approval of the other organization2 or 7iii7 the organization is chartered by the other organization4 7,e7 ,coverage of transfers to affiliated section #eja7;c77#c7 organizations ,this paragraph shall apply with respect to an amount transferred by a covered organization to an organization described in paragraph 7#c7 of section #eja7;c7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf and exempt from tax under section #eja7;a7 of such ,code in the same manner as this paragraph applies to an amount transferred by a covered organization to another covered organization4 7g7 ,no effect on other reporting requirements ,nothing in this section shall be construed to waive or otherwise affect any other requirement of this ,act which relates to the reporting of campaign-related disbursements4 4 7#b7 ,conforming amendment ,section #cjd7;f77#f7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajd7 is amended by striking ,any requirement and inserting ,except as provided in section #cbd7;b71 any requirement4 7b7 ,coordination with ,fin,c,e,n 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,director of the ,financial ,crimes ,enforcement ,network of the ,department of the ,treasury shall provide the ,federal ,election ,commission with such information as necessary to assist in administering and enforcing section #cbd of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga1 as added by this section4 7#b7 ,report ,not later than #f months after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,chairman of the ,federal ,election ,commission1 in consultation with the ,director of the ,financial ,crimes ,enforcement ,network of the ,department of the ,treasury1 shall submit to ,congress a report with recommendations for providing further legislative authority to assist in the administration and enforcement of such section #cbd4 #daab4 ,application of foreign money ban to disbursements for campaign-related disbursements consisting of covered transfers ,section #cai7;a77#a77;,a7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaba7;a77#a77;,a771 as amended by section #dajb1 is amended by striking the semicolon and inserting the following3 1 and any disbursement1 other than an disbursement described in section #cbd7;a77#c77;,a71 to another person who made a campaign-related disbursement consisting of a covered transfer 7as described in section #cbd7 during the #b-year period ending on the date of the disbursement24 #daac4 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this part shall apply with respect to disbursements made on or after ,january #a1 #bjbj1 and shall take effect without regard to whether or not the ,federal ,election ,commission has promulgated regulations to carry out such amendments4 #c ,other ,administrative ,reforms #daba4 ,petition for certiorari ,section #cjg7;a77#f7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajg7;a77#f77 is amended by inserting 7including a proceeding before the ,supreme ,court on certiorari7 after appeal4 #dabb4 ,judicial review of actions related to campaign finance laws 7a7 ,in general ,title ,,iv of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjada et seq47 is amended by inserting after section #djf the following new section3 #djg4 ,judicial review 7a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding section #cgc7;f71 if any action is brought for declaratory or injunctive relief to challenge the constitutionality of any provision of this ,act or of chapter #ie or #if of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf1 or is brought to with respect to any action of the ,commission under chapter #ie or #if of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf1 the following rules shall apply3 7#a7 ,the action shall be filed in the ,united ,states ,district ,court for the ,district of ,columbia and an appeal from the decision of the district court may be taken to the ,court of ,appeals for the ,district of ,columbia ,circuit4 7#b7 ,in the case of an action relating to declaratory or injunctive relief to challenge the constitutionality of a provision-- 7,a7 a copy of the complaint shall be delivered promptly to the ,clerk of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,secretary of the ,senate2 and 7,b7 it shall be the duty of the ,united ,states ,district ,court for the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,court of ,appeals for the ,district of ,columbia1 and the ,supreme ,court of the ,united ,states to advance on the docket and to expedite to the greatest possible extent the disposition of the action and appeal4 7b7 ,intervention by ,members of ,congress ,in any action in which the constitutionality of any provision of this ,act or chapter #ie or #if of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is raised1 any ,member of the ,house of ,representatives 7including a ,delegate or ,resident ,commissioner to the ,congress7 or ,senate shall have the right to intervene either in support of or opposition to the position of a party to the case regarding the constitutionality of the provision4 ,to avoid duplication of efforts and reduce the burdens placed on the parties to the action1 the court in any such action may make such orders as it considers necessary1 including orders to require interveners taking similar positions to file joint papers or to be represented by a single attorney at oral argument4 7c7 ,challenge by ,members of ,congress ,any ,member of ,congress may bring an action1 subject to the special rules described in subsection 7a71 for declaratory or injunctive relief to challenge the constitutionality of any provision of this ,act or chapter #ie or #if of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendments 7#a7 ,in general 7,a7 ,section #ijaa of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended to read as follows3 #ijaa4 ,judicial review ,for provisions relating to judicial review of certifications1 determinations1 and actions by the ,commission under this chapter1 see section #djg of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga4 4 7,b7 ,section #ijda of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended to read as follows3 #ijda4 ,judicial review ,for provisions relating to judicial review of actions by the ,commission under this chapter1 see section #djg of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga4 4 7,c7 ,section #djc of the ,bipartisan ,campaign ,reform ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaaj note7 is repealed4 7c7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall apply to actions brought on or after ,january #a1 #bjai4 ,c ,honest ,ads #dbja4 ,short title ,this subtitle may be cited as the ,honest ,ads ,act4 #dbjb4 ,purpose ,the purpose of this subtitle is to enhance the integrity of ,american democracy and national security by improving disclosure requirements for online political advertisements in order to uphold the ,supreme ,court's well-established standard that the electorate bears the right to be fully informed4 #dbjc4 ,findings ,congress makes the following findings3 7#a7 ,on ,january #f1 #bjag1 the ,office of the ,director of ,national ,intelligence published a report titled ,assessing ,russian ,activities and ,intentions in ,recent ,u4,s4 ,elections1 noting that ,russian ,president ,vladimir ,putin ordered an influence campaign in #bjaf aimed at the ,,us presidential election 4 4 4 4 ,moscow's influence campaign followed a ,russian messaging strategy that blends covert intelligence operation--such as cyber activity--with overt efforts by ,russian ,government agencies1 state-funded media1 third-party intermediaries1 and paid social media users or trolls4 7#b7 ,on ,november #bd1 #bjaf1 ,the ,washington ,post reported findings from #b teams of independent researchers that concluded ,russians exploited ,american-made technology platforms to attack ,u4,s4 democracy at a particularly vulnerable moment 4 4 4 as part of a broadly effective strategy of sowing distrust in ,u4,s4 democracy and its leaders44 7#c7 ,findings from a #bjag study on the manipulation of public opinion through social media conducted by the ,computational ,propaganda ,research ,project at the ,oxford ,internet ,institute found that the ,kremlin is using pro-,russian bots to manipulate public discourse to a highly targeted audience4 ,with a sample of nearly #a1cjj1jjj tweets1 researchers found that in the #bjaf election's #c decisive ,states1 propaganda constituted #dj percent of the sampled election-related tweets that went to ,pennsylvanians1 #cd percent to ,michigan voters1 and #cj percent to those in ,wisconsin4 ,in other swing ,states1 the figure reached #db percent in ,missouri1 #da percent in ,florida1 #dj percent in ,north ,carolina1 #ch percent in ,colorado1 and #ce percent in ,ohio4 7#d7 ,on ,september #f1 #bjag1 the nation's largest social media platform disclosed that between ,june #bjae and ,may #bjag1 ,russian entities purchased #ajj1jjj in political advertisements1 publishing roughly #c1jjj ads linked to fake accounts associated with the ,internet ,research ,agency1 a pro-,kremlin organization4 ,according to the company1 the ads purchased focused on amplifying divisive social and political messages 4 4 44 7#e7 ,in #bjjb1 the ,bipartisan ,campaign ,reform ,act became law1 establishing disclosure requirements for political advertisements distributed from a television or radio broadcast station or provider of cable or satellite television4 ,in #bjjc1 the ,supreme ,court upheld regulations on electioneering communications established under the ,act1 noting that such requirements provide the electorate with information and insure that the voters are fully informed about the person or group who is speaking44 7#f7 ,according to a study from ,borrell ,associates1 in #bjaf1 #a1dae1jjj1jjj was spent on online advertising1 more than quadruple the amount in #bjab4 7#g7 ,the reach of a few large internet platforms--larger than any broadcast1 satellite1 or cable provider--has greatly facilitated the scope and effectiveness of disinformation campaigns4 ,for instance1 the largest platform has over #baj1jjj1jjj ,americans users--over #afj1jjj1jjj of them on a daily basis4 ,by contrast1 the largest cable television provider has #bb1dcj1jjj subscribers1 while the largest satellite television provider has #ba1jjj1jjj subscribers4 ,and the most-watched television broadcast in ,united ,states history had #aah1jjj1jjj viewers4 7#h7 ,the public nature of broadcast television1 radio1 and satellite ensures a level of publicity for any political advertisement4 ,these communications are accessible to the press1 fact-checkers1 and political opponents2 this creates strong disincentives for a candidate to disseminate materially false1 inflammatory1 or contradictory messages to the public4 ,social media platforms1 in contrast1 can target portions of the electorate with direct1 ephemeral advertisements often on the basis of private information the platform has on individuals1 enabling political advertisements that are contradictory1 racially or socially inflammatory1 or materially false4 7#i7 ,according to com,score1 #b companies own #h of the #aj most popular smartphone applications as of ,june #bjag1 including the most popular social media and email services--which deliver information and news to users without requiring proactivity by the user4 ,those same #b companies accounted for #ii percent of revenue growth from digital advertising in #bjaf1 including #gg percent of gross spending4 #gi percent of online ,americans--representing #fh percent of all ,americans--use the single largest social network1 while #ff percent of these users are most likely to get their news from that site4 7#aj7 ,in its #bjjf rulemaking1 the ,federal ,election ,commission noted that only #ah percent of all ,americans cited the internet as their leading source of news about the #bjjd ,presidential election2 by contrast1 the ,pew ,research ,center found that #fe percent of ,americans identified an internet-based source as their leading source of information for the #bjaf election4 7#aa7 ,the ,federal ,election ,commission1 the independent ,federal agency charged with protecting the integrity of the ,federal campaign finance process by providing transparency and administering campaign finance laws1 has failed to take action to address online political advertisements4 7#ab7 ,in testimony before the ,senate ,select ,committee on ,intelligence titled1 ,disinformation3 ,a ,primer in ,russian ,active ,measures and ,influence ,campaigns1 multiple expert witnesses testified that while the disinformation tactics of foreign adversaries have not necessarily changed1 social media services now provide platforms practically purpose-built for active measures4 ,similarly1 as ,gen4 ,keith ,b4 ,alexander 7,,ret471 the former ,director of the ,national ,security ,agency1 testified1 during the ,cold ,war if the ,soviet ,union sought to manipulate information flow1 it would have to do so principally through its own propaganda outlets or through active measures that would generate specific news3 planting of leaflets1 inciting of violence1 creation of other false materials and narratives4 ,but the news itself was hard to manipulate because it would have required actual control of the organs of media1 which took long-term efforts to penetrate4 ,today1 however1 because the clear majority of the information on social media sites is uncurated and there is a rapid proliferation of information sources and other sites that can reinforce information1 there is an increasing likelihood that the information available to average consumers may be inaccurate 7whether intentionally or otherwise7 and may be more easily manipulable than in prior eras44 7#ac7 ,current regulations on political advertisements do not provide sufficient transparency to uphold the public's right to be fully informed about political advertisements made online4 #dbjd4 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the dramatic increase in digital political advertisements1 and the growing centrality of online platforms in the lives of ,americans1 requires the ,congress and the ,federal ,election ,commission to take meaningful action to ensure that laws and regulations provide the accountability and transparency that is fundamental to our democracy24 7#b7 free and fair elections require both transparency and accountability which give the public a right to know the true sources of funding for political advertisements in order to make informed political choices and hold elected officials accountable2 and 7#c7 transparency of funding for political advertisements is essential to enforce other campaign finance laws1 including the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals4 #dbje4 ,expansion of definition of public communication 7a7 ,in general ,paragraph 7#bb7 of section #cja of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaja7bb77 is amended by striking or satellite communication and inserting satellite1 paid internet1 or paid digital communication4 7b7 ,treatment of contributions and expenditures ,section #cja of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaja7 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#h77;,b7-- 7,a7 in clause 7v71 by striking on broadcasting stations1 or in newspapers1 magazines1 or similar types of general public political advertising and inserting in any public communication2 7,b7 in clause 7ix71 by striking broadcasting1 newspaper1 magazine1 billboard1 direct mail1 or similar type of general public communication or political advertising and inserting public communication2 and 7,c7 in clause 7x71 by striking but not including the use of broadcasting1 newspapers1 magazines1 billboards1 direct mail1 or similar types of general public communication or political advertising and inserting but not including use in any public communication2 and 7#b7 in paragraph 7#i77;,b7-- 7,a7 by amending clause 7i7 to read as follows3 7i7 any news story1 commentary1 or editorial distributed through the facilities of any broadcasting station or any print1 online1 or digital newspaper1 magazine1 blog1 publication1 or periodical1 unless such broadcasting1 print1 online1 or digital facilities are owned or controlled by any political party1 political committee1 or candidate2 2 and 7,b7 in clause 7iv71 by striking on broadcasting stations1 or in newspapers1 magazines1 or similar types of general public political advertising and inserting in any public communication4 7c7 ,disclosure and disclaimer statements ,subsection 7a7 of section #cah of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjabj7 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking financing any communication through any broadcasting station1 newspaper1 magazine1 outdoor advertising facility1 mailing1 or any other type of general public political advertising and inserting financing any public communication2 and 7#b7 by striking solicits any contribution through any broadcasting station1 newspaper1 magazine1 outdoor advertising facility1 mailing1 or any other type of general public political advertising and inserting solicits any contribution through any public communication4 #dbjf4 ,expansion of definition of electioneering communication 7a7 ,expansion to online communications 7#a7 ,application to qualified ,internet and digital communications 7,a7 ,in general ,subparagraph 7,a7 of section #cjd7;f77#c7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajd7;f77#c77;,a77 is amended by striking or satellite communication each place it appears in clauses 7i7 and 7ii7 and inserting satellite1 or qualified internet or digital communication4 7,b7 ,qualified ,internet or digital communication ,paragraph 7#c7 of section #cjd7;f7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajd7;f77 is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,d7 ,qualified ,internet or digital communication ,the term qualified internet or digital communication means any communication which is placed or promoted for a fee on an online platform 7as defined in subsection 7j77#c774 4 7#b7 ,nonapplication of relevant electorate to online communications ,section #cjd7;f77#c77;,a77i77,,iii7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajd7;f77#c77;,a77i77,,iii77 is amended by inserting any broadcast1 cable1 or satellite before communication4 7#c7 ,news exemption ,section #cjd7;f77#c77;,b77i7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajd7;f77#c77;,b77i77 is amended to read as follows3 7i7 a communication appearing in a news story1 commentary1 or editorial distributed through the facilities of any broadcasting station or any online or digital newspaper1 magazine1 blog1 publication1 or periodical1 unless such broadcasting1 online1 or digital facilities are owned or controlled by any political party1 political committee1 or candidate2 4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to communications made on or after ,january #a1 #bjbj4 #dbjg4 ,application of disclaimer statements to online communications 7a7 ,clear and conspicuous manner requirement ,subsection 7a7 of section #cah of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjabj7;a77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking shall clearly state each place it appears in paragraphs 7#a71 7#b71 and 7#c7 and inserting shall state in a clear and conspicuous manner2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following flush sentence3 ,for purposes of this section1 a communication does not make a statement in a clear and conspicuous manner if it is difficult to read or hear or if the placement is easily overlooked44 7b7 ,special rules for qualified ,internet or digital communications 7#a7 ,in general ,section #cah of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjabj7 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7e7 ,special rules for qualified ,internet or digital communications 7#a7 ,special rules with respect to statements ,in the case of any qualified internet or digital communication 7as defined in section #cjd7;f77#c77;,d77 which is disseminated through a medium in which the provision of all of the information specified in this section is not possible1 the communication shall1 in a clear and conspicuous manner-- 7,a7 state the name of the person who paid for the communication2 and 7,b7 provide a means for the recipient of the communication to obtain the remainder of the information required under this section with minimal effort and without receiving or viewing any additional material other than such required information4 7#b7 ,safe harbor for determining clear and conspicuous manner ,a statement in qualified internet or digital communication 7as defined in section #cjd7;f77#c77;,d77 shall be considered to be made in a clear and conspicuous manner as provided in subsection 7a7 if the communication meets the following requirements3 7,a7 ,text or graphic communications ,in the case of a text or graphic communication1 the statement-- 7i7 appears in letters at least as large as the majority of the text in the communication2 and 7ii7 meets the requirements of paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c7 of subsection 7c74 7,b7 ,audio communications ,in the case of an audio communication1 the statement is spoken in a clearly audible and intelligible manner at the beginning or end of the communication and lasts at least #c seconds4 7,c7 ,video communications ,in the case of a video communication which also includes audio1 the statement-- 7i7 is included at either the beginning or the end of the communication2 and 7ii7 is made both in-- 7,i7 a written format that meets the requirements of subparagraph 7,a7 and appears for at least #d seconds2 and 7,,ii7 an audible format that meets the requirements of subparagraph 7,b74 7,d7 ,other communications ,in the case of any other type of communication1 the statement is at least as clear and conspicuous as the statement specified in subparagraph 7,a71 7,b71 or 7,c74 4 7#b7 ,nonapplication of certain exceptions ,the exceptions provided in section #aaj4aa7;f77#a77;i7 and 7ii7 of title #aa1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 or any successor to such rules1 shall have no application to qualified internet or digital communications 7as defined in section #cjd7;f77#c77;,d7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga74 7c7 ,modification of additional requirements for certain communications ,section #cah7;d7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjabj7;d77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a77;,a7-- 7,a7 by striking which is transmitted through radio and inserting which is in an audio format2 and 7,b7 by striking ,by radio in the heading and inserting ,audio format2 7#b7 in paragraph 7#a77;,b7-- 7,a7 by striking which is transmitted through television and inserting which is in video format2 and 7,b7 by striking ,by television in the heading and inserting ,video format2 and 7#c7 in paragraph 7#b7-- 7,a7 by striking transmitted through radio or television and inserting made in audio or video format2 and 7,b7 by striking through television in the second sentence and inserting in video format4 #dbjh4 ,political record requirements for online platforms 7a7 ,in general ,section #cjd of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajd7 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7j7 ,disclosure of certain online advertisements 7#a7 ,in general 7,a7 ,requirements for online platforms ,an online platform shall maintain1 and make available for online public inspection in machine readable format1 a complete record of any request to purchase on such online platform a qualified political advertisement which is made by a person whose aggregate requests to purchase qualified political advertisements on such online platform during the calendar year exceeds #ejj4 7,b7 ,requirements for advertisers ,any person who requests to purchase a qualified political advertisement on an online platform shall provide the online platform with such information as is necessary for the online platform to comply with the requirements of subparagraph 7,a74 7#b7 ,contents of record ,a record maintained under paragraph 7#a77;,a7 shall contain-- 7,a7 a digital copy of the qualified political advertisement2 7,b7 a description of the audience targeted by the advertisement1 the number of views generated from the advertisement1 and the date and time that the advertisement is first displayed and last displayed2 and 7,c7 information regarding-- 7i7 the average rate charged for the advertisement2 7ii7 the name of the candidate to which the advertisement refers and the office to which the candidate is seeking election1 the election to which the advertisement refers1 or the national legislative issue to which the advertisement refers 7as applicable72 7iii7 in the case of a request made by1 or on behalf of1 a candidate1 the name of the candidate1 the authorized committee of the candidate1 and the treasurer of such committee2 and 7iv7 in the case of any request not described in clause 7iii71 the name of the person purchasing the advertisement1 the name and address of a contact person for such person1 and a list of the chief executive officers or members of the executive committee or of the board of directors of such person4 7#c7 ,online platform ,for purposes of this subsection1 the term online platform means any public-facing website1 web application1 or digital application 7including a social network1 ad network1 or search engine7 which-- 7,a7 sells qualified political advertisements2 and 7,b7 has #ej1jjj1jjj or more unique monthly ,united ,states visitors or users for a majority of months during the preceding #ab months4 7#d7 ,qualified political advertisement ,for purposes of this subsection1 the term qualified political advertisement means any advertisement 7including search engine marketing1 display advertisements1 video advertisements1 native advertisements1 and sponsorships7 that-- 7,a7 is made by or on behalf of a candidate2 or 7,b7 communicates a message relating to any political matter of national importance1 including-- 7i7 a candidate2 7ii7 any election to ,federal office2 or 7iii7 a national legislative issue of public importance4 7#e7 ,time to maintain file ,the information required under this subsection shall be made available as soon as possible and shall be retained by the online platform for a period of not less than #d years4 7#f7 ,safe harbor for platforms making best efforts to identify requests which are subject to record maintenance requirements ,in accordance with rules established by the ,commission1 if an online platform shows that the platform used best efforts to determine whether or not a request to purchase a qualified political advertisement was subject to the requirements of this subsection1 the online platform shall not be considered to be in violation of such requirements4 7#g7 ,penalties ,for penalties for failure by online platforms1 and persons requesting to purchase a qualified political advertisement on online platforms1 to comply with the requirements of this subsection1 see section #cji4 4 7b7 ,rulemaking ,not later than #abj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,federal ,election ,commission shall establish rules-- 7#a7 requiring common data formats for the record required to be maintained under section #cjd7;j7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7as added by subsection 7a77 so that all online platforms submit and maintain data online in a common1 machine-readable and publicly accessible format2 and 7#b7 establishing search interface requirements relating to such record1 including searches by candidate name1 issue1 purchaser1 and date2 and 7#c7 establishing the criteria for the safe harbor exception provided under paragraph 7#f7 of section #cjd7;j7 of such ,act 7as added by subsection 7a774 7c7 ,reporting ,not later than #b years after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and biannually thereafter1 the ,chairman of the ,federal ,election ,commission shall submit a report to ,congress on-- 7#a7 matters relating to compliance with and the enforcement of the requirements of section #cjd7;j7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga1 as added by subsection 7a72 7#b7 recommendations for any modifications to such section to assist in carrying out its purposes2 and 7#c7 identifying ways to bring transparency and accountability to political advertisements distributed online for free4 #dbji4 ,preventing contributions1 expenditures1 independent expenditures1 and disbursements for electioneering communications by foreign nationals in the form of online advertising ,section #cai of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaba71 as amended by section #daja7;a77#b7 and section #daja7;b71 is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7e7 ,responsibilities of broadcast stations1 providers of cable and satellite television1 and online platforms ,each television or radio broadcast station1 provider of cable or satellite television1 or online platform 7as defined in section #cjd7;j77#c77 shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that communications described in section #cah7;a7 and made available by such station1 provider1 or platform are not purchased by a foreign national1 directly or indirectly4 4 ,d ,stand ,by ,every ,ad #dcja4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,stand ,by ,every ,ad ,act4 #dcjb4 ,stand ,by ,every ,ad 7a7 ,expanded disclaimer requirements for certain communications ,section #cah of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjabj71 as amended by section #dbjg7;b77#a71 is further amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subsection 7e7 as subsection 7f72 and 7#b7 by inserting after subsection 7d7 the following new subsection3 7e7 ,expanded disclaimer requirements for communications not authorized by candidates or committees 7#a7 ,in general ,except as provided in paragraph 7#f71 any communication described in paragraph 7#c7 of subsection 7a7 which is transmitted in an audio or video format 7including an ,internet or digital communication71 or which is an ,internet or digital communication transmitted in a text or graphic format1 shall include1 in addition to the requirements of paragraph 7#c7 of subsection 7a71 the following3 7,a7 ,the individual disclosure statement described in paragraph 7#b77;,a7 7if the person paying for the communication is an individual7 or the organizational disclosure statement described in paragraph 7#b77;,b7 7if the person paying for the communication is not an individual74 7,b7 ,if the communication is transmitted in a video format1 or is an ,internet or digital communication which is transmitted in a text or graphic format1 and is paid for in whole or in part with a payment which is treated as a campaign-related disbursement under section #cbd-- 7i7 the ,top ,five ,funders list 7if applicable72 or 7ii7 in the case of a communication which1 as determined on the basis of criteria established in regulations issued by the ,commission1 is of such short duration that including the ,top ,five ,funders list in the communication would constitute a hardship to the person paying for the communication by requiring a disproportionate amount of the content of the communication to consist of the ,top ,five ,funders list1 the name of a website which contains the ,top ,five ,funders list 7if applicable7 or1 in the case of an ,internet or digital communication1 a hyperlink to such website4 7,c7 ,if the communication is transmitted in an audio format and is paid for in whole or in part with a payment which is treated as a campaign-related disbursement under section #cbd-- 7i7 the ,top ,two ,funders list 7if applicable72 or 7ii7 in the case of a communication which1 as determined on the basis of criteria established in regulations issued by the ,commission1 is of such short duration that including the ,top ,two ,funders list in the communication would constitute a hardship to the person paying for the communication by requiring a disproportionate amount of the content of the communication to consist of the ,top ,two ,funders list1 the name of a website which contains the ,top ,two ,funders list 7if applicable74 7#b7 ,disclosure statements described 7,a7 ,individual disclosure statements ,the individual disclosure statement described in this subparagraph is the following3 ,i am 1 and ,i approve this message41 with the blank filled in with the name of the applicable individual4 7,b7 ,organizational disclosure statements ,the organizational disclosure statement described in this subparagraph is the following3 ,i am 1 the of 1 and approves this message41 with-- 7i7 the first blank to be filled in with the name of the applicable individual2 7ii7 the second blank to be filled in with the title of the applicable individual2 and 7iii7 the third and fourth blank each to be filled in with the name of the organization or other person paying for the communication4 7#c7 ,method of conveyance of statement 7,a7 ,communications in text or graphic format ,in the case of a communication to which this subsection applies which is transmitted in a text or graphic format1 the disclosure statements required under paragraph 7#a7 shall appear in letters at least as large as the majority of the text in the communication4 7,b7 ,communications transmitted in audio format ,in the case of a communication to which this subsection applies which is transmitted in an audio format1 the disclosure statements required under paragraph 7#a7 shall be made by audio by the applicable individual in a clear and conspicuous manner4 7,c7 ,communications transmitted in video format ,in the case of a communication to which this subsection applies which is transmitted in a video format1 the information required under paragraph 7#a7-- 7i7 shall appear in writing at the end of the communication or in a crawl along the bottom of the communication in a clear and conspicuous manner1 with a reasonable degree of color contrast between the background and the printed statement1 for a period of at least #f seconds2 and 7ii7 shall also be conveyed by an unobscured1 full-screen view of the applicable individual or by the applicable individual making the statement in voice-over accompanied by a clearly identifiable photograph or similar image of the individual1 except in the case of a ,top ,five ,funders list4 7#d7 ,applicable individual defined ,the term applicable individual means1 with respect to a communication to which this subsection applies-- 7,a7 if the communication is paid for by an individual1 the individual involved2 7,b7 if the communication is paid for by a corporation1 the chief executive officer of the corporation 7or1 if the corporation does not have a chief executive officer1 the highest ranking official of the corporation72 7,c7 if the communication is paid for by a labor organization1 the highest ranking officer of the labor organization2 and 7,d7 if the communication is paid for by any other person1 the highest ranking official of such person4 7#e7 ,top ,five ,funders list and ,top ,two ,funders list defined 7,a7 ,top ,five ,funders list ,the term ,top ,five ,funders list means1 with respect to a communication which is paid for in whole or in part with a campaign-related disbursement 7as defined in section #cbd71 a list of the five persons who1 during the #ab-month period ending on the date of the disbursement1 provided the largest payments of any type in an aggregate amount equal to or exceeding #aj1jjj to the person who is paying for the communication and the amount of the payments each such person provided4 ,if two or more people provided the fifth largest of such payments1 the person paying for the communication shall select one of those persons to be included on the ,top ,five ,funders list4 7,b7 ,top ,two ,funders list ,the term ,top ,two ,funders list means1 with respect to a communication which is paid for in whole or in part with a campaign-related disbursement 7as defined in section #cbd71 a list of the persons who1 during the #ab-month period ending on the date of the disbursement1 provided the largest and the second largest payments of any type in an aggregate amount equal to or exceeding #aj1jjj to the person who is paying for the communication and the amount of the payments each such person provided4 ,if two or more persons provided the second largest of such payments1 the person paying for the communication shall select one of those persons to be included on the ,top ,two ,funders list4 7,c7 ,exclusion of certain payments ,for purposes of subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b71 in determining the amount of payments made by a person to a person paying for a communication1 there shall be excluded the following3 7i7 ,any amounts provided in the ordinary course of any trade or business conducted by the person paying for the communication or in the form of investments in the person paying for the communication4 7ii7 ,any payment which the person prohibited1 in writing1 from being used for campaign-related disbursements1 but only if the person paying for the communication agreed to follow the prohibition and deposited the payment in an account which is segregated from any account used to make campaign-related disbursements4 7#f7 ,special rules for certain communications 7,a7 ,exception for communications paid for by political parties and certain political committees ,this subsection does not apply to any communication to which subsection 7d77#b7 applies4 7,b7 ,treatment of video communications lasting #aj seconds or less ,in the case of a communication to which this subsection applies which is transmitted in a video format1 or is an ,internet or digital communication which is transmitted in a text or graphic format1 the communication shall meet the following requirements3 7i7 ,the communication shall include the individual disclosure statement described in paragraph 7#b77;,a7 7if the person paying for the communication is an individual7 or the organizational disclosure statement described in paragraph 7#b77;,b7 7if the person paying for the communication is not an individual74 7ii7 ,the statement described in clause 7i7 shall appear in writing at the end of the communication1 or in a crawl along the bottom of the communication1 in a clear and conspicuous manner1 with a reasonable degree of color contrast between the background and the printed statement1 for a period of at least #d seconds4 7iii7 ,the communication shall include1 in a clear and conspicuous manner1 a website address with a landing page which will provide all of the information described in paragraph 7#a7 with respect to the communication4 ,such address shall appear for the full duration of the communication4 7iv7 ,to the extent that the format in which the communication is made permits the use of a hyperlink1 the communication shall include a hyperlink to the website address described in clause 7iii74 4 7b7 ,application of expanded requirements to public communications consisting of campaign-,related disbursements ,section #cah7;a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjabj7;a77 is amended by striking for the purpose of financing communications expressly advocating the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate and inserting for a campaign-related disbursement1 as defined in section #cbd1 consisting of a public communication4 7c7 ,exception for communications paid for by political parties and certain political committees ,section #cah7;d77#b7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjabj7;d77#b77 is amended-- 7#a7 in the heading1 by striking others and inserting certain political committees2 7#b7 by striking ,any communication and inserting 7,a7 ,any communication2 7#c7 by inserting which 7except to the extent provided in subparagraph 7,b77 is paid for by a political committee 7including a political committee of a political party7 and after subsection 7a72 7#d7 by striking or other person each place it appears2 and 7#e7 by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,b7 7i7 ,this paragraph does not apply to a communication paid for in whole or in part during a calendar year with a campaign-related disbursement1 but only if the covered organization making the campaign-related disbursement made campaign-related disbursements 7as defined in section #cbd7 aggregating more than #aj1jjj during such calendar year4 7ii7 ,for purposes of clause 7i71 in determining the amount of campaign-related disbursements made by a covered organization during a year1 there shall be excluded the following3 7,i7 ,any amounts received by the covered organization in the ordinary course of any trade or business conducted by the covered organization or in the form of investments in the covered organization4 7,,ii7 ,any amounts received by the covered organization from a person who prohibited1 in writing1 the organization from using such amounts for campaign-related disbursements1 but only if the covered organization agreed to follow the prohibition and deposited the amounts in an account which is segregated from any account used to make campaign-related disbursements4 4 #dcjc4 ,disclaimer requirements for communications made through prerecorded telephone calls 7a7 ,application of requirements 7#a7 ,in general ,section #cah7;a7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjabj7;a771 as amended by section #dbje7;c71 is amended by inserting after public communication each place it appears the following3 7including a telephone call consisting in substantial part of a prerecorded audio message74 7#b7 ,application to communications subject to expanded disclaimer requirements ,section #cah7;e77#a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjabj7;e77#a771 as added by section #dcjb7;a71 is amended in the matter preceding subparagraph 7,a7 by striking which is transmitted in an audio or video format and inserting which is transmitted in an audio or video format or which consists of a telephone call consisting in substantial part of a prerecorded audio message4 7b7 ,treatment as communication transmitted in audio format 7#a7 ,communications by candidates or authorized persons ,section #cah7;d7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjabj7;d77 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#c7 ,prerecorded telephone calls ,any communication described in paragraph 7#a71 7#b71 or 7#c7 of subsection 7a7 7other than a communication which is subject to subsection 7e77 which is a telephone call consisting in substantial part of a prerecorded audio message shall include1 in addition to the requirements of such paragraph1 the audio statement required under subparagraph 7,a7 of paragraph 7#a7 or the audio statement required under paragraph 7#b7 7whichever is applicable71 except that the statement shall be made at the beginning of the telephone call4 4 7#b7 ,communications subject to expanded disclaimer requirements ,section #cah7;e77#c7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjabj7;e77#c771 as added by section #dcjb7;a71 is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,d7 ,prerecorded telephone calls ,in the case of a communication to which this subsection applies which is a telephone call consisting in substantial part of a prerecorded audio message1 the communication shall be considered to be transmitted in an audio format4 4 #dcjd4 ,no expansion of persons subject to disclaimer requirements on ,internet communications ,nothing in this subtitle or the amendments made by this subtitle may be construed to require any person who is not required under section #cah of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7as provided under section #aaj4aa of title #aa of the ,code of ,federal ,regulations7 to include a disclaimer on communications made by the person through the internet to include any disclaimer on any such communications4 #dcje4 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this subtitle shall apply with respect to communications made on or after ,january #a1 #bjbj1 and shall take effect without regard to whether or not the ,federal ,election ,commission has promulgated regulations to carry out such amendments4 ,e ,reserved ,f ,reserved ,g ,reserved ,h ,limitation and ,disclosure ,requirements for ,presidential ,inaugural ,committees #dgja4 ,short title ,this subtitle may be cited as the ,presidential ,inaugural ,committee ,oversight ,act4 #dgjb4 ,limitations and disclosure of certain donations to1 and disbursements by1 ,inaugural ,committees 7a7 ,requirements for ,inaugural ,committees ,title ,,iii of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaja et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following new section3 #cbe4 ,inaugural committees 7a7 ,prohibited donations 7#a7 ,in general ,it shall be unlawful-- 7,a7 for an ,inaugural ,committee-- 7i7 to solicit1 accept1 or receive a donation from a person that is not an individual2 or 7ii7 to solicit1 accept1 or receive a donation from a foreign national2 7,b7 for a person-- 7i7 to make a donation to an ,inaugural ,committee in the name of another person1 or to knowingly authorize his or her name to be used to effect such a donation2 7ii7 to knowingly accept a donation to an ,inaugural ,committee made by a person in the name of another person2 or 7iii7 to convert a donation to an ,inaugural ,committee to personal use as described in paragraph 7#b72 and 7,c7 for a foreign national to1 directly or indirectly1 make a donation1 or make an express or implied promise to make a donation1 to an ,inaugural ,committee4 7#b7 ,conversion of donation to personal use ,for purposes of paragraph 7#a77;,b77iii71 a donation shall be considered to be converted to personal use if any part of the donated amount is used to fulfill a commitment1 obligation1 or expense of a person that would exist irrespective of the responsibilities of the ,inaugural ,committee under chapter #e of title #cf1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#c7 ,no effect on disbursement of unused funds to nonprofit organizations ,nothing in this subsection may be construed to prohibit an ,inaugural ,committee from disbursing unused funds to an organization which is described in section #eja7;c77#c7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf and is exempt from taxation under section #eja7;a7 of such ,code4 7b7 ,limitation on donations 7#a7 ,in general ,it shall be unlawful for an individual to make donations to an ,inaugural ,committee which1 in the aggregate1 exceed #ej1jjj4 7#b7 ,indexing ,at the beginning of each ,presidential election year 7beginning with #bjbd71 the amount described in paragraph 7#a7 shall be increased by the cumulative percent difference determined in section #cae7;c77#a77;,a7 since the previous ,presidential election year4 ,if any amount after such increase is not a multiple of #a1jjj1 such amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of #a1jjj4 7c7 ,disclosure of certain donations and disbursements 7#a7 ,donations over #a1jjj 7,a7 ,in general ,an ,inaugural ,committee shall file with the ,commission a report disclosing any donation by an individual to the committee in an amount of #a1jjj or more not later than #bd hours after the receipt of such donation4 7,b7 ,contents of report ,a report filed under subparagraph 7,a7 shall contain-- 7i7 the amount of the donation2 7ii7 the date the donation is received2 and 7iii7 the name and address of the individual making the donation4 7#b7 ,final report ,not later than the date that is #ij days after the date of the ,presidential inaugural ceremony1 the ,inaugural ,committee shall file with the ,commission a report containing the following information3 7,a7 ,for each donation of money or anything of value made to the committee in an aggregate amount equal to or greater than #bjj-- 7i7 the amount of the donation2 7ii7 the date the donation is received2 and 7iii7 the name and address of the individual making the donation4 7,b7 ,the total amount of all disbursements1 and all disbursements in the following categories3 7i7 ,disbursements made to meet committee operating expenses4 7ii7 ,repayment of all loans4 7iii7 ,donation refunds and other offsets to donations4 7iv7 ,any other disbursements4 7,c7 ,the name and address of each person-- 7i7 to whom a disbursement in an aggregate amount or value in excess of #bjj is made by the committee to meet a committee operating expense1 together with date1 amount1 and purpose of such operating expense2 7ii7 who receives a loan repayment from the committee1 together with the date and amount of such loan repayment2 7iii7 who receives a donation refund or other offset to donations from the committee1 together with the date and amount of such disbursement2 and 7iv7 to whom any other disbursement in an aggregate amount or value in excess of #bjj is made by the committee1 together with the date and amount of such disbursement4 7d7 ,definitions ,for purposes of this section3 7#a7 7,a7 ,the term donation includes-- 7i7 any gift1 subscription1 loan1 advance1 or deposit of money or anything of value made by any person to the committee2 or 7ii7 the payment by any person of compensation for the personal services of another person which are rendered to the committee without charge for any purpose4 7,b7 ,the term donation does not include the value of services provided without compensation by any individual who volunteers on behalf of the committee4 7#b7 ,the term foreign national has the meaning given that term by section #cai7;b74 7#c7 ,the term ,inaugural ,committee has the meaning given that term by section #eja of title #cf1 ,united ,states ,code4 4 7b7 ,confirming amendment related to reporting requirements ,section #cjd of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajd7 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking subsection 7h72 and 7#b7 by redesignating subsection 7i7 as subsection 7h74 7c7 ,conforming amendment related to status of committee ,section #eaj of title #cf1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended to read as follows3 #eaj4 ,disclosure of and prohibition on certain donations ,a committee shall not be considered to be the ,inaugural ,committee for purposes of this chapter unless the committee agrees to1 and meets1 the requirements of section #cbe of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga4 4 7d7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this ,act shall apply with respect to ,inaugural ,committees established under chapter #e of title #cf1 ,united ,states ,code1 for inaugurations held in #bjba and any succeeding year4 ,i ,severability #dhja4 ,severability ,if any provision of this title or amendment made by this title1 or the application of a provision or amendment to any person or circumstance1 is held to be unconstitutional1 the remainder of this title and amendments made by this title1 and the application of the provisions and amendment to any person or circumstance1 shall not be affected by the holding4 ,v ,campaign ,finance ,empowerment ,subtitle ,a--,findings ,relating to ,citizens ,united ,decision ,sec4 #ejja4 ,findings relating to ,citizens ,united decision4 ,subtitle ,b--,congressional ,elections ,sec4 #eajj4 ,short title4 ,part #a--,my ,voice ,voucher ,pilot ,program ,sec4 #eaja4 ,establishment of pilot program4 ,sec4 #eajb4 ,voucher program described4 ,sec4 #eajc4 ,reports4 ,sec4 #eajd4 ,definitions4 ,part #b--,small ,dollar ,financing of ,congressional ,election ,campaigns ,sec4 #eaaa4 ,benefits and eligibility requirements for candidates4 ,title ,v--,small ,dollar ,financing of ,congressional ,election ,campaigns ,subtitle ,a--,benefits ,sec4 #eja4 ,benefits for participating candidates4 ,sec4 #ejb4 ,procedures for making payments4 ,sec4 #ejc4 ,use of funds4 ,sec4 #ejd4 ,qualified small dollar contributions described4 ,subtitle ,b--,eligibility and ,certification ,sec4 #eaa4 ,eligibility4 ,sec4 #eab4 ,qualifying requirements4 ,sec4 #eac4 ,certification4 ,subtitle ,c--,requirements for ,candidates ,certified as ,participating ,candidates ,sec4 #eba4 ,contribution and expenditure requirements4 ,sec4 #ebb4 ,administration of campaign4 ,sec4 #ebc4 ,preventing unnecessary spending of public funds4 ,sec4 #ebd4 ,remitting unspent funds after election4 ,subtitle ,d--,enhanced ,match ,support ,sec4 #eca4 ,enhanced support for general election4 ,sec4 #ecb4 ,eligibility4 ,sec4 #ecc4 ,amount4 ,sec4 #ecd4 ,waiver of authority to retain portion of unspent funds after election4 ,subtitle ,e--,administrative ,provisions ,sec4 #eda4 ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund4 ,sec4 #edb4 ,reviews and reports by ,government ,accountability ,office4 ,sec4 #edc4 ,administration by ,commission4 ,sec4 #edd4 ,violations and penalties4 ,sec4 #ede4 ,appeals process4 ,sec4 #edf4 ,indexing of amounts4 ,sec4 #edg4 ,election cycle defined4 ,sec4 #eaab4 ,contributions and expenditures by multicandidate and political party committees on behalf of participating candidates4 ,sec4 #eaac4 ,prohibiting use of contributions by participating candidates for purposes other than campaign for election4 ,sec4 #eaad4 ,effective date4 ,subtitle ,c--,presidential ,elections ,sec4 #ebjj4 ,short title4 ,part #a--,primary ,elections ,sec4 #ebja4 ,increase in and modifications to matching payments4 ,sec4 #ebjb4 ,eligibility requirements for matching payments4 ,sec4 #ebjc4 ,repeal of expenditure limitations4 ,sec4 #ebjd4 ,period of availability of matching payments4 ,sec4 #ebje4 ,examination and audits of matchable contributions4 ,sec4 #ebjf4 ,modification to limitation on contributions for ,presidential primary candidates4 ,sec4 #ebjg4 ,use of ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund as source of payments4 ,part #b--;,general ,elections ,sec4 #ebaa4 ,modification of eligibility requirements for public financing4 ,sec4 #ebab4 ,repeal of expenditure limitations and use of qualified campaign contributions4 ,sec4 #ebac4 ,matching payments and other modifications to payment amounts4 ,sec4 #ebad4 ,increase in limit on coordinated party expenditures4 ,sec4 #ebae4 ,establishment of uniform date for release of payments4 ,sec4 #ebaf4 ,amounts in ,presidential ,election ,campaign ,fund4 ,sec4 #ebag4 ,use of general election payments for general election legal and accounting compliance4 ,sec4 #ebah4 ,use of ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund as source of payments4 ,part #c--;,effective ,date ,sec4 #ebba4 ,effective date4 ,subtitle ,d--,personal ,use ,services as ,authorized ,campaign ,expenditures ,sec4 #ecja4 ,short title2 findings2 purpose4 ,sec4 #ecjb4 ,treatment of payments for child care and other personal use services as authorized campaign expenditure4 ,subtitle ,e--,severability ,sec4 #edja4 ,severability4 ,a ,findings ,relating to ,citizens ,united ,decision #ejja4 ,findings relating to ,citizens ,united decision ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,the ,american ,republic was founded on the principle that all people are created equal1 with rights and responsibilities as citizens to vote1 be represented1 speak1 debate1 and participate in self-government on equal terms regardless of wealth4 ,to secure these rights and responsibilities1 our ,constitution not only protects the equal rights of all ,americans but also provides checks and balances to prevent corruption and prevent concentrated power and wealth from undermining effective self-government4 7#b7 ,the ,supreme ,court's decisions in ,citizens ,united v4 ,federal ,election ,commission1 #eeh ,u4,s4 #caj 7#bjaj7 and ,mc,cutcheon v4 ,,fec1 #egb ,u4,s4 #ahe 7#bjad71 as well as other court decisions1 erroneously invalidated even-handed rules about the spending of money in local1 ,state1 and ,federal elections4 ,these flawed decisions have empowered large corporations1 extremely wealthy individuals1 and special interests to dominate election spending1 corrupt our politics1 and degrade our democracy through tidal waves of unlimited and anonymous spending4 ,these decisions also stand in contrast to a long history of efforts by ,congress and the ,states to regulate money in politics to protect democracy1 and they illustrate a troubling deregulatory trend in campaign finance-related court decisions4 ,additionally1 an unknown amount of foreign money continues to be spent in our political system as subsidiaries of foreign-based corporations and hostile foreign actors sometimes connected to nation-,states work to influence our elections4 7#c7 ,the ,supreme ,court's misinterpretation of the ,constitution to empower monied interests at the expense of the ,american people in elections has seriously eroded over #ajj years of congressional action to promote fairness and protect elections from the toxic influence of money4 7#d7 ,in #aijg1 ,congress passed the ,tillman ,act in response to the concentration of corporate power in the post-,civil ,war ,gilded ,age4 ,the ,act prohibited corporations from making contributions in connection with ,federal elections1 aiming not merely to prevent the subversion of the integrity of the electoral process but ''' to sustain the active1 alert responsibility of the individual citizen in a democracy for the wise conduct of government4 7#e7 ,by #aiaj1 ,congress began passing disclosure requirements and campaign expenditure limits1 and dozens of ,states passed corrupt practices ,acts to prohibit corporate spending in elections4 ,states also enacted campaign spending limits1 and some ,states limited the amount that people could contribute to campaigns4 7#f7 ,in #aidg1 the ,taft-,hartley ,act prohibited corporations and unions from making campaign contributions or other expenditures to influence elections4 ,in #aifb1 a ,presidential commission on election spending recommended spending limits and incentives to increase small contributions from more people4 7#g7 ,the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7,,feca71 as amended in #aigd1 required disclosure of contributions and expenditures1 imposed contribution and expenditure limits for individuals and groups1 set spending limits for campaigns1 candidates1 and groups1 implemented a public funding system for ,presidential campaigns1 and created the ,federal ,election ,commission to oversee and enforce the new rules4 7#h7 ,in the wake of ,citizens ,united and other damaging ,federal court decisions1 ,americans have witnessed an explosion of outside spending in elections4 ,outside spending increased nearly #ijj percent between the #bjjh and #bjaf ,presidential election years4 ,indeed1 the #bjah elections once again made clear the overwhelming political power of wealthy special interests1 to the tune of over #e1jjj1jjj1jjj4 ,and as political entities adapt to a post-,citizens ,united1 post-,mc,cutcheon landscape1 these trends are getting worse1 as evidenced by the experience in the #bjah midterm congressional elections1 where outside spending more than doubled from the previous midterm cycle4 7#i7 ,the torrent of money flowing into our political system has a profound effect on the democratic process for everyday ,americans1 whose voices and policy preferences are increasingly being drowned out by those of wealthy special interests4 ,the more campaign cash from wealthy special interests can flood our elections1 the more policies that favor those interests are reflected in the national political agenda4 ,when it comes to policy preferences1 our ,nation's wealthiest tend to have fundamentally different views than do average ,americans when it comes to issues ranging from unemployment benefits to the minimum wage to health care coverage4 7#aj7 ,the ,court has tied the hands of ,congress and the ,states1 severely restricting them from setting reasonable limits on campaign spending4 ,for example1 the ,court has held that only the ,government's interest in preventing quid pro quo corruption1 like bribery1 or the appearance of such corruption1 can justify limits on campaign contributions4 ,more broadly1 the ,court has severely curtailed attempts to reduce the ability of the ,nation's wealthiest and most powerful to skew our democracy in their favor by buying outsized influence in our elections4 ,because this distortion of the ,constitution has prevented truly meaningful regulation or reform of the way we finance elections in ,america1 a constitutional amendment is needed to achieve a democracy for all the people4 7#aa7 ,since the landmark ,citizens ,united decision1 #ai ,states and nearly #hjj municipalities1 including large cities like ,new ,york1 ,los ,angeles1 ,chicago1 and ,philadelphia1 have gone on record supporting a constitutional amendment4 ,transcending political leanings and geographic location1 voters in ,states and municipalities across the country that have placed amendment questions on the ballot have routinely supported these initiatives by considerably large margins4 7#ab7 ,at the same time millions of ,americans have signed petitions1 marched1 called their ,members of ,congress1 written letters to the editor1 and otherwise demonstrated their public support for a constitutional amendment to overturn ,citizens ,united that will allow ,congress to reign in the outsized influence of unchecked money in politics4 ,dozens of organizations1 representing tens of millions of individuals1 have come together in a shared strategy of supporting such an amendment4 7#ac7 ,in order to protect the integrity of democracy and the electoral process and to ensure political equality for all1 the ,constitution should be amended so that ,congress and the ,states may regulate and set limits on the raising and spending of money to influence elections and may distinguish between natural persons and artificial entities1 like corporations1 that are created by law1 including by prohibiting such artificial entities from spending money to influence elections4 ,b ,congressional ,elections #eajj4 ,short title ,this subtitle may be cited as the ,government ,by the ,people ,act of #bjai4 #a ,my ,voice ,voucher ,pilot ,program #eaja4 ,establishment of pilot program 7a7 ,establishment ,the ,federal ,election ,commission 7hereafter in this part referred to as the ,commission7 shall establish a pilot program under which the ,commission shall select #c eligible ,states to operate a voucher pilot program which is described in section #eajb during the program operation period4 7b7 ,eligibility of ,states ,a ,state is eligible to be selected to operate a voucher pilot program under this part if1 not later than #ahj days after the beginning of the program application period1 the ,state submits to the ,commission an application containing-- 7#a7 information and assurances that the ,state will operate a voucher program which contains the elements described in section #eajb7;a72 7#b7 information and assurances that the ,state will establish fraud prevention mechanisms described in section #eajb7;b72 7#c7 information and assurances that the ,state will establish a commission to oversee and implement the program as described in section #eajb7;c72 7#d7 information and assurances that the ,state will carry out a public information campaign as described in section #eajb7;d72 7#e7 information and assurances that the ,state will submit reports as required under section #eajc2 and 7#f7 such other information and assurances as the ,commission may require4 7c7 ,selection of participating ,states 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the beginning of the program application period1 the ,commission shall select the #c ,states which will operate voucher pilot programs under this part4 7#b7 ,criteria ,in selecting ,states for the operation of the voucher pilot programs under this part1 the ,commission shall apply such criteria and metrics as the ,commission considers appropriate to determine the ability of a ,state to operate the program successfully1 and shall attempt to select ,states in a variety of geographic regions and with a variety of political party preferences4 7#c7 ,no supermajority required for selection ,the selection of ,states by the ,commission under this subsection shall require the approval of only half of the ,members of the ,commission4 7d7 ,duties of ,states during program preparation period ,during the program preparation period1 each ,state selected to operate a voucher pilot program under this part shall take such actions as may be necessary to ensure that the ,state will be ready to operate the program during the program operation period1 and shall complete such actions not later than #ij days before the beginning of the program operation period4 7e7 ,termination ,each voucher pilot program under this part shall terminate as of the first day after the program operation period4 7f7 ,reimbursement of ,costs 7#a7 ,reimbursement ,upon receiving the report submitted by a ,state under section #eajc7;a7 with respect to an election cycle1 the ,commission shall transmit a payment to the ,state in an amount equal to the reasonable costs incurred by the ,state in operating the voucher pilot program under this part during the cycle4 7#b7 ,source of funds ,payments to ,states under the program shall be made using amounts in the ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund under section #eda of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7as added by section #eaaa71 hereafter referred to as the ,fund4 7#c7 ,mandatory reduction of payments in case of insufficient amounts in ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund 7,a7 ,advance audits by ,commission ,not later than #ij days before the first day of each program operation period1 the ,commission shall-- 7i7 audit the ,fund to determine whether1 after first making payments to participating candidates under title ,v of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7as added by section #eaaa71 the amounts remaining in the ,fund will be sufficient to make payments to ,states under this part in the amounts provided under this subsection2 and 7ii7 submit a report to ,congress describing the results of the audit4 7,b7 ,reductions in amount of payments 7i7 ,automatic reduction on pro rata basis ,if1 on the basis of the audit described in subparagraph 7,a71 the ,commission determines that the amount anticipated to be available in the ,fund with respect to an election cycle involved is not1 or may not be1 sufficient to make payments to ,states under this part in the full amount provided under this subsection1 the ,commission shall reduce each amount which would otherwise be paid to a ,state under this subsection by such pro rata amount as may be necessary to ensure that the aggregate amount of payments anticipated to be made with respect to the cycle will not exceed the amount anticipated to be available for such payments in the ,fund with respect to such cycle4 7ii7 ,restoration of reductions in case of availability of sufficient funds during election cycle ,if1 after reducing the amounts paid to ,states with respect to an election cycle under clause 7i71 the ,commission determines that there are sufficient amounts in the ,fund to restore the amount by which such payments were reduced 7or any portion thereof71 to the extent that such amounts are available1 the ,commission may make a payment on a pro rata basis to each such ,state with respect to the cycle in the amount by which such ,state's payments were reduced under clause 7i7 7or any portion thereof1 as the case may be74 7iii7 ,no use of amounts from other sources ,in any case in which the ,commission determines that there are insufficient moneys in the ,fund to make payments to ,states under this part1 moneys shall not be made available from any other source for the purpose of making such payments4 7#c7 ,cap on amount of payment ,the aggregate amount of payments made to any ,state with respect to any program operation period may not exceed #aj1jjj1jjj4 ,if the ,state determines that the maximum payment amount under this paragraph with respect to the program operation period involved is not1 or may not be1 sufficient to cover the reasonable costs incurred by the ,state in operating the program under this part for such period1 the ,state shall reduce the amount of the voucher provided to each qualified individual by such pro rata amount as may be necessary to ensure that the reasonable costs incurred by the ,state in operating the program will not exceed the amount paid to the ,state with respect to such period4 #eajb4 ,voucher program described 7a7 ,general elements of program 7#a7 ,elements described ,the elements of a voucher pilot program operated by a ,state under this part are as follows3 7,a7 ,the ,state shall provide each qualified individual upon the individual's request with a voucher worth #be to be known as a ,my ,voice ,voucher during the election cycle which will be assigned a routing number and which at the option of the individual will be provided in either paper or electronic form4 7,b7 ,using the routing number assigned to the ,my ,voice ,voucher1 the individual may submit the ,my ,voice ,voucher in either electronic or paper form to qualified candidates for election for the office of ,representative in1 or ,delegate or ,resident ,commissioner to1 the ,congress and allocate such portion of the value of the ,my ,voice ,voucher in increments of #e as the individual may select to any such candidate4 7,c7 ,if the candidate transmits the ,my ,voice ,voucher to the ,commission1 the ,commission shall pay the candidate the portion of the value of the ,my ,voice ,voucher that the individual allocated to the candidate1 which shall be considered a contribution by the individual to the candidate for purposes of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga4 7#b7 ,designation of qualified individuals ,for purposes of paragraph 7#a77;,a71 a qualified individual with respect to a ,state means an individual-- 7,a7 who is a resident of the ,state2 7,b7 who will be of voting age as of the date of the election for the candidate to whom the individual submits a ,my ,voice ,voucher2 and 7,c7 who is not prohibited under ,federal law from making contributions to candidates for election for ,federal office4 7#c7 ,treatment as contribution to candidate ,for purposes of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga1 the submission of a ,my ,voice ,voucher to a candidate by an individual shall be treated as a contribution to the candidate by the individual in the amount of the portion of the value of the ,voucher that the individual allocated to the candidate4 7b7 ,fraud prevention mechanism ,in addition to the elements described in subsection 7a71 a ,state operating a voucher pilot program under this part shall permit an individual to revoke a ,my ,voice ,voucher not later than #b days after submitting the ,my ,voice ,voucher to a candidate4 7c7 ,oversight commission ,in addition to the elements described in subsection 7a71 a ,state operating a voucher pilot program under this part shall establish a commission or designate an existing entity to oversee and implement the program in the ,state1 except that no such commission or entity may be comprised of elected officials4 7d7 ,public information campaign ,in addition to the elements described in subsection 7a71 a ,state operating a voucher pilot program under this part shall carry out a public information campaign to disseminate awareness of the program among qualified individuals4 #eajc4 ,reports 7a7 ,preliminary report ,not later than #f months after the first election cycle of the program operation period1 a ,state which operates a voucher pilot program under this part shall submit a report to the ,commission analyzing the operation and effectiveness of the program during the cycle and including such other information as the ,commission may require4 7b7 ,final report ,not later than #f months after the end of the program operation period1 the ,state shall submit a final report to the ,commission analyzing the operation and effectiveness of the program and including such other information as the ,commission may require4 7c7 ,report by ,commission ,not later than the end of the first election cycle which begins after the program operation period1 the ,commission shall submit a report to ,congress which summarizes and analyzes the results of the voucher pilot program1 and shall include in the report such recommendations as the ,commission considers appropriate regarding the expansion of the pilot program to all ,states and territories1 along with such other recommendations and other information as the ,commission considers appropriate4 #eajd4 ,definitions 7a7 ,election cycle ,in this part1 the term election cycle means the period beginning on the day after the date of the most recent regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office and ending on the date of the next regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office4 7b7 ,definitions relating to periods ,in this part1 the following definitions apply3 7#a7 ,program application period ,the term program application period means the first election cycle which begins after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 7#b7 ,program preparation period ,the term program preparation period means the first election cycle which begins after the program application period4 7#c7 ,program operation period ,the term program operation period means the first #b election cycles which begin after the program preparation period4 #b ,small ,dollar ,financing of ,congressional ,election ,campaigns #eaaa4 ,benefits and eligibility requirements for candidates ,the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaja et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 ,v ,small ,dollar ,financing of ,congressional ,election ,campaigns ,a ,benefits #eja4 ,benefits for participating candidates 7a7 ,in general ,if a candidate for election to the office of ,representative in1 or ,delegate or ,resident ,commissioner to1 the ,congress is certified as a participating candidate under this title with respect to an election for such office1 the candidate shall be entitled to payments as provided under this title4 7b7 ,amount of payment ,the amount of a payment made under this title shall be equal to #fjj percent of the amount of qualified small dollar contributions received by the candidate since the most recent payment made to the candidate under this title during the election cycle1 without regard to whether or not the candidate received any of the contributions before1 during1 or after the ,small ,dollar ,democracy qualifying period applicable to the candidate under section #eaa7;c74 7c7 ,limit on aggregate amount of payments ,the aggregate amount of payments made to a participating candidate with respect to an election cycle under this title may not exceed #ej percent of the average of the #bj greatest amounts of disbursements made by the authorized committees of any winning candidate for the office of ,representative in1 or ,delegate or ,resident ,commissioner to1 the ,congress during the most recent election cycle1 rounded to the nearest #ajj1jjj4 #ejb4 ,procedures for making payments 7a7 ,in general ,the ,commission shall make a payment under section #eja to a candidate who is certified as a participating candidate upon receipt from the candidate of a request for a payment which includes-- 7#a7 a statement of the number and amount of qualified small dollar contributions received by the candidate since the most recent payment made to the candidate under this title during the election cycle2 7#b7 a statement of the amount of the payment the candidate anticipates receiving with respect to the request2 7#c7 a statement of the total amount of payments the candidate has received under this title as of the date of the statement2 and 7#d7 such other information and assurances as the ,commission may require4 7b7 ,restrictions on submission of requests ,a candidate may not submit a request under subsection 7a7 unless each of the following applies3 7#a7 ,the amount of the qualified small dollar contributions in the statement referred to in subsection 7a77#a7 is equal to or greater than #e1jjj1 unless the request is submitted during the #cj-;day period which ends on the date of a general election4 7#b7 ,the candidate did not receive a payment under this title during the #g-;day period which ends on the date the candidate submits the request4 7c7 ,time of payment ,the ,commission shall1 in coordination with the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 take such steps as may be necessary to ensure that the ,secretary is able to make payments under this section from the ,treasury not later than #b business days after the receipt of a request submitted under subsection 7a74 #ejc4 ,use of funds 7a7 ,use of funds for authorized campaign expenditures ,a candidate shall use payments made under this title1 including payments provided with respect to a previous election cycle which are withheld from remittance to the ,commission in accordance with section #ebd7;a77#b71 only for making direct payments for the receipt of goods and services which constitute authorized expenditures 7as determined in accordance with title ,,iii7 in connection with the election cycle involved4 7b7 ,prohibiting use of funds for legal expenses1 fines1 or penalties ,notwithstanding title ,,iii1 a candidate may not use payments made under this title for the payment of expenses incurred in connection with any action1 claim1 or other matter before the ,commission or before any court1 hearing officer1 arbitrator1 or other dispute resolution entity1 or for the payment of any fine or civil monetary penalty4 #ejd4 ,qualified small dollar contributions described 7a7 ,in general ,in this title1 the term qualified small dollar contribution means1 with respect to a candidate and the authorized committees of a candidate1 a contribution that meets the following requirements3 7#a7 ,the contribution is in an amount that is-- 7,a7 not less than #a2 and 7,b7 not more than #bjj4 7#b7 7,a7 ,the contribution is made directly by an individual to the candidate or an authorized committee of the candidate and is not-- 7i7 forwarded from the individual making the contribution to the candidate or committee by another person2 or 7ii7 received by the candidate or committee with the knowledge that the contribution was made at the request1 suggestion1 or recommendation of another person4 7,b7 ,in this paragraph-- 7i7 the term person does not include an individual 7other than an individual described in section #cjd7;i77#g7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga71 a political committee of a political party1 or any political committee which is not a separate segregated fund described in section #caf7;b7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga and which does not make contributions or independent expenditures1 does not engage in lobbying activity under the ,lobbying ,disclosure ,act of #aiie 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #afja et seq471 and is not established by1 controlled by1 or affiliated with a registered lobbyist under such ,act1 an agent of a registered lobbyist under such ,act1 or an organization which retains or employs a registered lobbyist under such ,act2 and 7ii7 a contribution is not made at the request1 suggestion1 or recommendation of another person solely on the grounds that the contribution is made in response to information provided to the individual making the contribution by any person1 so long as the candidate or authorized committee does not know the identity of the person who provided the information to such individual4 7#c7 ,the individual who makes the contribution does not make contributions to the candidate or the authorized committees of the candidate with respect to the election involved in an aggregate amount that exceeds the amount described in paragraph 7#a77;,b71 or any contribution to the candidate or the authorized committees of the candidate with respect to the election involved that otherwise is not a qualified small dollar contribution4 7b7 ,treatment of my voice vouchers ,any payment received by a candidate and the authorized committees of a candidate which consists of a ,my ,voice ,voucher under the ,government ,by the ,people ,act of #bjai shall be considered a qualified small dollar contribution for purposes of this title1 so long as the individual making the payment meets the requirements of paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c7 of subsection 7a74 7c7 ,restriction on subsequent contributions 7#a7 ,prohibiting donor from making subsequent nonqualified contributions during election cycle 7,a7 ,in general ,an individual who makes a qualified small dollar contribution to a candidate or the authorized committees of a candidate with respect to an election may not make any subsequent contribution to such candidate or the authorized committees of such candidate with respect to the election cycle which is not a qualified small dollar contribution4 7,b7 ,exception for contributions to candidates who voluntarily withdraw from participation during qualifying period ,subparagraph 7,a7 does not apply with respect to a contribution made to a candidate who1 during the ,small ,dollar ,democracy qualifying period described in section #eaa7;c71 submits a statement to the ,commission under section #eac7;c7 to voluntarily withdraw from participating in the program under this title4 7#b7 ,treatment of subsequent nonqualified contributions ,if1 notwithstanding the prohibition described in paragraph 7#a71 an individual who makes a qualified small dollar contribution to a candidate or the authorized committees of a candidate with respect to an election makes a subsequent contribution to such candidate or the authorized committees of such candidate with respect to the election which is prohibited under paragraph 7#a7 because it is not a qualified small dollar contribution1 the candidate may take one of the following actions3 7,a7 ,not later than #b weeks after receiving the contribution1 the candidate may return the subsequent contribution to the individual4 ,in the case of a subsequent contribution which is not a qualified small dollar contribution because the contribution fails to meet the requirements of paragraph 7#c7 of subsection 7a7 7relating to the aggregate amount of contributions made to the candidate or the authorized committees of the candidate by the individual making the contribution71 the candidate may return an amount equal to the difference between the amount of the subsequent contribution and the amount described in paragraph 7#a77;,b7 of subsection 7a74 7,b7 ,the candidate may retain the subsequent contribution1 so long as not later than #b weeks after receiving the subsequent contribution1 the candidate remits to the ,commission for deposit in the ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund under section #eda an amount equal to any payments received by the candidate under this title which are attributable to the qualified small dollar contribution made by the individual involved4 7#c7 ,no effect on ability to make multiple contributions ,nothing in this section may be construed to prohibit an individual from making multiple qualified small dollar contributions to any candidate or any number of candidates1 so long as each contribution meets each of the requirements of paragraphs 7#a71 7#b71 and 7#c7 of subsection 7a74 7d7 ,notification requirements for candidates 7#a7 ,notification ,each authorized committee of a candidate who seeks to be a participating candidate under this title shall provide the following information in any materials for the solicitation of contributions1 including any internet site through which individuals may make contributions to the committee3 7,a7 ,a statement that if the candidate is certified as a participating candidate under this title1 the candidate will receive matching payments in an amount which is based on the total amount of qualified small dollar contributions received4 7,b7 ,a statement that a contribution which meets the requirements set forth in subsection 7a7 shall be treated as a qualified small dollar contribution under this title4 7,c7 ,a statement that if a contribution is treated as qualified small dollar contribution under this title1 the individual who makes the contribution may not make any contribution to the candidate or the authorized committees of the candidate during the election cycle which is not a qualified small dollar contribution4 7#b7 ,alternative methods of meeting requirements ,an authorized committee may meet the requirements of paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 by including the information described in paragraph 7#a7 in the receipt provided under section #eab7;b77#c7 to a person making a qualified small dollar contribution2 or 7,b7 by modifying the information it provides to persons making contributions which is otherwise required under title ,,iii 7including information it provides through the internet74 ,b ,eligibility and ,certification #eaa4 ,eligibility 7a7 ,in general ,a candidate for the office of ,representative in1 or ,delegate or ,resident ,commissioner to1 the ,congress is eligible to be certified as a participating candidate under this title with respect to an election if the candidate meets the following requirements3 7#a7 ,the candidate files with the ,commission a statement of intent to seek certification as a participating candidate4 7#b7 ,the candidate meets the qualifying requirements of section #eab4 7#c7 ,the candidate files with the ,commission a statement certifying that the authorized committees of the candidate meet the requirements of section #ejd7;d74 7#d7 ,not later than the last day of the ,small ,dollar ,democracy qualifying period1 the candidate files with the ,commission an affidavit signed by the candidate and the treasurer of the candidate's principal campaign committee declaring that the candidate-- 7,a7 has complied and1 if certified1 will comply with the contribution and expenditure requirements of section #eba2 7,b7 if certified1 will run only as a participating candidate for all elections for the office that such candidate is seeking during that election cycle2 and 7,c7 has either qualified or will take steps to qualify under ,state law to be on the ballot4 7b7 ,general election ,notwithstanding subsection 7a71 a candidate shall not be eligible to be certified as a participating candidate under this title for a general election or a general runoff election unless the candidate's party nominated the candidate to be placed on the ballot for the general election or the candidate is otherwise qualified to be on the ballot under ,state law4 7c7 ,small ,dollar ,democracy qualifying period ,defined ,the term ,small ,dollar ,democracy qualifying period means1 with respect to any candidate for an office1 the #ahj-;day period 7during the election cycle for such office7 which begins on the date on which the candidate files a statement of intent under section #eaa7;a77#a71 except that such period may not continue after the date that is #cj days before the date of the general election for the office4 #eab4 ,qualifying requirements 7a7 ,receipt of qualified small dollar contributions ,a candidate for the office of ,representative in1 or ,delegate or ,resident ,commissioner to1 the ,congress meets the requirement of this section if1 during the ,small ,dollar ,democracy qualifying period described in section #eaa7;c71 each of the following occurs3 7#a7 ,not fewer than #a1jjj individuals make a qualified small dollar contribution to the candidate4 7#b7 ,the candidate obtains a total dollar amount of qualified small dollar contributions which is equal to or greater than #ej1jjj4 7b7 ,requirements relating to receipt of qualified small dollar contribution ,each qualified small dollar contribution-- 7#a7 may be made by means of a personal check1 money order1 debit card1 credit card1 electronic payment account1 or any other method deemed appropriate by the ,commission2 7#b7 shall be accompanied by a signed statement 7or1 in the case of a contribution made online or through other electronic means1 an electronic equivalent7 containing the contributor's name and address2 and 7#c7 shall be acknowledged by a receipt that is sent to the contributor with a copy 7in paper or electronic form7 kept by the candidate for the ,commission4 7c7 ,verification of contributions ,the ,commission shall establish procedures for the auditing and verification of the contributions received and expenditures made by participating candidates under this title1 including procedures for random audits1 to ensure that such contributions and expenditures meet the requirements of this title4 #eac4 ,certification 7a7 ,deadline and ,notification 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #e business days after a candidate files an affidavit under section #eaa7;a77#d71 the ,commission shall-- 7,a7 determine whether or not the candidate meets the requirements for certification as a participating candidate2 7,b7 if the ,commission determines that the candidate meets such requirements1 certify the candidate as a participating candidate2 and 7,c7 notify the candidate of the ,commission's determination4 7#b7 ,deemed certification for all elections in election cycle ,if the ,commission certifies a candidate as a participating candidate with respect to the first election of the election cycle involved1 the ,commission shall be deemed to have certified the candidate as a participating candidate with respect to all subsequent elections of the election cycle4 7b7 ,revocation of certification 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,commission shall revoke a certification under subsection 7a7 if-- 7,a7 a candidate fails to qualify to appear on the ballot at any time after the date of certification 7other than a candidate certified as a participating candidate with respect to a primary election who fails to qualify to appear on the ballot for a subsequent election in that election cycle72 7,b7 a candidate ceases to be a candidate for the office involved1 as determined on the basis of an official announcement by an authorized committee of the candidate or on the basis of a reasonable determination by the ,commission2 or 7,c7 a candidate otherwise fails to comply with the requirements of this title1 including any regulatory requirements prescribed by the ,commission4 7#b7 ,existence of criminal sanction ,the ,commission shall revoke a certification under subsection 7a7 if a penalty is assessed against the candidate under section #cji7;d7 with respect to the election4 7#c7 ,effect of revocation ,if a candidate's certification is revoked under this subsection-- 7,a7 the candidate may not receive payments under this title during the remainder of the election cycle involved2 and 7,b7 in the case of a candidate whose certification is revoked pursuant to subparagraph 7,a7 or subparagraph 7,c7 of paragraph 7#a7-- 7i7 the candidate shall repay to the ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund established under section #eda an amount equal to the payments received under this title with respect to the election cycle involved plus interest 7at a rate determined by the ,commission on the basis of an appropriate annual percentage rate for the month involved7 on any such amount received2 and 7ii7 the candidate may not be certified as a participating candidate under this title with respect to the next election cycle4 7#d7 ,prohibiting participation in future elections for candidates with multiple revocations ,if the ,commission revokes the certification of an individual as a participating candidate under this title pursuant to subparagraph 7,a7 or subparagraph 7,c7 of paragraph 7#a7 a total of #c times1 the individual may not be certified as a participating candidate under this title with respect to any subsequent election4 7c7 ,voluntary withdrawal from participating during qualifying period ,at any time during the ,small ,dollar ,democracy qualifying period described in section #eaa7;c71 a candidate may withdraw from participation in the program under this title by submitting to the ,commission a statement of withdrawal 7without regard to whether or not the ,commission has certified the candidate as a participating candidate under this title as of the time the candidate submits such statement71 so long as the candidate has not submitted a request for payment under section #ejb4 7d7 ,participating ,candidate defined ,in this title1 a participating candidate means a candidate for the office of ,representative in1 or ,delegate or ,resident ,commissioner to1 the ,congress who is certified under this section as eligible to receive benefits under this title4 ,c ,requirements for ,candidates ,certified as ,participating ,candidates #eba4 ,contribution and expenditure requirements 7a7 ,permitted sources of contributions and expenditures ,except as provided in subsection 7c71 a participating candidate with respect to an election shall1 with respect to all elections occurring during the election cycle for the office involved1 accept no contributions from any source and make no expenditures from any amounts1 other than the following3 7#a7 ,qualified small dollar contributions4 7#b7 ,payments under this title4 7#c7 ,contributions from political committees established and maintained by a national or ,state political party1 subject to the applicable limitations of section #cae4 7#d7 ,subject to subsection 7b71 personal funds of the candidate or of any immediate family member of the candidate 7other than funds received through qualified small dollar contributions74 7#e7 ,contributions from individuals who are otherwise permitted to make contributions under this ,act1 subject to the applicable limitations of section #cae1 except that the aggregate amount of contributions a participating candidate may accept from any individual with respect to any election during the election cycle may not exceed #a1jjj4 7#f7 ,contributions from multicandidate political committees1 subject to the applicable limitations of section #cae4 7b7 ,special rules for personal funds 7#a7 ,limit on amount ,a candidate who is certified as a participating candidate may use personal funds 7including personal funds of any immediate family member of the candidate7 so long as-- 7,a7 the aggregate amount used with respect to the election cycle 7including any period of the cycle occurring prior to the candidate's certification as a participating candidate7 does not exceed #ej1jjj2 and 7,b7 the funds are used only for making direct payments for the receipt of goods and services which constitute authorized expenditures in connection with the election cycle involved4 7#b7 ,immediate family member defined ,in this subsection1 the term immediate family member means1 with respect to a candidate-- 7,a7 the candidate's spouse2 7,b7 a child1 stepchild1 parent1 grandparent1 brother1 half-brother1 sister1 or half-sister of the candidate or the candidate's spouse2 and 7,c7 the spouse of any person described in subparagraph 7,b74 7c7 ,exceptions 7#a7 ,exception for contributions received prior to filing of statement of intent ,a candidate who has accepted contributions that are not described in subsection 7a7 is not in violation of subsection 7a71 but only if all such contributions are-- 7,a7 returned to the contributor2 7,b7 submitted to the ,commission for deposit in the ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund established under section #eda2 or 7,c7 spent in accordance with paragraph 7#b74 7#b7 ,exception for expenditures made prior to filing of statement of intent ,if a candidate has made expenditures prior to the date the candidate files a statement of intent under section #eaa7;a77#a7 that the candidate is prohibited from making under subsection 7a7 or subsection 7b71 the candidate is not in violation of such subsection if the aggregate amount of the prohibited expenditures is less than the amount referred to in section #eab7;a77#b7 7relating to the total dollar amount of qualified small dollar contributions which the candidate is required to obtain7 which is applicable to the candidate4 7#c7 ,exception for campaign surpluses from a previous election ,notwithstanding paragraph 7#a71 unexpended contributions received by the candidate or an authorized committee of the candidate with respect to a previous election may be retained1 but only if the candidate places the funds in escrow and refrains from raising additional funds for or spending funds from that account during the election cycle in which a candidate is a participating candidate4 7#d7 ,exception for contributions received before the effective date of this title ,contributions received and expenditures made by the candidate or an authorized committee of the candidate prior to the effective date of this title shall not constitute a violation of subsection 7a7 or 7b74 ,unexpended contributions shall be treated the same as campaign surpluses under paragraph 7#c71 and expenditures made shall count against the limit in paragraph 7#b74 7d7 ,special ,rule for ,coordinated ,party ,expenditures ,for purposes of this section1 a payment made by a political party in coordination with a participating candidate shall not be treated as a contribution to or as an expenditure made by the participating candidate4 7e7 ,prohibition on joint fundraising committees 7#a7 ,prohibition ,an authorized committee of a candidate who is certified as a participating candidate under this title with respect to an election may not establish a joint fundraising committee with a political committee other than another authorized committee of the candidate4 7#b7 ,status of existing committees for prior elections ,if a candidate established a joint fundraising committee described in paragraph 7#a7 with respect to a prior election for which the candidate was not certified as a participating candidate under this title and the candidate does not terminate the committee1 the candidate shall not be considered to be in violation of paragraph 7#a7 so long as that joint fundraising committee does not receive any contributions or make any disbursements during the election cycle for which the candidate is certified as a participating candidate under this title4 7f7 ,prohibition on ,leadership ,p,a,cs 7#a7 ,prohibition ,a candidate who is certified as a participating candidate under this title with respect to an election may not associate with1 establish1 finance1 maintain1 or control a leadership ,,pac4 7#b7 ,status of existing leadership ,p,a,cs ,if a candidate established1 financed1 maintained1 or controlled a leadership ,,pac prior to being certified as a participating candidate under this title and the candidate does not terminate the leadership ,,pac1 the candidate shall not be considered to be in violation of paragraph 7#a7 so long as the leadership ,,pac does not receive any contributions or make any disbursements during the election cycle for which the candidate is certified as a participating candidate under this title4 7#c7 ,leadership ,,pac defined ,in this subsection1 the term leadership ,,pac has the meaning given such term in section #cjd7;i77#h77;,b74 #ebb4 ,administration of campaign 7a7 ,separate accounting for various permitted contributions ,each authorized committee of a candidate certified as a participating candidate under this title-- 7#a7 shall provide for separate accounting of each type of contribution described in section #eba7;a7 which is received by the committee2 and 7#b7 shall provide for separate accounting for the payments received under this title4 7b7 ,enhanced disclosure of information on donors 7#a7 ,mandatory identification of individuals making qualified small dollar contributions ,each authorized committee of a participating candidate under this title shall elect1 in accordance with section #cjd7;b77#c77;,a71 to include in the reports the committee submits under section #cjd the identification of each person who makes a qualified small dollar contribution to the committee4 7#b7 ,mandatory disclosure through ,internet ,each authorized committee of a participating candidate under this title shall ensure that all information reported to the ,commission under this ,act with respect to contributions and expenditures of the committee is available to the public on the internet 7whether through a site established for purposes of this subsection1 a hyperlink on another public site of the committee1 or a hyperlink on a report filed electronically with the ,commission7 in a searchable1 sortable1 and downloadable manner4 #ebc4 ,preventing unnecessary spending of public funds 7a7 ,mandatory spending of available private funds ,an authorized committee of a candidate certified as a participating candidate under this title may not make any expenditure of any payments received under this title in any amount unless the committee has made an expenditure in an equivalent amount of funds received by the committee which are described in paragraphs 7#a71 7#c71 7#d71 7#e71 and 7#f7 of section #eba7;a74 7b7 ,limitation ,subsection 7a7 applies to an authorized committee only to the extent that the funds referred to in such subsection are available to the committee at the time the committee makes an expenditure of a payment received under this title4 #ebd4 ,remitting unspent funds after election 7a7 ,remittance required ,not later than the date that is #ahj days after the last election for which a candidate certified as a participating candidate qualifies to be on the ballot during the election cycle involved1 such participating candidate shall remit to the ,commission for deposit in the ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund established under section #eda an amount equal to the balance of the payments received under this title by the authorized committees of the candidate which remain unexpended as of such date4 7b7 ,permitting candidates participating in next election cycle to retain portion of unspent funds ,notwithstanding subsection 7a71 a participating candidate may withhold not more than #ajj1jjj from the amount required to be remitted under subsection 7a7 if the candidate files a signed affidavit with the ,commission that the candidate will seek certification as a participating candidate with respect to the next election cycle1 except that the candidate may not use any portion of the amount withheld until the candidate is certified as a participating candidate with respect to that next election cycle4 ,if the candidate fails to seek certification as a participating candidate prior to the last day of the ,small ,dollar ,democracy qualifying period for the next election cycle 7as described in section #eaa71 or if the ,commission notifies the candidate of the ,commission's determination does not meet the requirements for certification as a participating candidate with respect to such cycle1 the candidate shall immediately remit to the ,commission the amount withheld4 ,d ,enhanced ,match ,support #eca4 ,enhanced support for general election 7a7 ,availability of ,enhanced ,support ,in addition to the payments made under subtitle ,a1 the ,commission shall make an additional payment to an eligible candidate under this subtitle4 7b7 ,use of funds ,a candidate shall use the additional payment under this subtitle only for authorized expenditures in connection with the election involved4 #ecb4 ,eligibility 7a7 ,in ,general ,a candidate is eligible to receive an additional payment under this subtitle if the candidate meets each of the following requirements3 7#a7 ,the candidate is on the ballot for the general election for the office the candidate seeks4 7#b7 ,the candidate is certified as a participating candidate under this title with respect to the election4 7#c7 ,during the enhanced support qualifying period1 the candidate receives qualified small dollar contributions in a total amount of not less than #ej1jjj4 7#d7 ,during the enhanced support qualifying period1 the candidate submits to the ,commission a request for the payment which includes-- 7,a7 a statement of the number and amount of qualified small dollar contributions received by the candidate during the enhanced support qualifying period2 7,b7 a statement of the amount of the payment the candidate anticipates receiving with respect to the request2 and 7,c7 such other information and assurances as the ,commission may require4 7#e7 ,after submitting a request for the additional payment under paragraph 7#d71 the candidate does not submit any other application for an additional payment under this subtitle4 7b7 ,enhanced ,support ,qualifying ,period ,described ,in this subtitle1 the term enhanced support qualifying period means1 with respect to a general election1 the period which begins #fj days before the date of the election and ends #ad days before the date of the election4 #ecc4 ,amount 7a7 ,in ,general ,subject to subsection 7b71 the amount of the additional payment made to an eligible candidate under this subtitle shall be an amount equal to #ej percent of-- 7#a7 the amount of the payment made to the candidate under section #eja7;b7 with respect to the qualified small dollar contributions which are received by the candidate during the enhanced support qualifying period 7as included in the request submitted by the candidate under section #ecb7;a77#d772 or 7#b7 in the case of a candidate who is not eligible to receive a payment under section #eja7;b7 with respect to such qualified small dollar contributions because the candidate has reached the limit on the aggregate amount of payments under subtitle ,a for the election cycle under section #eja7;c71 the amount of the payment which would have been made to the candidate under section #eja7;b7 with respect to such qualified small dollar contributions if the candidate had not reached such limit4 7b7 ,limit ,the amount of the additional payment determined under subsection 7a7 with respect to a candidate may not exceed #ejj1jjj4 7c7 ,no ,effect on ,aggregate ,limit ,the amount of the additional payment made to a candidate under this subtitle shall not be included in determining the aggregate amount of payments made to a participating candidate with respect to an election cycle under section #eja7;c74 #ecd4 ,waiver of authority to retain portion of unspent funds after election ,notwithstanding section #ebd7;a77#b71 a candidate who receives an additional payment under this subtitle with respect to an election is not permitted to withhold any portion from the amount of unspent funds the candidate is required to remit to the ,commission under section #ebd7;a77#a74 ,e ,administrative ,provisions #eda4 ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund 7a7 ,establishment ,there is established in the ,treasury a fund to be known as the ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund4 7b7 ,amounts held by ,fund ,the ,fund shall consist of the following amounts3 7#a7 ,deposits ,amounts deposited into the ,fund under-- 7,a7 section #eba7;c77#a77;,b7 7relating to exceptions to contribution requirements72 7,b7 section #ebc 7relating to remittance of unused payments from the ,fund72 and 7,c7 section #edd 7relating to violations74 7#b7 ,investment returns ,interest on1 and the proceeds from1 the sale or redemption of any obligations held by the ,fund under subsection 7c74 7c7 ,investment ,the ,commission shall invest portions of the ,fund in obligations of the ,united ,states in the same manner as provided under section #ifjb7;b7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf4 7d7 ,use of ,fund to make payments to participating candidates 7#a7 ,payments to participating candidates ,amounts in the ,fund shall be available without further appropriation or fiscal year limitation to make payments to participating candidates as provided in this title4 7#b7 ,mandatory reduction of payments in case of insufficient amounts in ,fund 7,a7 ,advance audits by ,commission ,not later than #ij days before the first day of each election cycle 7beginning with the first election cycle that begins after the date of the enactment of this title71 the ,commission shall-- 7i7 audit the ,fund to determine whether the amounts in the ,fund will be sufficient to make payments to participating candidates in the amounts provided in this title during such election cycle2 and 7ii7 submit a report to ,congress describing the results of the audit4 7,b7 ,reductions in amount of payments 7i7 ,automatic reduction on pro rata basis ,if1 on the basis of the audit described in subparagraph 7,a71 the ,commission determines that the amount anticipated to be available in the ,fund with respect to the election cycle involved is not1 or may not be1 sufficient to satisfy the full entitlements of participating candidates to payments under this title for such election cycle1 the ,commission shall reduce each amount which would otherwise be paid to a participating candidate under this title by such pro rata amount as may be necessary to ensure that the aggregate amount of payments anticipated to be made with respect to the election cycle will not exceed the amount anticipated to be available for such payments in the ,fund with respect to such election cycle4 7ii7 ,restoration of reductions in case of availability of sufficient funds during election cycle ,if1 after reducing the amounts paid to participating candidates with respect to an election cycle under clause 7i71 the ,commission determines that there are sufficient amounts in the ,fund to restore the amount by which such payments were reduced 7or any portion thereof71 to the extent that such amounts are available1 the ,commission may make a payment on a pro rata basis to each such participating candidate with respect to the election cycle in the amount by which such candidate's payments were reduced under clause 7i7 7or any portion thereof1 as the case may be74 7iii7 ,no use of amounts from other sources ,in any case in which the ,commission determines that there are insufficient moneys in the ,fund to make payments to participating candidates under this title1 moneys shall not be made available from any other source for the purpose of making such payments4 7e7 ,use of ,fund to make other payments ,in addition to the use described in subsection 7d71 amounts in the ,fund shall be available without further appropriation or fiscal year limitation-- 7#a7 to make payments to ,states under the ,my ,voice ,voucher ,program under the ,government ,by the ,people ,act of #bjai1 subject to reductions under section #eaja7;f77#c7 of such ,act2 7#b7 to make payments to candidates under chapter #ie of subtitle ,h of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf1 subject to reductions under section #ijac7;b7 of such ,code2 and 7#c7 to make payments to candidates under chapter #if of subtitle ,h of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf1 subject to reductions under section #ijdc7;b7 of such ,code4 7f7 ,effective date ,this section shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this title4 #edb4 ,reviews and reports by ,government ,accountability ,office 7a7 ,review of ,small ,dollar financing 7#a7 ,in general ,after each regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall conduct a comprehensive review of the ,small ,dollar financing program under this title1 including-- 7,a7 the maximum and minimum dollar amounts of qualified small dollar contributions under section #ejd2 7,b7 the number and value of qualified small dollar contributions a candidate is required to obtain under section #eab7;a7 to be eligible for certification as a participating candidate2 7,c7 the maximum amount of payments a candidate may receive under this title2 7,d7 the overall satisfaction of participating candidates and the ,american public with the program2 and 7,e7 such other matters relating to financing of campaigns as the ,comptroller ,general determines are appropriate4 7#b7 ,criteria for review ,in conducting the review under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,comptroller ,general shall consider the following3 7,a7 ,qualified small dollar contributions ,whether the number and dollar amounts of qualified small dollar contributions required strikes an appropriate balance regarding the importance of voter involvement1 the need to assure adequate incentives for participating1 and fiscal responsibility1 taking into consideration the number of primary and general election participating candidates1 the electoral performance of those candidates1 program cost1 and any other information the ,comptroller ,general determines is appropriate4 7,b7 ,review of payment levels ,whether the totality of the amount of funds allowed to be raised by participating candidates 7including through qualified small dollar contributions7 and payments under this title are sufficient for voters in each ,state to learn about the candidates to cast an informed vote1 taking into account the historic amount of spending by winning candidates1 media costs1 primary election dates1 and any other information the ,comptroller ,general determines is appropriate4 7#c7 ,recommendations for adjustment of amounts ,based on the review conducted under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,comptroller ,general may recommend to ,congress adjustments of the following amounts3 7,a7 ,the number and value of qualified small dollar contributions a candidate is required to obtain under section #eab7;a7 to be eligible for certification as a participating candidate4 7,b7 ,the maximum amount of payments a candidate may receive under this title4 7b7 ,reports ,not later than each ,june #a which follows a regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office for which payments were made under this title1 the ,comptroller ,general shall submit to the ,committee on ,house ,administration of the ,house of ,representatives a report-- 7#a7 containing an analysis of the review conducted under subsection 7a71 including a detailed statement of ,comptroller ,general's findings1 conclusions1 and recommendations based on such review1 including any recommendations for adjustments of amounts described in subsection 7a77#c72 and 7#b7 documenting1 evaluating1 and making recommendations relating to the administrative implementation and enforcement of the provisions of this title4 7c7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this section4 #edc4 ,administration by ,commission ,the ,commission shall prescribe regulations to carry out the purposes of this title1 including regulations to establish procedures for-- 7#a7 verifying the amount of qualified small dollar contributions with respect to a candidate2 7#b7 effectively and efficiently monitoring and enforcing the limits on the raising of qualified small dollar contributions2 7#c7 effectively and efficiently monitoring and enforcing the limits on the use of personal funds by participating candidates2 and 7#d7 monitoring the use of allocations from the ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund established under section #eda and matching contributions under this title through audits of not fewer than #a_/aj 7or1 in the case of the first #c election cycles during which the program under this title is in effect1 not fewer than #a_/c7 of all participating candidates or other mechanisms4 #edd4 ,violations and penalties 7a7 ,civil penalty for violation of contribution and expenditure requirements ,if a candidate who has been certified as a participating candidate accepts a contribution or makes an expenditure that is prohibited under section #eba1 the ,commission may assess a civil penalty against the candidate in an amount that is not more than #c times the amount of the contribution or expenditure4 ,any amounts collected under this subsection shall be deposited into the ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund established under section #eda4 7b7 ,repayment for improper use of ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund 7#a7 ,in general ,if the ,commission determines that any payment made to a participating candidate was not used as provided for in this title or that a participating candidate has violated any of the dates for remission of funds contained in this title1 the ,commission shall so notify the candidate and the candidate shall pay to the ,fund an amount equal to-- 7,a7 the amount of payments so used or not remitted1 as appropriate2 and 7,b7 interest on any such amounts 7at a rate determined by the ,commission74 7#b7 ,other action not precluded ,any action by the ,commission in accordance with this subsection shall not preclude enforcement proceedings by the ,commission in accordance with section #cji7;a71 including a referral by the ,commission to the ,attorney ,general in the case of an apparent knowing and willful violation of this title4 7c7 ,prohibiting candidates subject to criminal penalty from qualifying as participating candidates ,a candidate is not eligible to be certified as a participating candidate under this title with respect to an election if a penalty has been assessed against the candidate under section #cji7;d7 with respect to any previous election4 #ede4 ,appeals process 7a7 ,review of ,actions ,any action by the ,commission in carrying out this title shall be subject to review by the ,united ,states ,court of ,appeals for the ,district of ,columbia upon petition filed in the ,court not later than #cj days after the ,commission takes the action for which the review is sought4 7b7 ,procedures ,the provisions of chapter #g of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 apply to judicial review under this section4 #edf4 ,indexing of amounts 7a7 ,indexing ,in any calendar year after #bjbd1 section #cae7;c77#a77;,b7 shall apply to each amount described in subsection 7b7 in the same manner as such section applies to the limitations established under subsections 7a77#a77;,a71 7a77#a77;,b71 7a77#c71 and 7h7 of such section1 except that for purposes of applying such section to the amounts described in subsection 7b71 the base period shall be #bjbd4 7b7 ,amounts described ,the amounts described in this subsection are as follows3 7#a7 ,the amount referred to in section #ejb7;b77#a7 7relating to the minimum amount of qualified small dollar contributions included in a request for payment74 7#b7 ,the amounts referred to in section #ejd7;a77#a7 7relating to the amount of a qualified small dollar contribution74 7#c7 ,the amount referred to in section #eab7;a77#b7 7relating to the total dollar amount of qualified small dollar contributions74 7#d7 ,the amount referred to in section #eba7;a77#e7 7relating to the aggregate amount of contributions a participating candidate may accept from any individual with respect to an election74 7#e7 ,the amount referred to in section #eba7;b77#a77;,a7 7relating to the amount of personal funds that may be used by a candidate who is certified as a participating candidate74 7#f7 ,the amounts referred to in section #ebd7;a77#b7 7relating to the amount of unspent funds a candidate may retain for use in the next election cycle74 7#g7 ,the amount referred to in section #ecb7;a77#c7 7relating to the total dollar amount of qualified small dollar contributions for a candidate seeking an additional payment under subtitle ,d74 7#h7 ,the amount referred to in section #ecc7;b7 7relating to the limit on the amount of an additional payment made to a candidate under subtitle ,d74 #edg4 ,election cycle defined ,in this title1 the term election cycle means1 with respect to an election for an office1 the period beginning on the day after the date of the most recent general election for that office 7or1 if the general election resulted in a runoff election1 the date of the runoff election7 and ending on the date of the next general election for that office 7or1 if the general election resulted in a runoff election1 the date of the runoff election74 4 #eaab4 ,contributions and expenditures by multicandidate and political party committees on behalf of participating candidates 7a7 ,authorizing ,contributions ,only ,from ,separate ,accounts ,consisting of ,qualified small dollar contributions ,section #cae7;a7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaaf7;a77 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#aj7 ,in the case of a multicandidate political committee or any political committee of a political party1 the committee may make a contribution to a candidate who is a participating candidate under title ,v with respect to an election only if the contribution is paid from a separate1 segregated account of the committee which consists solely of contributions which meet the following requirements3 7,a7 ,each such contribution is in an amount which meets the requirements for the amount of a qualified small dollar contribution under section #ejd7;a77#a7 with respect to the election involved4 7,b7 ,each such contribution is made by an individual who is not otherwise prohibited from making a contribution under this ,act4 7,c7 ,the individual who makes the contribution does not make contributions to the committee during the year in an aggregate amount that exceeds the limit described in section #ejd7;a77#a74 4 7b7 ,permitting ,unlimited ,coordinated ,expenditures ,from ,small ,dollar ,sources by ,political ,parties ,section #cae7;d7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaaf7;d77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#c71 by striking ,the national committee and inserting ,except as provided in paragraph 7#e71 the national committee2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#e7 ,the limits described in paragraph 7#c7 do not apply in the case of expenditures in connection with the general election campaign of a candidate for the office of ,representative in1 or ,delegate or ,resident ,commissioner to1 the ,congress who is a participating candidate under title ,v with respect to the election1 but only if-- 7,a7 the expenditures are paid from a separate1 segregated account of the committee which is described in subsection 7a77#i72 and 7,b7 the expenditures are the sole source of funding provided by the committee to the candidate4 4 #eaac4 ,prohibiting use of contributions by participating candidates for purposes other than campaign for election ,section #cac of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaad7 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7d7 ,restrictions on ,permitted ,uses of ,funds by ,candidates ,receiving ,small ,dollar ,financing ,notwithstanding paragraph 7#b71 7#c71 or 7#d7 of subsection 7a71 if a candidate for election for the office of ,representative in1 or ,delegate or ,resident ,commissioner to1 the ,congress is certified as a participating candidate under title ,v with respect to the election1 any contribution which the candidate is permitted to accept under such title may be used only for authorized expenditures in connection with the candidate's campaign for such office1 subject to section #ejc7;b74 4 #eaad4 ,effective date 7a7 ,in general ,except as may otherwise be provided in this part and in the amendments made by this part1 this part and the amendments made by this part shall apply with respect to elections occurring during #bjbf or any succeeding year1 without regard to whether or not the ,federal ,election ,commission has promulgated the final regulations necessary to carry out this part and the amendments made by this part by the deadline set forth in subsection 7b74 7b7 ,deadline for regulations ,not later than ,june #cj1 #bjbd1 the ,federal ,election ,commission shall promulgate such regulations as may be necessary to carry out this part and the amendments made by this part4 ,c ,presidential ,elections #ebjj4 ,short title ,this subtitle may be cited as the ,empower ,act of #bjai4 #a ,primary ,elections #ebja4 ,increase in and modifications to matching payments 7a7 ,increase and modification 7#a7 ,in general ,the first sentence of section #ijcd7;a7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended-- 7,a7 by striking an amount equal to the amount of each contribution and inserting an amount equal to #fjj percent of the amount of each matchable contribution 7disregarding any amount of contributions from any person to the extent that the total of the amounts contributed by such person for the election exceeds #bjj72 and 7,b7 by striking authorized committees and all that follows through #bej and inserting authorized committees4 7#b7 ,matchable contributions ,section #ijcd of such ,code is amended-- 7,a7 by striking the last sentence of subsection 7a72 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7c7 ,matchable contribution defined ,for purposes of this section and section #ijcc7;b7-- 7#a7 ,matchable contribution ,the term matchable contribution means1 with respect to the nomination for election to the office of ,president of the ,united ,states1 a contribution by an individual to a candidate or an authorized committee of a candidate with respect to which the candidate has certified in writing that-- 7,a7 the individual making such contribution has not made aggregate contributions 7including such matchable contribution7 to such candidate and the authorized committees of such candidate in excess of #a1jjj for the election2 7,b7 such candidate and the authorized committees of such candidate will not accept contributions from such individual 7including such matchable contribution7 aggregating more than the amount described in subparagraph 7,a72 and 7,c7 such contribution was a direct contribution4 7#b7 ,contribution ,for purposes of this subsection1 the term contribution means a gift of money made by a written instrument which identifies the individual making the contribution by full name and mailing address1 but does not include a subscription1 loan1 advance1 or deposit of money1 or anything of value or anything described in subparagraph 7,b71 7,c71 or 7,d7 of section #ijcb7d74 7#c7 ,direct contribution 7,a7 ,in general ,for purposes of this subsection1 the term direct contribution means1 with respect to a candidate1 a contribution which is made directly by an individual to the candidate or an authorized committee of the candidate and is not-- 7i7 forwarded from the individual making the contribution to the candidate or committee by another person2 or 7ii7 received by the candidate or committee with the knowledge that the contribution was made at the request1 suggestion1 or recommendation of another person4 7,b7 ,other definitions ,in subparagraph 7,a7-- 7i7 the term person does not include an individual 7other than an individual described in section #cjd7;i77#g7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga71 a political committee of a political party1 or any political committee which is not a separate segregated fund described in section #caf7;b7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga and which does not make contributions or independent expenditures1 does not engage in lobbying activity under the ,lobbying ,disclosure ,act of #aiie 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #afja et seq471 and is not established by1 controlled by1 or affiliated with a registered lobbyist under such ,act1 an agent of a registered lobbyist under such ,act1 or an organization which retains or employs a registered lobbyist under such ,act2 and 7ii7 a contribution is not made at the request1 suggestion1 or recommendation of another person solely on the grounds that the contribution is made in response to information provided to the individual making the contribution by any person1 so long as the candidate or authorized committee does not know the identity of the person who provided the information to such individual4 4 7#c7 ,conforming amendments 7,a7 ,section #ijcb7d7 of such ,code is amended by striking section #ijcd7;a7 and inserting section #ijcd4 7,b7 ,section #ijcc7;b77#c7 of such ,code is amended by striking matching contributions and inserting matchable contributions4 7b7 ,modification of payment limitation ,section #ijcd7;a7 of such ,code is amended-- 7#a7 by striking ,every and inserting the following3 7#a7 ,in general ,every 2 7#b7 by striking shall not exceed and all that follows and inserting shall not exceed #bej1jjj1jjj41 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#b7 ,inflation adjustment 7,a7 ,in general ,in the case of any applicable period beginning after #bjbi1 the dollar amount in paragraph 7#a7 shall be increased by an amount equal to-- 7i7 such dollar amount1 multiplied by 7ii7 the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section #a7;f77#c7 for the calendar year following the year which such applicable period begins1 determined by substituting calendar year #bjbh for calendar year #aiib in subparagraph 7,b7 thereof4 7,b7 ,applicable period ,for purposes of this paragraph1 the term applicable period means the #d-year period beginning with the first day following the date of the general election for the office of ,president and ending on the date of the next such general election4 7,c7 ,rounding ,if any amount as adjusted under subparagraph 7#a7 is not a multiple of #aj1jjj1 such amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of #aj1jjj4 4 #ebjb4 ,eligibility requirements for matching payments 7a7 ,amount of aggregate contributions per ,state2 disregarding of amounts contributed in excess of #bjj ,section #ijcc7;b77#c7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended-- 7#a7 by striking #e1jjj and inserting #be1jjj2 and 7#b7 by striking #bj ,states and inserting the following3 #bj ,states 7disregarding any amount of contributions from any such resident to the extent that the total of the amounts contributed by such resident for the election exceeds #bjj74 7b7 ,contribution limit 7#a7 ,in general ,paragraph 7#d7 of section #ijcc7;b7 of such ,code is amended to read as follows3 7#d7 the candidate and the authorized committees of the candidate will not accept aggregate contributions from any person with respect to the nomination for election to the office of ,president of the ,united ,states in excess of #a1jjj for the election4 4 7#b7 ,conforming amendments 7,a7 ,section #ijcc7;b7 of such ,code is amended by adding at the end the following new flush sentence3 ,for purposes of paragraph 7#d71 the term contribution has the meaning given such term in section #cja7h7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga4 4 7,b7 ,section #ijcb7d7 of such ,code1 as amended by section #ebja7;a77#c77;,a71 is amended by inserting or #ijcc7;b7 after #ijcd4 7c7 ,participation in system for payments for general election ,section #ijcc7;b7 of such ,code is amended-- 7#a7 by striking and at the end of paragraph 7#c72 7#b7 by striking the period at the end of paragraph 7#d7 and inserting 1 and2 and 7#c7 by inserting after paragraph 7#d7 the following new paragraph3 7#e7 if the candidate is nominated by a political party for election to the office of ,president1 the candidate will apply for and accept payments with respect to the general election for such office in accordance with chapter #ie4 4 7d7 ,prohibition on joint fundraising committees ,section #ijcc7;b7 of such ,code1 as amended by subsection 7c71 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking and at the end of paragraph 7#d72 7#b7 by striking the period at the end of paragraph 7#e7 and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by inserting after paragraph 7#e7 the following new paragraph3 7#f7 the candidate will not establish a joint fundraising committee with a political committee other than another authorized committee of the candidate1 except that candidate established a joint fundraising committee with respect to a prior election for which the candidate was not eligible to receive payments under section #ijcg and the candidate does not terminate the committee1 the candidate shall not be considered to be in violation of this paragraph so long as that joint fundraising committee does not receive any contributions or make any disbursements during the election cycle for which the candidate is eligible to receive payments under such section4 4 #ebjc4 ,repeal of expenditure limitations 7a7 ,in general ,subsection 7a7 of section #ijce of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended to read as follows3 7a7 ,personal expenditure limitation ,no candidate shall knowingly make expenditures from his personal funds1 or the personal funds of his immediate family1 in connection with his campaign for nomination for election to the office of ,president in excess of1 in the aggregate1 #ej1jjj4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment ,paragraph 7#a7 of section #ijcc7;b7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended to read as follows3 7#a7 the candidate will comply with the personal expenditure limitation under section #ijce1 4 #ebjd4 ,period of availability of matching payments ,section #ijcb7f7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended by striking the beginning of the calendar year in which a general election for the office of ,president of the ,united ,states will be held and inserting the date that is #f months prior to the date of the earliest ,state primary election4 #ebje4 ,examination and audits of matchable contributions ,section #ijch7;a7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended by inserting and matchable contributions accepted by after qualified campaign expenses of4 #ebjf4 ,modification to limitation on contributions for ,presidential primary candidates ,section #cae7;a77#f7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaaf7;a77#f77 is amended by striking calendar year and inserting four-year election cycle4 #ebjg4 ,use of ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund as source of payments 7a7 ,in general ,chapter #if of subtitle ,h of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended by adding at the end the following new section3 #ijdc4 ,use of ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund as source of payments 7a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter1 effective with respect to the ,presidential election held in #bjbh and each succeeding ,presidential election1 all payments made to candidates under this chapter shall be made from the ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund established under section #eda of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7hereafter in this section referred to as the ,fund74 7b7 ,mandatory reduction of payments in case of insufficient amounts in ,fund 7#a7 ,advance audits by ,commission ,not later than #ij days before the first day of each ,presidential election cycle 7beginning with the cycle for the election held in #bjbh71 the ,commission shall-- 7,a7 audit the ,fund to determine whether1 after first making payments to participating candidates under title ,v of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga and then making payments to ,states under the ,my ,voice ,voucher ,program under the ,government ,by the ,people ,act of #bjai1 the amounts remaining in the ,fund will be sufficient to make payments to candidates under this chapter in the amounts provided under this chapter during such election cycle2 and 7,b7 submit a report to ,congress describing the results of the audit4 7#b7 ,reductions in amount of payments 7,a7 ,automatic reduction on pro rata basis ,if1 on the basis of the audit described in paragraph 7#a71 the ,commission determines that the amount anticipated to be available in the ,fund with respect to the ,presidential election cycle involved is not1 or may not be1 sufficient to satisfy the full entitlements of candidates to payments under this chapter for such cycle1 the ,commission shall reduce each amount which would otherwise be paid to a candidate under this chapter by such pro rata amount as may be necessary to ensure that the aggregate amount of payments anticipated to be made with respect to the cycle will not exceed the amount anticipated to be available for such payments in the ,fund with respect to such cycle4 7,b7 ,restoration of reductions in case of availability of sufficient funds during election cycle ,if1 after reducing the amounts paid to candidates with respect to an election cycle under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,commission determines that there are sufficient amounts in the ,fund to restore the amount by which such payments were reduced 7or any portion thereof71 to the extent that such amounts are available1 the ,commission may make a payment on a pro rata basis to each such candidate with respect to the election cycle in the amount by which such candidate's payments were reduced under subparagraph 7,a7 7or any portion thereof1 as the case may be74 7,c7 ,no use of amounts from other sources ,in any case in which the ,commission determines that there are insufficient moneys in the ,fund to make payments to candidates under this chapter1 moneys shall not be made available from any other source for the purpose of making such payments4 7#c7 ,no effect on amounts transferred for pediatric research initiative ,this section does not apply to the transfer of funds under section #ijjh7;i74 7#d7 ,presidential election cycle defined ,in this section1 the term ,presidential election cycle means1 with respect to a ,presidential election1 the period beginning on the day after the date of the previous ,presidential general election and ending on the date of the ,presidential election4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections for chapter #if of subtitle ,h of such ,code is amended by adding at the end the following new item3 ,sec4 #ijdc4 ,use of ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund as source of payments4 4 #b ,general ,elections #ebaa4 ,modification of eligibility requirements for public financing ,subsection 7a7 of section #ijjc of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended to read as follows3 7a7 ,in general ,in order to be eligible to receive any payments under section #ijjf1 the candidates of a political party in a ,presidential election shall meet the following requirements3 7#a7 ,participation in primary payment system ,the candidate for ,president received payments under chapter #if for the campaign for nomination for election to be ,president4 7#b7 ,agreements with ,commission ,the candidates1 in writing-- 7,a7 agree to obtain and furnish to the ,commission such evidence as it may request of the qualified campaign expenses of such candidates1 7,b7 agree to keep and furnish to the ,commission such records1 books1 and other information as it may request1 and 7,c7 agree to an audit and examination by the ,commission under section #ijjg and to pay any amounts required to be paid under such section4 7#c7 ,prohibition on joint fundraising committees 7,a7 ,prohibition ,the candidates certifies in writing that the candidates will not establish a joint fundraising committee with a political committee other than another authorized committee of the candidate4 7,b7 ,status of existing committees for prior elections ,if a candidate established a joint fundraising committee described in subparagraph 7,a7 with respect to a prior election for which the candidate was not eligible to receive payments under section #ijjf and the candidate does not terminate the committee1 the candidate shall not be considered to be in violation of subparagraph 7,a7 so long as that joint fundraising committee does not receive any contributions or make any disbursements with respect to the election for which the candidate is eligible to receive payments under section #ijjf4 4 #ebab4 ,repeal of expenditure limitations and use of qualified campaign contributions 7a7 ,use of qualified campaign contributions without expenditure limits2 application of same requirements for major1 minor1 and new parties ,section #ijjc of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended by striking subsections 7b7 and 7c7 and inserting the following3 7b7 ,use of ,qualified ,campaign ,contributions ,to ,defray ,expenses 7#a7 ,in general ,in order to be eligible to receive any payments under section #ijjf1 the candidates of a party in a ,presidential election shall certify to the ,commission1 under penalty of perjury1 that-- 7,a7 such candidates and their authorized committees have not and will not accept any contributions to defray qualified campaign expenses other than-- 7i7 qualified campaign contributions1 and 7ii7 contributions to the extent necessary to make up any deficiency payments received out of the fund on account of the application of section #ijjf7;c71 and 7,b7 such candidates and their authorized committees have not and will not accept any contribution to defray expenses which would be qualified campaign expenses but for subparagraph 7,c7 of section #ijjb7aa74 7#b7 ,timing of certification ,the candidate shall make the certification required under this subsection at the same time the candidate makes the certification required under subsection 7a77#c74 4 7b7 ,definition of qualified campaign contribution ,section #ijjb of such ,code is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#ac7 ,qualified campaign contribution ,the term qualified campaign contribution means1 with respect to any election for the office of ,president of the ,united ,states1 a contribution from an individual to a candidate or an authorized committee of a candidate which-- 7,a7 does not exceed #a1jjj for the election2 and 7,b7 with respect to which the candidate has certified in writing that-- 7i7 the individual making such contribution has not made aggregate contributions 7including such qualified contribution7 to such candidate and the authorized committees of such candidate in excess of the amount described in subparagraph 7,a71 and 7ii7 such candidate and the authorized committees of such candidate will not accept contributions from such individual 7including such qualified contribution7 aggregating more than the amount described in subparagraph 7,a7 with respect to such election4 4 7c7 ,conforming amendments 7#a7 ,repeal of expenditure limits 7,a7 ,in general ,section #cae of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaaf7 is amended by striking subsection 7b74 7,b7 ,conforming amendments ,section #cae7;c7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaaf7;c77 is amended-- 7i7 in paragraph 7#a77;,b77i71 by striking 1 7b72 and 7ii7 in paragraph 7#b77;,b77i71 by striking subsections 7b7 and 7d7 and inserting subsection 7d74 7#b7 ,repeal of repayment requirement 7,a7 ,in general ,section #ijjg7;b7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended by striking paragraph 7#b7 and redesignating paragraphs 7#c71 7#d71 and 7#e7 as paragraphs 7#b71 7#c71 and 7#d71 respectively4 7,b7 ,conforming amendment ,paragraph 7#b7 of section #ijjg7;b7 of such ,code1 as redesignated by subparagraph 7,a71 is amended-- 7i7 by striking a major party and inserting a party2 7ii7 by inserting qualified contributions and after contributions 7other than2 and 7iii7 by striking 7other than qualified campaign expenses with respect to which payment is required under paragraph 7#b774 7#c7 ,criminal penalties 7,a7 ,repeal of penalty for excess expenses ,section #ijab of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended by striking subsection 7a74 7,b7 ,penalty for acceptance of disallowed contributions2 application of same penalty for candidates of major1 minor1 and new parties ,subsection 7b7 of section #ijab of such ,code is amended to read as follows3 7b7 ,contributions 7#a7 ,acceptance of disallowed contributions ,it shall be unlawful for an eligible candidate of a party in a ,presidential election or any of his authorized committees knowingly and willfully to accept-- 7,a7 any contribution other than a qualified campaign contribution to defray qualified campaign expenses1 except to the extent necessary to make up any deficiency in payments received out of the fund on account of the application of section #ijjf7;c72 or 7,b7 any contribution to defray expenses which would be qualified campaign expenses but for subparagraph 7,c7 of section #ijjb7aa74 7#b7 ,penalty ,any person who violates paragraph 7#a7 shall be fined not more than #e1jjj1 or imprisoned not more than one year1 or both4 ,in the case of a violation by an authorized committee1 any officer or member of such committee who knowingly and willfully consents to such violation shall be fined not more than #e1jjj1 or imprisoned not more than one year1 or both4 4 #ebac4 ,matching payments and other modifications to payment amounts 7a7 ,in general 7#a7 ,amount of payments2 application of same amount for candidates of major1 minor1 and new parties ,subsection 7a7 of section #ijjd of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended to read as follows3 7a7 ,in general ,subject to the provisions of this chapter1 the eligible candidates of a party in a ,presidential election shall be entitled to equal payment under section #ijjf in an amount equal to #fjj percent of the amount of each matchable contribution received by such candidate or by the candidate's authorized committees 7disregarding any amount of contributions from any person to the extent that the total of the amounts contributed by such person for the election exceeds #bjj71 except that total amount to which a candidate is entitled under this paragraph shall not exceed #bej1jjj1jjj4 4 7#b7 ,repeal of separate limitations for candidates of minor and new parties2 inflation adjustment ,subsection 7b7 of section #ijjd of such ,code is amended to read as follows3 7b7 ,inflation adjustment 7#a7 ,in general ,in the case of any applicable period beginning after #bjbi1 the #bej1jjj1jjj dollar amount in subsection 7a7 shall be increased by an amount equal to-- 7,a7 such dollar amount2 multiplied by 7,b7 the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section #a7;f77#c7 for the calendar year following the year which such applicable period begins1 determined by substituting calendar year #bjbh for calendar year #aiib in subparagraph 7,b7 thereof4 7#b7 ,applicable period ,for purposes of this subsection1 the term applicable period means the #d-year period beginning with the first day following the date of the general election for the office of ,president and ending on the date of the next such general election4 7#c7 ,rounding ,if any amount as adjusted under paragraph 7#a7 is not a multiple of #aj1jjj1 such amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of #aj1jjj4 4 7#c7 ,conforming amendment ,section #ijje7;a7 of such ,code is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence3 ,the ,commission shall make such additional certifications as may be necessary to receive payments under section #ijjd44 7b7 ,matchable contribution ,section #ijjb of such ,code1 as amended by section #ebab7;b71 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#ad7 ,matchable contribution ,the term matchable contribution means1 with respect to the election to the office of ,president of the ,united ,states1 a contribution by an individual to a candidate or an authorized committee of a candidate with respect to which the candidate has certified in writing that-- 7,a7 the individual making such contribution has not made aggregate contributions 7including such matchable contribution7 to such candidate and the authorized committees of such candidate in excess of #a1jjj for the election2 7,b7 such candidate and the authorized committees of such candidate will not accept contributions from such individual 7including such matchable contribution7 aggregating more than the amount described in subparagraph 7,a7 with respect to such election2 and 7,c7 such contribution was a direct contribution 7as defined in section #ijcd7;c77#c774 4 #ebad4 ,increase in limit on coordinated party expenditures 7a7 ,in general ,section #cae7;d77#b7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaaf7;d77#b77 is amended to read as follows3 7#b7 7,a7 ,the national committee of a political party may not make any expenditure in connection with the general election campaign of any candidate for ,president of the ,united ,states who is affiliated with such party which exceeds #ajj1jjj1jjj4 7,b7 ,for purposes of this paragraph-- 7i7 any expenditure made by or on behalf of a national committee of a political party and in connection with a ,presidential election shall be considered to be made in connection with the general election campaign of a candidate for ,president of the ,united ,states who is affiliated with such party2 and 7ii7 any communication made by or on behalf of such party shall be considered to be made in connection with the general election campaign of a candidate for ,president of the ,united ,states who is affiliated with such party if any portion of the communication is in connection with such election4 7,c7 ,any expenditure under this paragraph shall be in addition to any expenditure by a national committee of a political party serving as the principal campaign committee of a candidate for the office of ,president of the ,united ,states4 4 7b7 ,conforming ,amendments ,relating to ,timing of ,cost-of-,living ,adjustment 7#a7 ,in general ,section #cae7;c77#a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaaf7;c77#a77 is amended-- 7,a7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by striking 7d7 and inserting 7d77#b72 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,d7 ,in any calendar year after #bjbh-- 7i7 the dollar amount in subsection 7d77#b7 shall be increased by the percent difference determined under subparagraph 7,a72 7ii7 the amount so increased shall remain in effect for the calendar year2 and 7iii7 if the amount after adjustment under clause 7i7 is not a multiple of #ajj1 such amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of #ajj4 4 7#b7 ,base year ,section #cae7;c77#b77;,b7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaaf7;c77#b77;,b77 is amended-- 7,a7 in clause 7i7-- 7i7 by striking 7d7 and inserting 7d77#c72 and 7ii7 by striking and at the end2 7,b7 in clause 7ii71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following new clause3 7iii7 for purposes of subsection 7d77#b71 calendar year #bjbg4 4 #ebae4 ,establishment of uniform date for release of payments 7a7 ,date for payments 7#a7 ,in general ,section #ijjf7;b7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended to read as follows3 7b7 ,payments from the ,fund ,if the ,secretary of the ,treasury receives a certification from the ,commission under section #ijje for payment to the eligible candidates of a political party1 the ,secretary shall pay to such candidates out of the fund the amount certified by the ,commission on the later of-- 7#a7 the last ,friday occurring before the first ,monday in ,september2 or 7#b7 #bd hours after receiving the certifications for the eligible candidates of all major political parties4 ,amounts paid to any such candidates shall be under the control of such candidates4 4 7#b7 ,conforming ,amendment ,the first sentence of section #ijjf7;c7 of such ,code is amended by striking the time of a certification by the ,commission under section #ijje for payment and inserting the time of making a payment under subsection 7b74 7b7 ,time for certification ,section #ijje7;a7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended by striking #aj days and inserting #bd hours4 #ebaf4 ,amounts in ,presidential ,election ,campaign ,fund ,section #ijjf7;c7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence3 ,in making a determination of whether there are insufficient moneys in the fund for purposes of the previous sentence1 the ,secretary shall take into account in determining the balance of the fund for a ,presidential election year the ,secretary's best estimate of the amount of moneys which will be deposited into the fund during the year1 except that the amount of the estimate may not exceed the average of the annual amounts deposited in the fund during the previous #c years44 #ebag4 ,use of general election payments for general election legal and accounting compliance ,section #ijjb7aa7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence3 ,for purposes of subparagraph 7,a71 an expense incurred by a candidate or authorized committee for general election legal and accounting compliance purposes shall be considered to be an expense to further the election of such candidate44 #ebah4 ,use of ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund as source of payments 7a7 ,in general ,chapter #ie of subtitle ,h of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended by adding at the end the following new section3 #ijac4 ,use of ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund as source of payments 7a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter1 effective with respect to the ,presidential election held in #bjbh and each succeeding ,presidential election1 all payments made under this chapter shall be made from the ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund established under section #eda of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga4 7b7 ,mandatory reduction of payments in case of insufficient amounts in ,fund 7#a7 ,advance audits by ,commission ,not later than #ij days before the first day of each ,presidential election cycle 7beginning with the cycle for the election held in #bjbh71 the ,commission shall-- 7,a7 audit the ,fund to determine whether1 after first making payments to participating candidates under title ,v of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga and then making payments to ,states under the ,my ,voice ,voucher ,program under the ,government ,by the ,people ,act of #bjai and then making payments to candidates under chapter #if1 the amounts remaining in the ,fund will be sufficient to make payments to candidates under this chapter in the amounts provided under this chapter during such election cycle2 and 7,b7 submit a report to ,congress describing the results of the audit4 7#b7 ,reductions in amount of payments 7,a7 ,automatic reduction on pro rata basis ,if1 on the basis of the audit described in paragraph 7#a71 the ,commission determines that the amount anticipated to be available in the ,fund with respect to the ,presidential election cycle involved is not1 or may not be1 sufficient to satisfy the full entitlements of candidates to payments under this chapter for such cycle1 the ,commission shall reduce each amount which would otherwise be paid to a candidate under this chapter by such pro rata amount as may be necessary to ensure that the aggregate amount of payments anticipated to be made with respect to the cycle will not exceed the amount anticipated to be available for such payments in the ,fund with respect to such cycle4 7,b7 ,restoration of reductions in case of availability of sufficient funds during election cycle ,if1 after reducing the amounts paid to candidates with respect to an election cycle under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,commission determines that there are sufficient amounts in the ,fund to restore the amount by which such payments were reduced 7or any portion thereof71 to the extent that such amounts are available1 the ,commission may make a payment on a pro rata basis to each such candidate with respect to the election cycle in the amount by which such candidate's payments were reduced under subparagraph 7,a7 7or any portion thereof1 as the case may be74 7,c7 ,no use of amounts from other sources ,in any case in which the ,commission determines that there are insufficient moneys in the ,fund to make payments to candidates under this chapter1 moneys shall not be made available from any other source for the purpose of making such payments4 7#c7 ,no effect on amounts transferred for pediatric research initiative ,this section does not apply to the transfer of funds under section #ijjh7;i74 7#d7 ,presidential election cycle defined ,in this section1 the term ,presidential election cycle means1 with respect to a ,presidential election1 the period beginning on the day after the date of the previous ,presidential general election and ending on the date of the ,presidential election4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections for chapter #ie of subtitle ,h of such ,code is amended by adding at the end the following new item3 ,sec4 #ijac4 ,use of ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund as source of payments4 4 #c ,effective ,date #ebba4 ,effective date 7a7 ,in general ,except as otherwise provided1 this subtitle and the amendments made by this subtitle shall apply with respect to the ,presidential election held in #bjbh and each succeeding ,presidential election1 without regard to whether or not the ,federal ,election ,commission has promulgated the final regulations necessary to carry out this part and the amendments made by this part by the deadline set forth in subsection 7b74 7b7 ,deadline for regulations ,not later than ,june #cj1 #bjbf1 the ,federal ,election ,commission shall promulgate such regulations as may be necessary to carry out this part and the amendments made by this part4 ,d ,personal ,use ,services as ,authorized ,campaign ,expenditures #ecja4 ,short title2 findings2 purpose 7a7 ,short title ,this subtitle may be cited as the ,help ,america ,run ,act4 7b7 ,findings ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,everyday ,americans experience barriers to entry before they can consider running for office to serve their communities4 7#b7 ,current law states that campaign funds cannot be spent on everyday expenses that would exist whether or not a candidate were running for office1 like childcare and food4 ,while the law seems neutral1 its actual effect is to privilege the independently wealthy who want to run1 because given the demands of running for office1 candidates who must work to pay for childcare or to afford health insurance are effectively being left out of the process1 even if they have sufficient support to mount a viable campaign4 7#c7 ,thus current practice favors those prospective candidates who do not need to rely on a regular paycheck to make ends meet4 ,the consequence is that everyday ,americans who have firsthand knowledge of the importance of stable childcare1 a safety net1 or great public schools are less likely to get a seat at the table4 ,this governance by the few is antithetical to the democratic experiment1 but most importantly1 when lawmakers do not share the concerns of everyday ,americans1 their policies reflect that4 7#d7 ,these circumstances have contributed to a ,congress that does not always reflect everyday ,americans4 ,the ,new ,york ,times reported in #bjai that fewer than #e percent of representatives cite blue-collar or service jobs in their biographies4 ,a #bjae survey by the ,center for ,responsive ,politics showed that the median net worth of lawmakers was just over #a million in #bjac1 or #ah times the wealth of the typical ,american household4 7#e7 ,these circumstances have also contributed to a governing body that does not reflect the nation it serves4 ,for instance1 women are #ea of the ,american population4 ,yet even with a record number of women serving in the ,one ,hundred ,sixteenth ,congress1 the ,pew ,research ,center notes that more than three out of four ,members of this ,congress are male4 ,the ,center for ,american ,women ,and ,politics found that one third of women legislators surveyed had been actively discouraged from running for office1 often by political professionals4 ,this type of discouragement1 combined with the prohibitions on using campaign funds for domestic needs like childcare1 burdens that still fall disproportionately on ,american women1 particularly disadvantages working mothers4 ,these barriers may explain why only #aj women in history have given birth while serving in ,congress1 in spite of the prevalence of working parents in other professions4 ,yet working mothers and fathers are best positioned to create policy that reflects the lived experience of most ,americans4 7c7 ,purpose ,it is the purpose of this subtitle to ensure that all ,americans who are otherwise qualified to serve this ,nation are able to run for office1 regardless of their economic status4 ,by expanding permissible uses of campaign funds and providing modest assurance that testing a run for office will not cost one's livelihood1 the ,help ,america ,run ,act will facilitate the candidacy of representatives who more accurately reflect the experiences1 challenges1 and ideals of everyday ,americans4 #ecjb4 ,treatment of payments for child care and other personal use services as authorized campaign expenditure 7a7 ,personal use services as authorized campaign expenditures ,section #cac of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaad71 as amended by section #eaac1 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7e7 ,treatment of payments for child care and other personal use services as authorized campaign expenditure 7#a7 ,authorized expenditures ,for purposes of subsection 7a71 the payment by an authorized committee of a candidate for any of the personal use services described in paragraph 7#c7 shall be treated as an authorized expenditure if the services are necessary to enable the participation of the candidate in campaign-connected activities4 7#b7 ,limitations 7,a7 ,limit on total amount of payments ,the total amount of payments made by an authorized committee of a candidate for personal use services described in paragraph 7#c7 may not exceed the limit which is applicable under any law1 rule1 or regulation on the amount of payments which may be made by the committee for the salary of the candidate 7without regard to whether or not the committee makes payments to the candidate for that purpose74 7,b7 ,corresponding reduction in amount of salary paid to candidate ,to the extent that an authorized committee of a candidate makes payments for the salary of the candidate1 any limit on the amount of such payments which is applicable under any law1 rule1 or regulation shall be reduced by the amount of any payments made to or on behalf of the candidate for personal use services described in paragraph 7#c71 other than personal use services described in subparagraph 7,e7 of such paragraph4 7,c7 ,exclusion of candidates who are officeholders ,paragraph 7#a7 does not apply with respect to an authorized committee of a candidate who is a holder of ,federal office4 7#c7 ,personal use services described ,the personal use services described in this paragraph are as follows3 7,a7 ,child care services4 7,b7 ,elder care services4 7,c7 ,services similar to the services described in subparagraph 7,a7 or subparagraph 7,b7 which are provided on behalf of any dependent who is a qualifying relative under section #aeb of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf4 7,d7 ,dues1 fees1 and other expenses required to maintain an license or similar requirement related to an individual's profession4 7,e7 ,costs associated with health insurance coverage4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this ,act4 ,e ,severability #edja4 ,severability ,if any provision of this title or amendment made by this title1 or the application of a provision or amendment to any person or circumstance1 is held to be unconstitutional1 the remainder of this title and amendments made by this title1 and the application of the provisions and amendment to any person or circumstance1 shall not be affected by the holding4 ,,vi ,campaign ,finance ,oversight ,subtitle ,a--,restoring ,integrity to ,america's ,elections ,sec4 #fjja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #fjjb4 ,membership of ,federal ,election ,commission4 ,sec4 #fjjc4 ,assignment of powers to ,chair of ,federal ,election ,commission4 ,sec4 #fjjd4 ,revision to enforcement process4 ,sec4 #fjje4 ,permitting appearance at hearings on requests for advisory opinions by persons opposing the requests4 ,sec4 #fjjf4 ,permanent extension of administrative penalty authority4 ,sec4 #fjjg4 ,restrictions on ex parte communications4 ,sec4 #fjjh4 ,effective date2 transition4 ,subtitle ,b--,stopping ,super ,,pac-,candidate ,coordination ,sec4 #faja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #fajb4 ,clarification of treatment of coordinated expenditures as contributions to candidates4 ,sec4 #fajc4 ,clarification of ban on fundraising for super ,p,a,cs by ,federal candidates and officeholders4 ,subtitle ,c--,severability ,sec4 #fbja4 ,severability4 ,a ,restoring ,integrity to ,america's ,elections #fjja4 ,short title ,this subtitle may be cited as the ,restoring ,integrity to ,america's ,elections ,act4 #fjjb4 ,membership of ,federal ,election ,commission 7a7 ,reduction in ,number of ,members2 ,removal of ,secretary of ,senate and ,clerk of ,house as ,ex ,officio ,members 7#a7 ,in general2 quorum ,section #cjf7;a77#a7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajf7;a77#a77 is amended by striking the second and third sentences and inserting the following3 ,the ,commission is composed of #e members appointed by the ,president by and with the advice and consent of the ,senate1 of whom no more than #b may be affiliated with the same political party4 ,a member shall by treated as affiliated with a political party if the member was affiliated1 including as a registered voter1 employee1 consultant1 donor1 officer1 or attorney1 with such political party or any of its candidates or elected public officials at any time during the #e-year period ending on the date on which such individual is nominated to be a member of the ,commission4 ,a majority of the number of members of the ,commission who are serving at the time shall constitute a quorum1 except that #c members shall constitute a quorum if there are #d members serving at the time44 7#b7 ,conforming amendments relating to reduction in number of members 7,a7 ,the second sentence of section #cjf7;c7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajf7;c77 is amended by striking affirmative vote of #d members of the ,commission and inserting affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the ,commission who are serving at the time4 7,b7 ,such ,act is further amended by striking affirmative vote of #d of its members and inserting affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the ,commission who are serving at the time each place it appears in the following sections3 7i7 ,section #cji7;a77#b7 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaji7;a77#b774 7ii7 ,section #cji7;a77#d77;,a77i7 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaji7;a77#d77;,a77i774 7iii7 ,section #cji7;a77#e77;,c7 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaji7;a77#e77;,c774 7iv7 ,section #cji7;a77#f77;,a7 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaji7;a77#f77;,a774 7v7 ,section #caa7;b7 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaaa7;b774 7#c7 ,conforming amendment relating to removal of ex officio members ,section #cjf7;a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajf7;a77 is amended by striking 7other than the ,secretary of the ,senate and the ,clerk of the ,house of ,representatives7 each place it appears in paragraphs 7#d7 and 7#e74 7b7 ,terms of ,service ,section #cjf7;a77#b7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajf7;a77#b77 is amended to read as follows3 7#b7 ,terms of service 7,a7 ,in general ,each member of the ,commission shall serve for a single term of #f years4 7,b7 ,special rule for initial appointments ,of the members first appointed to serve terms that begin in ,january #bjbb1 the ,president shall designate #b to serve for a #c-year term4 7,c7 ,no reappointment permitted ,an individual who served a term as a member of the ,commission may not serve for an additional term1 except that-- 7i7 an individual who served a #c-year term under subparagraph 7,b7 may also be appointed to serve a #f-year term under subparagraph 7,a72 and 7ii7 for purposes of this subparagraph1 an individual who is appointed to fill a vacancy under subparagraph 7,d7 shall not be considered to have served a term if the portion of the unexpired term the individual fills is less than #ej percent of the period of the term4 7,d7 ,vacancies ,any vacancy occurring in the membership of the ,commission shall be filled in the same manner as in the case of the original appointment4 ,except as provided in subparagraph 7,c71 an individual appointed to fill a vacancy occurring other than by the expiration of a term of office shall be appointed only for the unexpired term of the member he or she succeeds4 7,e7 ,limitation on service after expiration of term ,a member of the ,commission may continue to serve on the ,commission after the expiration of the member's term for an additional period1 but only until the earlier of-- 7i7 the date on which the member's successor has taken office as a member of the ,commission2 or 7ii7 the expiration of the #a-year period that begins on the last day of the member's term4 4 7c7 ,qualifications ,section #cjf7;a77#c7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajf7;a77#c77 is amended to read as follows3 7#c7 ,qualifications 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,president may select an individual for service as a member of the ,commission if the individual has experience in election law and has a demonstrated record of integrity1 impartiality1 and good judgment4 7,b7 ,assistance of ,blue ,ribbon ,advisory ,panel 7i7 ,in general ,prior to the regularly scheduled expiration of the term of a member of the ,commission and upon the occurrence of a vacancy in the membership of the ,commission prior to the expiration of a term1 the ,president shall convene a ,blue ,ribbon ,advisory ,panel1 consisting of an odd number of individuals selected by the ,president from retired ,federal judges1 former law enforcement officials1 or individuals with experience in election law1 except that the ,president may not select any individual to serve on the panel who holds any public office at the time of selection4 7ii7 ,recommendations ,with respect to each member of the ,commission whose term is expiring or each vacancy in the membership of the ,commission 7as the case may be71 the ,blue ,ribbon ,advisory ,panel shall recommend to the ,president at least one but not more than #c individuals for nomination for appointment as a member of the ,commission4 7iii7 ,publication ,at the time the ,president submits to the ,senate the nominations for individuals to be appointed as members of the ,commission1 the ,president shall publish the ,blue ,ribbon ,advisory ,panel's recommendations for such nominations4 7iv7 ,exemption from ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act ,the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 does not apply to a ,blue ,ribbon ,advisory ,panel convened under this subparagraph4 7,c7 ,prohibiting engagement with other business or employment during service ,a member of the ,commission shall not engage in any other business1 vocation1 or employment4 ,any individual who is engaging in any other business1 vocation1 or employment at the time of his or her appointment to the ,commission shall terminate or liquidate such activity no later than #ij days after such appointment4 4 #fjjc4 ,assignment of powers to ,chair of ,federal ,election ,commission 7a7 ,appointment of ,chair by ,president 7#a7 ,in general ,section #cjf7;a77#e7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajf7;a77#e77 is amended to read as follows3 7#e7 ,chair 7,a7 ,initial appointment ,of the members first appointed to serve terms that begin in ,january #bjbb1 one such member 7as designated by the ,president at the time the ,president submits nominations to the ,senate7 shall serve as ,chair of the ,commission4 7,b7 ,subsequent appointments ,any individual who is appointed to succeed the member who serves as ,chair of the ,commission for the term beginning in ,january #bjbb 7as well as any individual who is appointed to fill a vacancy if such member does not serve a full term as ,chair7 shall serve as ,chair of the ,commission4 7,c7 ,vice ,chair ,the ,commission shall select1 by majority vote of its members1 one of its members to serve as ,vice ,chair1 who shall act as ,chair in the absence or disability of the ,chair or in the event of a vacancy in the position of ,chair4 4 7#b7 ,conforming amendment ,section #cji7;a77#b7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaji7;a77#b77 is amended by striking through its chairman or vice chairman and inserting through the ,chair4 7b7 ,powers 7#a7 ,assignment of certain powers to ,chair ,section #cjg7;a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajg7;a77 is amended to read as follows3 7a7 ,distribution of ,powers ,between ,chair and ,commission 7#a7 ,powers assigned to ,chair 7,a7 ,administrative powers ,the ,chair of the ,commission shall be the chief administrative officer of the ,commission and shall have the authority to administer the ,commission and its staff1 and 7in consultation with the other members of the ,commission7 shall have the power-- 7i7 to appoint and remove the staff director of the ,commission2 7ii7 to request the assistance 7including personnel and facilities7 of other agencies and departments of the ,united ,states1 whose heads may make such assistance available to the ,commission with or without reimbursement2 and 7iii7 to prepare and establish the budget of the ,commission and to make budget requests to the ,president1 the ,director of the ,office of ,management and ,budget1 and ,congress4 7,b7 ,other powers ,the ,chair of the ,commission shall have the power-- 7i7 to appoint and remove the general counsel of the ,commission with the concurrence of at least #b other members of the ,commission2 7ii7 to require by special or general orders1 any person to submit1 under oath1 such written reports and answers to questions as the ,chair may prescribe2 7iii7 to administer oaths or affirmations2 7iv7 to require by subpoena1 signed by the ,chair1 the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of all documentary evidence relating to the execution of its duties2 7v7 in any proceeding or investigation1 to order testimony to be taken by deposition before any person who is designated by the ,chair1 and shall have the power to administer oaths and1 in such instances1 to compel testimony and the production of evidence in the same manner as authorized under clause 7iv72 and 7vi7 to pay witnesses the same fees and mileage as are paid in like circumstances in the courts of the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,powers assigned to ,commission ,the ,commission shall have the power-- 7,a7 to initiate 7through civil actions for injunctive1 declaratory1 or other appropriate relief71 defend 7in the case of any civil action brought under section #cji7;a77#h7 of this ,act7 or appeal 7including a proceeding before the ,supreme ,court on certiorari7 any civil action in the name of the ,commission to enforce the provisions of this ,act and chapter #ie and chapter #if of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf1 through its general counsel2 7,b7 to render advisory opinions under section #cjh of this ,act2 7,c7 to develop such prescribed forms and to make1 amend1 and repeal such rules1 pursuant to the provisions of chapter #e of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this ,act and chapter #ie and chapter #if of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf2 7,d7 to conduct investigations and hearings expeditiously1 to encourage voluntary compliance1 and to report apparent violations to the appropriate law enforcement authorities2 and 7,e7 to transmit to the ,president and ,congress not later than ,june #a of each year a report which states in detail the activities of the ,commission in carrying out its duties under this ,act1 and which includes any recommendations for any legislative or other action the ,commission considers appropriate4 7#c7 ,permitting ,commission to exercise other powers of ,chair ,with respect to any investigation1 action1 or proceeding1 the ,commission1 by an affirmative vote of a majority of the members who are serving at the time1 may exercise any of the powers of the ,chair described in paragraph 7#a77;,b74 4 7#b7 ,conforming amendments relating to personnel authority ,section #cjf7;f7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajf7;f77 is amended-- 7,a7 by amending the first sentence of paragraph 7#a7 to read as follows3 ,the ,commission shall have a staff director who shall be appointed by the ,chair of the ,commission in consultation with the other members and a general counsel who shall be appointed by the ,chair with the concurrence of at least two other members42 7,b7 in paragraph 7#b71 by striking ,with the approval of the ,commission and inserting ,with the approval of the ,chair of the ,commission2 and 7,c7 by striking paragraph 7#c74 7#c7 ,conforming amendment relating to budget submission ,section #cjg7;d77#a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajg7;d77#a77 is amended by striking the ,commission submits any budget and inserting the ,chair 7or1 pursuant to subsection 7a77#c71 the ,commission7 submits any budget4 7#d7 ,other conforming amendments ,section #cjf7;c7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajf7;c77 is amended by striking ,all decisions and inserting ,subject to section #cjg7;a71 all decisions4 7#e7 ,technical amendment ,the heading of section #cjg of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajg7 is amended by striking the commission and inserting the chair and the commission4 #fjjd4 ,revision to enforcement process 7a7 ,standard for initiating investigations and determining whether violations have occurred 7#a7 ,revision of standards ,section #cji7;a7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaji7;a77 is amended by striking paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c7 and inserting the following3 7#b7 7,a7 ,the general counsel1 upon receiving a complaint filed with the ,commission under paragraph 7#a7 or upon the basis of information ascertained by the ,commission in the normal course of carrying out its supervisory responsibilities1 shall make a determination as to whether or not there is reason to believe that a person has committed1 or is about to commit1 a violation of this ,act or chapter #ie or chapter #if of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf1 and as to whether or not the ,commission should either initiate an investigation of the matter or that the complaint should be dismissed4 ,the general counsel shall promptly provide notification to the ,commission of such determination and the reasons therefore1 together with any written response submitted under paragraph 7#a7 by the person alleged to have committed the violation4 ,upon the expiration of the #cj-;day period which begins on the date the general counsel provides such notification1 the general counsel's determination shall take effect1 unless during such #cj-;day period the ,commission1 by vote of a majority of the members of the ,commission who are serving at the time1 overrules the general counsel's determination4 ,if the determination by the general counsel that the ,commission should investigate the matter takes effect1 or if the determination by the general counsel that the complaint should be dismissed is overruled as provided under the previous sentence1 the general counsel shall initiate an investigation of the matter on behalf of the ,commission4 7,b7 ,if the ,commission initiates an investigation pursuant to subparagraph 7,a71 the ,commission1 through the ,chair1 shall notify the subject of the investigation of the alleged violation4 ,such notification shall set forth the factual basis for such alleged violation4 ,the ,commission shall make an investigation of such alleged violation1 which may include a field investigation or audit1 in accordance with the provisions of this section4 ,the general counsel shall provide notification to the ,commission of any intent to issue a subpoena or conduct any other form of discovery pursuant to the investigation4 ,upon the expiration of the #ae-;day period which begins on the date the general counsel provides such notification1 the general counsel may issue the subpoena or conduct the discovery1 unless during such #ae-;day period the ,commission1 by vote of a majority of the members of the ,commission who are serving at the time1 prohibits the general counsel from issuing the subpoena or conducting the discovery4 7#c7 7,a7 ,upon completion of an investigation under paragraph 7#b71 the general counsel shall promptly submit to the ,commission the general counsel's recommendation that the ,commission find either that there is probable cause or that there is not probable cause to believe that a person has committed1 or is about to commit1 a violation of this ,act or chapter #ie or chapter #if of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf1 and shall include with the recommendation a brief stating the position of the general counsel on the legal and factual issues of the case4 7,b7 ,at the time the general counsel submits to the ,commission the recommendation under subparagraph 7,a71 the general counsel shall simultaneously notify the respondent of such recommendation and the reasons therefore1 shall provide the respondent with an opportunity to submit a brief within #cj days stating the position of the respondent on the legal and factual issues of the case and replying to the brief of the general counsel4 ,the general counsel and shall promptly submit such brief to the ,commission upon receipt4 7,c7 ,not later than #cj days after the general counsel submits the recommendation to the ,commission under subparagraph 7,a7 7or1 if the respondent submits a brief under subparagraph 7,b71 not later than #cj days after the general counsel submits the respondent's brief to the ,commission under such subparagraph71 the ,commission shall approve or disapprove the recommendation by vote of a majority of the members of the ,commission who are serving at the time4 4 7#b7 ,conforming amendment relating to ,initial response to filing of complaint ,section #cji7;a77#a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaji7;a77#a77 is amended-- 7,a7 in the third sentence1 by striking the ,commission and inserting the general counsel2 and 7,b7 by amending the fourth sentence to read as follows3 ,not later than #ae days after receiving notice from the general counsel under the previous sentence1 the person may provide the general counsel with a written response that no action should be taken against such person on the basis of the complaint44 7b7 ,revision of standard for review of dismissal of complaints 7#a7 ,in general ,section #cji7;a77#h7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaji7;a77#h77 is amended to read as follows3 7#h7 7,a7 7i7 ,any party aggrieved by an order of the ,commission dismissing a complaint filed by such party after finding either no reason to believe a violation has occurred or no probable cause a violation has occurred may file a petition with the ,united ,states ,district ,court for the ,district of ,columbia4 ,any petition under this subparagraph shall be filed within #fj days after the date on which the party received notice of the dismissal of the complaint4 7ii7 ,in any proceeding under this subparagraph1 the court shall determine by de novo review whether the agency's dismissal of the complaint is contrary to law4 ,in any matter in which the penalty for the alleged violation is greater than #ej1jjj1 the court should disregard any claim or defense by the ,commission of prosecutorial discretion as a basis for dismissing the complaint4 7,b7 7i7 ,any party who has filed a complaint with the ,commission and who is aggrieved by a failure of the ,commission1 within one year after the filing of the complaint1 to either dismiss the complaint or to find reason to believe a violation has occurred or is about to occur1 may file a petition with the ,united ,states ,district ,court for the ,district of ,columbia4 7ii7 ,in any proceeding under this subparagraph1 the court shall treat the failure to act on the complaint as a dismissal of the complaint1 and shall determine by de novo review whether the agency's failure to act on the complaint is contrary to law4 7,c7 ,in any proceeding under this paragraph the court may declare that the dismissal of the complaint or the failure to act is contrary to law1 and may direct the ,commission to conform with such declaration within #cj days1 failing which the complainant may bring1 in the name of such complainant1 a civil action to remedy the violation involved in the original complaint4 4 7#b7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by paragraph 7#a7 shall apply-- 7,a7 in the case of complaints which are dismissed by the ,federal ,election ,commission1 with respect to complaints which are dismissed on or after the date of the enactment of this ,act2 and 7,b7 in the case of complaints upon which the ,federal ,election ,commission failed to act1 with respect to complaints which were filed on or after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #fjje4 ,permitting appearance at hearings on requests for advisory opinions by persons opposing the requests 7a7 ,in general ,section #cjh of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajh7 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7e7 ,to the extent that the ,commission provides an opportunity for a person requesting an advisory opinion under this section 7or counsel for such person7 to appear before the ,commission to present testimony in support of the request1 and the person 7or counsel7 accepts such opportunity1 the ,commission shall provide a reasonable opportunity for an interested party who submitted written comments under subsection 7d7 in response to the request 7or counsel for such interested party7 to appear before the ,commission to present testimony in response to the request4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall apply with respect to requests for advisory opinions under section #cjh of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga which are made on or after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #fjjf4 ,permanent extension of administrative penalty authority 7a7 ,extension of authority ,section #cji7;a77#d77;,c77v7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaji7;a77#d77;,c77v77 is amended by striking 1 and that end on or before ,december #ca1 #bjbc4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall take effect on ,december #ca1 #bjah4 #fjjg4 ,restrictions on ex parte communications ,section #cjf7;e7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajf7;e77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking 7e7 ,the ,commission and inserting 7e77#a7 ,the ,commission2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#b7 ,members and employees of the ,commission shall be subject to limitations on ex parte communications1 as provided in the regulations promulgated by the ,commission regarding such communications which are in effect on the date of the enactment of this paragraph4 4 #fjjh4 ,effective date2 transition 7a7 ,in ,general ,except as otherwise provided1 the amendments made by this subtitle shall apply beginning ,january #a1 #bjbb4 7b7 ,transition 7#a7 ,termination of service of current members ,notwithstanding any provision of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga1 the term of any individual serving as a member of the ,federal ,election ,commission as of ,december #ca1 #bjba1 shall expire on that date4 7#b7 ,no effect on existing cases or proceedings ,nothing in this subtitle or in any amendment made by this subtitle shall affect any of the powers exercised by the ,federal ,election ,commission prior to ,december #ca1 #bjba1 including any investigation initiated by the ,commission prior to such date or any proceeding 7including any enforcement action7 pending as of such date4 ,b ,stopping ,super ,,pac-,candidate ,coordination #faja4 ,short title ,this subtitle may be cited as the ,stop ,super ,,pac-,candidate ,coordination ,act4 #fajb4 ,clarification of treatment of coordinated expenditures as contributions to candidates 7a7 ,treatment as contribution to candidate ,section #cja7h77;,a7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaja7h77;,a77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking or at the end of clause 7i72 7#b7 by striking the period at the end of clause 7ii7 and inserting 2 or2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following new clause3 7iii7 any payment made by any person 7other than a candidate1 an authorized committee of a candidate1 or a political committee of a political party7 for a coordinated expenditure 7as such term is defined in section #cbf7 which is not otherwise treated as a contribution under clause 7i7 or clause 7ii74 4 7b7 ,definitions ,title ,,iii of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaja et seq471 as amended by section #dgjb7;a71 is amended by adding at the end the following new section3 #cbf4 ,payments for coordinated expenditures 7a7 ,coordinated expenditures 7#a7 ,in general ,for purposes of section #cja7h77;,a77iii71 the term coordinated expenditure means-- 7,a7 any expenditure1 or any payment for a covered communication described in subsection 7d71 which is made in cooperation1 consultation1 or concert with1 or at the request or suggestion of1 a candidate1 an authorized committee of a candidate1 a political committee of a political party1 or agents of the candidate or committee1 as defined in subsection 7b72 or 7,b7 any payment for any communication which republishes1 disseminates1 or distributes1 in whole or in part1 any video or broadcast or any written1 graphic1 or other form of campaign material prepared by the candidate or committee or by agents of the candidate or committee 7including any excerpt or use of any video from any such broadcast or written1 graphic1 or other form of campaign material74 7#b7 ,exception for payments for certain communications ,a payment for a communication 7including a covered communication described in subsection 7d77 shall not be treated as a coordinated expenditure under this subsection if-- 7,a7 the communication appears in a news story1 commentary1 or editorial distributed through the facilities of any broadcasting station1 newspaper1 magazine1 or other periodical publication1 unless such facilities are owned or controlled by any political party1 political committee1 or candidate2 or 7,b7 the communication constitutes a candidate debate or forum conducted pursuant to regulations adopted by the ,commission pursuant to section #cjd7;f77#c77;,b77iii71 or which solely promotes such a debate or forum and is made by or on behalf of the person sponsoring the debate or forum4 7b7 ,coordination described 7#a7 ,in general ,for purposes of this section1 a payment is made in cooperation1 consultation1 or concert with1 or at the request or suggestion of1 a candidate1 an authorized committee of a candidate1 a political committee of a political party1 or agents of the candidate or committee1 if the payment1 or any communication for which the payment is made1 is not made entirely independently of the candidate1 committee1 or agents4 ,for purposes of the previous sentence1 a payment or communication not made entirely independently of the candidate or committee includes any payment or communication made pursuant to any general or particular understanding with1 or pursuant to any communication with1 the candidate1 committee1 or agents about the payment or communication4 7#b7 ,no finding of coordination based solely on sharing of information regarding legislative or policy position ,for purposes of this section1 a payment shall not be considered to be made by a person in cooperation1 consultation1 or concert with1 or at the request or suggestion of1 a candidate or committee1 solely on the grounds that the person or the person's agent engaged in discussions with the candidate or committee1 or with any agent of the candidate or committee1 regarding that person's position on a legislative or policy matter 7including urging the candidate or committee to adopt that person's position71 so long as there is no communication between the person and the candidate or committee1 or any agent of the candidate or committee1 regarding the candidate's or committee's campaign advertising1 message1 strategy1 policy1 polling1 allocation of resources1 fundraising1 or other campaign activities4 7#c7 ,no effect on party coordination standard ,nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the determination of coordination between a candidate and a political committee of a political party for purposes of section #cae7;d74 7#d7 ,no safe harbor for use of firewall ,a person shall be determined to have made a payment in cooperation1 consultation1 or concert with1 or at the request or suggestion of1 a candidate or committee1 in accordance with this section without regard to whether or not the person established and used a firewall or similar procedures to restrict the sharing of information between individuals who are employed by or who are serving as agents for the person making the payment4 7c7 ,payments by coordinated spenders for covered communications 7#a7 ,payments made in cooperation1 consultation1 or concert with candidates ,for purposes of subsection 7a77#a77;,a71 if the person who makes a payment for a covered communication1 as defined in subsection 7d71 is a coordinated spender under paragraph 7#b7 with respect to the candidate as described in subsection 7d77#a71 the payment for the covered communication is made in cooperation1 consultation1 or concert with the candidate4 7#b7 ,coordinated spender defined ,for purposes of this subsection1 the term coordinated spender means1 with respect to a candidate or an authorized committee of a candidate1 a person 7other than a political committee of a political party7 for which any of the following applies3 7,a7 ,during the #d-year period ending on the date on which the person makes the payment1 the person was directly or indirectly formed or established by or at the request or suggestion of1 or with the encouragement of1 the candidate 7including an individual who later becomes a candidate7 or committee or agents of the candidate or committee1 including with the approval of the candidate or committee or agents of the candidate or committee4 7,b7 ,the candidate or committee or any agent of the candidate or committee solicits funds1 appears at a fundraising event1 or engages in other fundraising activity on the person's behalf during the election cycle involved1 including by providing the person with names of potential donors or other lists to be used by the person in engaging in fundraising activity1 regardless of whether the person pays fair market value for the names or lists provided4 ,for purposes of this subparagraph1 the term election cycle means1 with respect to an election for ,federal office1 the period beginning on the day after the date of the most recent general election for that office 7or1 if the general election resulted in a runoff election1 the date of the runoff election7 and ending on the date of the next general election for that office 7or1 if the general election resulted in a runoff election1 the date of the runoff election74 7,c7 ,the person is established1 directed1 or managed by the candidate or committee or by any person who1 during the #d-year period ending on the date on which the person makes the payment1 has been employed or retained as a political1 campaign media1 or fundraising adviser or consultant for the candidate or committee or for any other entity directly or indirectly controlled by the candidate or committee1 or has held a formal position with the candidate or committee 7including a position as an employee of the office of the candidate at any time the candidate held any ,federal1 ,state1 or local public office during the #d-year period74 7,d7 ,the person has retained the professional services of any person who1 during the #b-year period ending on the date on which the person makes the payment1 has provided or is providing professional services relating to the campaign to the candidate or committee1 without regard to whether the person providing the professional services used a firewall4 ,for purposes of this subparagraph1 the term professional services includes any services in support of the candidate's or committee's campaign activities1 including advertising1 message1 strategy1 policy1 polling1 allocation of resources1 fundraising1 and campaign operations1 but does not include accounting or legal services4 7,e7 ,the person is established1 directed1 or managed by a member of the immediate family of the candidate1 or the person or any officer or agent of the person has had more than incidental discussions about the candidate's campaign with a member of the immediate family of the candidate4 ,for purposes of this subparagraph1 the term immediate family has the meaning given such term in section #ijjd7;e7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf4 7d7 ,covered communication defined 7#a7 ,in general ,for purposes of this section1 the term covered communication means1 with respect to a candidate or an authorized committee of a candidate1 a public communication 7as defined in section #cja7bb77 which-- 7,a7 expressly advocates the election of the candidate or the defeat of an opponent of the candidate 7or contains the functional equivalent of express advocacy72 7,b7 promotes or supports the election of the candidate1 or attacks or opposes the election of an opponent of the candidate 7regardless of whether the communication expressly advocates the election or defeat of a candidate or contains the functional equivalent of express advocacy72 or 7,c7 refers to the candidate or an opponent of the candidate but is not described in subparagraph 7,a7 or subparagraph 7,b71 but only if the communication is disseminated during the applicable election period4 7#b7 ,applicable election period ,in paragraph 7#a77;,c71 the applicable election period with respect to a communication means-- 7,a7 in the case of a communication which refers to a candidate in a general1 special1 or runoff election1 the #abj-;day period which ends on the date of the election2 or 7,b7 in the case of a communication which refers to a candidate in a primary or preference election1 or convention or caucus of a political party that has authority to nominate a candidate1 the #fj-;day period which ends on the date of the election or convention or caucus4 7#c7 ,special rules for communications involving congressional candidates ,for purposes of this subsection1 a public communication shall not be considered to be a covered communication with respect to a candidate for election for an office other than the office of ,president or ,vice ,president unless it is publicly disseminated or distributed in the jurisdiction of the office the candidate is seeking4 7e7 ,penalty 7#a7 ,determination of amount ,any person who knowingly and willfully commits a violation of this ,act by making a contribution which consists of a payment for a coordinated expenditure shall be fined an amount equal to the greater of-- 7,a7 in the case of a person who makes a contribution which consists of a payment for a coordinated expenditure in an amount exceeding the applicable contribution limit under this ,act1 #cjj percent of the amount by which the amount of the payment made by the person exceeds such applicable contribution limit2 or 7,b7 in the case of a person who is prohibited under this ,act from making a contribution in any amount1 #cjj percent of the amount of the payment made by the person for the coordinated expenditure4 7#b7 ,joint and several liability ,any director1 manager1 or officer of a person who is subject to a penalty under paragraph 7#a7 shall be jointly and severally liable for any amount of such penalty that is not paid by the person prior to the expiration of the #a-year period which begins on the date the ,commission imposes the penalty or the #a-year period which begins on the date of the final judgment following any judicial review of the ,commission's action1 whichever is later4 4 7c7 ,effective date 7#a7 ,repeal of existing regulations on coordination ,effective upon the expiration of the #ij-;day period which begins on the date of the enactment of this ,act-- 7,a7 the regulations on coordinated communications adopted by the ,federal ,election ,commission which are in effect on the date of the enactment of this ,act 7as set forth in #aa ,,cfr ,part #aji1 ,subpart ,c1 under the heading ,coordination7 are repealed2 and 7,b7 the ,federal ,election ,commission shall promulgate new regulations on coordinated communications which reflect the amendments made by this ,act4 7#b7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to payments made on or after the expiration of the #abj-;day period which begins on the date of the enactment of this ,act1 without regard to whether or not the ,federal ,election ,commission has promulgated regulations in accordance with paragraph 7#a77;,b7 as of the expiration of such period4 #fajc4 ,clarification of ban on fundraising for super ,p,a,cs by ,federal candidates and officeholders 7a7 ,in ,general ,section #cbc7;e77#a7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjabe7;e77#a77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking or at the end of subparagraph 7,a72 7#b7 by striking the period at the end of subparagraph 7,b7 and inserting 2 or2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,c7 solicit1 receive1 direct1 or transfer funds to or on behalf of any political committee which accepts donations or contributions that do not comply with the limitations1 prohibitions1 and reporting requirements of this ,act 7or to or on behalf of any account of a political committee which is established for the purpose of accepting such donations or contributions71 or to or on behalf of any political organization under section #ebg of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf which accepts such donations or contributions 7other than a committee of a ,state or local political party or a candidate for election for ,state or local office74 4 7b7 ,effective ,date ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall apply with respect to elections occurring after ,january #a1 #bjbj4 ,c ,severability #fbja4 ,severability ,if any provision of this title or amendment made by this title1 or the application of a provision or amendment to any person or circumstance1 is held to be unconstitutional1 the remainder of this title and amendments made by this title1 and the application of the provisions and amendment to any person or circumstance1 shall not be affected by the holding4 ,c ,ethics ,,vii ,reserved ,,viii ,reserved ,,ix ,congressional ,ethics ,reform ,subtitle ,a--,requiring ,members of ,congress to reimburse ,treasury for amounts paid as settlements and awards under ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie ,sec4 #ijja4 ,requiring ,members of ,congress to reimburse ,treasury for amounts paid as settlements and awards under ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie in all cases of employment discrimination acts by ,members4 ,subtitle ,b--,conflicts of ,interests ,sec4 #iaja4 ,reserved4 ,sec4 #iajb4 ,conflict of interest rules for ,members of ,congress and congressional staff4 ,sec4 #iajc4 ,exercise of rulemaking powers4 ,subtitle ,c--,campaign ,finance and ,lobbying ,disclosure ,sec4 #ibja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #ibjb4 ,requiring disclosure in certain reports filed with ,federal ,election ,commission of persons who are registered lobbyists4 ,sec4 #ibjc4 ,effective date4 ,subtitle ,d--,access to ,congressionally ,mandated ,reports ,sec4 #icja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #icjb4 ,definitions4 ,sec4 #icjc4 ,establishment of online portal for congressionally mandated reports4 ,sec4 #icjd4 ,federal agency responsibilities4 ,sec4 #icje4 ,removing and altering reports4 ,sec4 #icjf4 ,relationship to the ,freedom of ,information ,act4 ,sec4 #icjg4 ,implementation4 ,subtitle ,e--,severability ,sec4 #idja4 ,severability4 ,a ,requiring ,members of ,congress to reimburse ,treasury for amounts paid as settlements and awards under ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie #ijja4 ,requiring ,members of ,congress to reimburse ,treasury for amounts paid as settlements and awards under ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie in all cases of employment discrimination acts by ,members 7a7 ,requiring reimbursement ,clause 7i7 of section #dae7;d77#a77;,c7 of the ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #adae7;d77#a77;,c771 as amended by section #aaa7;a7 of the ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie ,reform ,act1 is amended to read as follows3 7i7 a violation of section #bja7;a7 or section #bjf7;a72 or 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment relating to notification of possibility of reimbursement ,clause 7i7 of section #djb7;b77#b77;,b7 of the ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #adjb7;b77#b77;,b771 as amended by section #ajb7;a7 of the ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie ,reform ,act1 is amended to read as follows3 7i7 a violation of section #bja7;a7 or section #bjf7;a72 or 4 7c7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall take effect as if included in the enactment of the ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie ,reform ,act4 ,b ,conflicts of ,interests #iaja4 ,reserved #iajb4 ,conflict of interest rules for ,members of ,congress and congressional staff ,no ,member1 officer1 or employee of a committee or ,member of either ,house of ,congress may knowingly use his or her official position to introduce or aid the progress or passage of legislation1 a principal purpose of which is to further only his or her pecuniary interest1 only the pecuniary interest of his or her immediate family1 or only the pecuniary interest of a limited class of persons or enterprises1 when he or she1 or his or her immediate family1 or enterprises controlled by them1 are members of the affected class4 #iajc4 ,exercise of rulemaking powers ,the provisions of this subtitle are enacted by the ,congress-- 7#a7 as an exercise of the rulemaking power of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,senate1 respectively1 and as such they shall be considered as part of the rules of each ,house1 respectively1 or of that ,house to which they specifically apply1 and such rules shall supersede other rules only to the extent that they are inconsistent therewith2 and 7#b7 with full recognition of the constitutional right of either ,house to change such rules 7so far as relating to such ,house7 at any time1 in the same manner1 and to the same extent as in the case of any other rule of such ,house4 ,c ,campaign ,finance and ,lobbying ,disclosure #ibja4 ,short title ,this subtitle may be cited as the ,connecting ,lobbyists and ,electeds for ,accountability and ,reform ,act or the ,,clear ,act4 #ibjb4 ,requiring disclosure in certain reports filed with ,federal ,election ,commission of persons who are registered lobbyists 7a7 ,reports filed by political committees ,section #cjd7;b7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajd7;b77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking and at the end of paragraph 7#g72 7#b7 by striking the period at the end of paragraph 7#h7 and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#i7 if any person identified in subparagraph 7,a71 7,e71 7,f71 or 7,g7 of paragraph 7#c7 is a registered lobbyist under the ,lobbying ,disclosure ,act of #aiie1 a separate statement that such person is a registered lobbyist under such ,act4 4 7b7 ,reports filed by persons making independent expenditures ,section #cjd7;c77#b7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajd7;c77#b77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking and at the end of subparagraph 7,b72 7#b7 by striking the period at the end of subparagraph 7,c7 and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,d7 if the person filing the statement1 or a person whose identification is required to be disclosed under subparagraph 7,c71 is a registered lobbyist under the ,lobbying ,disclosure ,act of #aiie1 a separate statement that such person is a registered lobbyist under such ,act4 4 7c7 ,reports filed by persons making disbursements for electioneering communications ,section #cjd7;f77#b7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajd7;f77#b77 is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,g7 ,if the person making the disbursement1 or a contributor described in subparagraph 7,e7 or 7,f71 is a registered lobbyist under the ,lobbying ,disclosure ,act of #aiie1 a separate statement that such person or contributor is a registered lobbyist under such ,act4 4 7d7 ,requiring ,commission to establish link to websites of ,clerk of ,house and ,secretary of ,senate ,section #cjd of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajd71 as amended by section #dcjh7;a71 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7k7 ,requiring information on registered lobbyists to be linked to websites of ,clerk of ,house and ,secretary of ,senate 7#a7 ,links to websites ,the ,commission shall ensure that the ,commission's public database containing information described in paragraph 7#b7 is linked electronically to the websites maintained by the ,secretary of the ,senate and the ,clerk of the ,house of ,representatives containing information filed pursuant to the ,lobbying ,disclosure ,act of #aiie4 7#b7 ,information described ,the information described in this paragraph is each of the following3 7,a7 ,information disclosed under paragraph 7#i7 of subsection 7b74 7,b7 ,information disclosed under subparagraph 7,d7 of subsection 7c77#b74 7,c7 ,information disclosed under subparagraph 7,g7 of subsection 7f77#b74 4 #ibjc4 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this subtitle shall apply with respect to reports required to be filed under the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga on or after the expiration of the #ij-;day period which begins on the date of the enactment of this ,act4 ,d ,access to ,congressionally ,mandated ,reports #icja4 ,short title ,this subtitle may be cited as the ,access to ,congressionally ,mandated ,reports ,act4 #icjb4 ,definitions ,in this subtitle3 7#a7 ,congressionally mandated report ,the term congressionally mandated report-- 7,a7 means a report that is required to be submitted to either ,house of ,congress or any committee of ,congress1 or subcommittee thereof1 by a statute1 resolution1 or conference report that accompanies legislation enacted into law2 and 7,b7 does not include a report required under part ,b of subtitle ,,ii of title #cf1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#b7 ,director ,the term ,director means the ,director of the ,government ,publishing ,office4 7#c7 ,federal agency ,the term ,federal agency has the meaning given that term under section #ajb of title #dj1 ,united ,states ,code1 but does not include the ,government ,accountability ,office4 7#d7 ,open format ,the term open format means a file format for storing digital data based on an underlying open standard that-- 7,a7 is not encumbered by any restrictions that would impede reuse2 and 7,b7 is based on an underlying open data standard that is maintained by a standards organization4 7#e7 ,reports online portal ,the term reports online portal means the online portal established under section 7#c77;a74 #icjc4 ,establishment of online portal for congressionally mandated reports 7a7 ,requirement ,to establish online portal 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,director shall establish and maintain an online portal accessible by the public that allows the public to obtain electronic copies of all congressionally mandated reports in one place4 ,the ,director may publish other reports on the online portal4 7#b7 ,existing functionality ,to the extent possible1 the ,director shall meet the requirements under paragraph 7#a7 by using existing online portals and functionality under the authority of the ,director4 7#c7 ,consultation ,in carrying out this subtitle1 the ,director shall consult with the ,clerk of the ,house of ,representatives1 the ,secretary of the ,senate1 and the ,librarian of ,congress regarding the requirements for and maintenance of congressionally mandated reports on the reports online portal4 7b7 ,content and function ,the ,director shall ensure that the reports online portal includes the following3 7#a7 ,subject to subsection 7c71 with respect to each congressionally mandated report1 each of the following3 7,a7 ,a citation to the statute1 conference report1 or resolution requiring the report4 7,b7 ,an electronic copy of the report1 including any transmittal letter associated with the report1 in an open format that is platform independent and that is available to the public without restrictions1 including restrictions that would impede the re-use of the information in the report4 7,c7 ,the ability to retrieve a report1 to the extent practicable1 through searches based on each1 and any combination1 of the following3 7i7 ,the title of the report4 7ii7 ,the reporting ,federal agency4 7iii7 ,the date of publication4 7iv7 ,each congressional committee receiving the report1 if applicable4 7v7 ,the statute1 resolution1 or conference report requiring the report4 7vi7 ,subject tags4 7vii7 ,a unique alphanumeric identifier for the report that is consistent across report editions4 7viii7 ,the serial number1 ,superintendent of ,documents number1 or other identification number for the report1 if applicable4 7ix7 ,key words4 7x7 ,full text search4 7xi7 ,any other relevant information specified by the ,director4 7,d7 ,the date on which the report was required to be submitted1 and on which the report was submitted1 to the reports online portal4 7,e7 ,access to the report not later than #cj calendar days after its submission to ,congress4 7,f7 ,to the extent practicable1 a permanent means of accessing the report electronically4 7#b7 ,a means for bulk download of all congressionally mandated reports4 7#c7 ,a means for downloading individual reports as the result of a search4 7#d7 ,an electronic means for the head of each ,federal agency to submit to the reports online portal each congressionally mandated report of the agency1 as required by section #d4 7#e7 ,in tabular form1 a list of all congressionally mandated reports that can be searched1 sorted1 and downloaded by-- 7,a7 reports submitted within the required time2 7,b7 reports submitted after the date on which such reports were required to be submitted2 and 7,c7 reports not submitted4 7c7 ,noncompliance by ,federal agencies 7#a7 ,reports not submitted ,if a ,federal agency does not submit a congressionally mandated report to the ,director1 the ,director shall to the extent practicable-- 7,a7 include on the reports online portal-- 7i7 the information required under clauses 7i71 7ii71 7iv71 and 7v7 of subsection 7b77#a77;,c72 and 7ii7 the date on which the report was required to be submitted2 and 7,b7 include the congressionally mandated report on the list described in subsection 7b77#e77;,c74 7#b7 ,reports not in open format ,if a ,federal agency submits a congressionally mandated report that is not in an open format1 the ,director shall include the congressionally mandated report in another format on the reports online portal4 7d7 ,free access ,the ,director may not charge a fee1 require registration1 or impose any other limitation in exchange for access to the reports online portal4 7e7 ,upgrade capability ,the reports online portal shall be enhanced and updated as necessary to carry out the purposes of this subtitle4 #icjd4 ,federal agency responsibilities 7a7 ,submission of electronic copies of reports ,concurrently with the submission to ,congress of each congressionally mandated report1 the head of the ,federal agency submitting the congressionally mandated report shall submit to the ,director the information required under subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,d7 of section #c7;b77#a7 with respect to the congressionally mandated report4 ,nothing in this subtitle shall relieve a ,federal agency of any other requirement to publish the congressionally mandated report on the online portal of the ,federal agency or otherwise submit the congressionally mandated report to ,congress or specific committees of ,congress1 or subcommittees thereof4 7b7 ,guidance ,not later than #bdj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,director of the ,office of ,management and ,budget1 in consultation with the ,director1 shall issue guidance to agencies on the implementation of this ,act4 7c7 ,structure of submitted report data ,the head of each ,federal agency shall ensure that each congressionally mandated report submitted to the ,director complies with the open format criteria established by the ,director in the guidance issued under subsection 7b74 7d7 ,point of contact ,the head of each ,federal agency shall designate a point of contact for congressionally mandated report4 7e7 ,list of reports ,as soon as practicable each calendar year 7but not later than ,april #a71 and on a rolling basis during the year if feasible1 the ,librarian of ,congress shall submit to the ,director a list of congressionally mandated reports from the previous calendar year1 in consultation with the ,clerk of the ,house of ,representatives1 which shall-- 7#a7 be provided in an open format2 7#b7 include the information required under clauses 7i71 7ii71 7iv71 7v7 of section #c7;b77#a77;,c7 for each report2 7#c7 include the frequency of the report2 7#d7 include a unique alphanumeric identifier for the report that is consistent across report editions2 7#e7 include the date on which each report is required to be submitted2 and 7#f7 be updated and provided to the ,director1 as necessary4 #icje4 ,removing and altering reports ,a report submitted to be published to the reports online portal may only be changed or removed1 with the exception of technical changes1 by the head of the ,federal agency concerned if-- 7#a7 the head of the ,federal agency consults with each congressional committee to which the report is submitted2 and 7#b7 ,congress enacts a joint resolution authorizing the changing or removal of the report4 #icjf4 ,relationship to the ,freedom of ,information ,act 7a7 ,in general ,nothing in this subtitle shall be construed to-- 7#a7 require the disclosure of information or records that are exempt from public disclosure under section #eeb of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code2 or 7#b7 to impose any affirmative duty on the ,director to review congressionally mandated reports submitted for publication to the reports online portal for the purpose of identifying and redacting such information or records4 7b7 ,redaction of information ,the head of a ,federal agency may redact information required to be disclosed under this ,act if the information would be properly withheld from disclosure under section #eeb of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 and shall-- 7#a7 redact information required to be disclosed under this subtitle if disclosure of such information is prohibited by law2 7#b7 redact information being withheld under this subsection prior to submitting the information to the ,director2 7#c7 redact only such information properly withheld under this subsection from the submission of information or from any congressionally mandated report submitted under this subtitle2 7#d7 identify where any such redaction is made in the submission or report2 and 7#e7 identify the exemption under which each such redaction is made4 #icjg4 ,implementation ,except as provided in section #icjd7;b71 this subtitle shall be implemented not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act and shall apply with respect to congressionally mandated reports submitted to ,congress on or after the date that is #a year after such date of enactment4 ,e ,severability #idja4 ,severability ,if any provision of this title or amendment made by this title1 or the application of a provision or amendment to any person or circumstance1 is held to be unconstitutional1 the remainder of this title and amendments made by this title1 and the application of the provisions and amendment to any person or circumstance1 shall not be affected by the holding4 ,x ,reserved ,march #d1 #bjai ,reported from the ,committee on ,house ,administration with an amendment ,march #d1 #bjai ,committees on ,intelligence 7,permanent ,select71 the ,judiciary1 ,oversight and ,reform1 ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology1 ,education and ,labor1 ,ways and ,means1 ,financial ,services1 ,ethics1 and ,homeland ,security discharged2 committed to the ,committee of the ,whole ,house on the ,state of the ,union and ordered to be printed