SUMMARY--Revises provisions governing reporting of campaign contributions and expenses. (BDR 24-7)
FISCAL NOTE: Effect on Local Government: No.
Effect on the State or on Industrial Insurance: Yes.
EXPLANATION - Matter in italics is new; matter in brackets [ ] is material to be omitted.
AN ACT relating to campaign practices; lowering monetary threshold for the reporting of contributions and expenditures; requiring the legislative counsel to approve the forms used for reporting campaign contributions and expenses; requiring the forms for reporting campaign expenses to include certain categories of expenditures; requiring a committee for political action which has ceased to operate to file a notice of dissolution with the secretary of state; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEMBLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1 Chapter 294A of NRS is hereby amended by adding thereto the provisions set forth as sections 2, 3 and 4 of this act.
Sec. 2. "Independent expenditure" means the use of any money for the purpose of advocating the election or defeat of a candidate, including, but not limited to:
1. Advertising by television, newspapers, radio, billboard, printed signs, posters, fliers, brochures and direct mail;
2. The provision of personal services in the coordination or performance of political activities related to the campaign, including events for raising money, special events and rallies and solicitation by telephone or in person; and
3. Political polling.
The term does not include a campaign contribution made to a candidate or group of candidates that is required to submit a report pursuant to NRS 294A.120.
Sec. 3. 1. The secretary of state shall submit to the legislative counsel for his approval each form for reporting campaign contributions and expenses required by NRS 294A.120, 294A.140, 294A.150, 294A.180, 294A.200, 294A.210, 294A.220, 294A.270 and 294A.280. The legislative counsel shall examine and, if appropriate, revise each form so that the form is clear, concise and consistent with the provisions of this chapter. The legislative counsel shall not alter the meaning or effect of a form without the consent of the secretary of state.
2. Each form for reporting campaign expenses must include a category of expenditures for:
(a) Office expenses;
(b) Expenses related to campaign staff or volunteers; and
(c) Travel expenses.
3. The secretary of state shall, in accordance with the provisions of NRS 233B.0635, reimburse the legislative counsel bureau for the cost to examine each form for reporting campaign contributions and expenses submitted to the legislative counsel pursuant to subsection 1.
Sec. 4. The provisions of this chapter do not apply to a campaign for a federal office.
Sec. 5. NRS 294A.002 is hereby amended to read as follows:
294A.002 As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, the words and terms defined in NRS 294A.004 to 294A.009, inclusive, and section 2 of this act have the meanings ascribed to them in those sections.
Sec. 6. NRS 294A.0055 is hereby amended to read as follows:
294A.0055 1. "Committee for political action" means [an] :
(a) An organization which receives contributions, makes contributions to candidates or other persons or makes expenditures designed to affect the outcome of any primary, general or special election or question on the ballot [.] ; or
(b) An organization formed for the purpose of circulating any petition provided for in this Title.
2. The term does not include a committee for the recall of a public officer [.] or a committee under the direction or control of a candidate which is organized for the purpose of ensuring his election.
Sec. 7. NRS 294A.100 is hereby amended to read as follows:
294A.100 1. A natural person shall not make a contribution [or contributions] to a candidate for:
(a) A city, county, state or judicial office , other than the office of justice of the supreme court, in a total amount which exceeds $2,000; or
(b) A statewide office , including the office of justice of the supreme court, in a total amount which exceeds $10,000,
during the period beginning on the day after the last general election for the office and ending on the day of the general election for that office.
2. A candidate shall not accept a contribution made in violation of subsection 1.
3. A person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Sec. 8. NRS 294A.110 is hereby amended to read as follows:
294A.110 1. A person, other than a natural person, political party or committee sponsored by a political party, shall not make a contribution [or contributions] to a candidate for:
(a) A city, county, state or judicial office , other than the office of justice of the supreme court, in a total amount which exceeds $10,000; or
(b) A statewide office , including the office of justice of the supreme court, in a total amount which exceeds $20,000,
during the period beginning on the day after the last general election for that office and ending on the day of the general election for that office.
2. A candidate shall not accept a contribution made in violation of subsection 1.
3. A person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Sec. 9. NRS 294A.120 is hereby amended to read as follows:
294A.120 1. Every candidate for state, district, county or township office at a primary or general election shall, not later than:
(a) Fifteen days before the primary election, for the period from 30 days before the regular session of the legislature after the last election for that office up to 20 days before the primary election;
(b) Fifteen days before the general election, whether or not the candidate won the primary election, for the period from 20 days before the primary election up to 20 days before the general election; and
(c) The 15th day of the second month after the general election, for the remaining period up to 30 days before the next regular session of the legislature,
report the total amount of his campaign contributions on forms designed and provided by the secretary of state and signed by the candidate under penalty of perjury.
2. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, every candidate for a district office at a special election shall, not later than:
(a) Fifteen days before the special election, for the period from his nomination up to 20 days before the special election; and
(b) Thirty days after the special election, for the remaining period up to the special election,
report the total amount of his campaign contributions on forms designed and provided by the secretary of state and signed by the candidate under penalty of perjury.
3. Every candidate for state, district, county, municipal or township office at a special election to determine whether a public officer will be recalled shall report the total amount of his campaign contributions on forms designed and provided by the secretary of state and signed by the candidate under penalty of perjury, 30 days after the special election, for the period from the filing of the notice of intent to circulate the petition for recall up to the special election.
4. Reports of campaign contributions must be filed with the officer with whom the candidate filed the declaration of candidacy or acceptance of candidacy. A candidate may mail the report to that officer by certified mail. If certified mail is used, the date of mailing shall be deemed the date of filing.
5. Every county clerk who receives from candidates for [legislative or judicial office, except the office of justice of the peace or municipal judge,] state office reports of campaign contributions pursuant to subsection [2] 4 shall file a copy of each report with the secretary of state within 10 working days after he receives the report.
6. Each contribution in excess of [$500] $300 and contributions which a contributor has made cumulatively in excess of that amount since the beginning of the first reporting period [,] must be separately identified with the name and address of the contributor and the date of the contribution [or contributions,] tabulated and reported on the form provided by the secretary of state. The total number of campaign contributions of $300 or less must be reported on the form.
7. If the secretary of state has received information that a candidate has not filed a report as required pursuant to the provisions of this section, the secretary of state shall, after giving notice to the candidate, cause the appropriate proceedings to be instituted in a court of competent jurisdiction.
8. Except as otherwise provided in this section, any candidate who violates any of the provisions of this section is subject to a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 for each violation and payment of court costs and attorney's fees. The civil penalty must be recovered in a civil action brought in the name of the State of Nevada by the secretary of state in a court of competent jurisdiction and deposited with the state treasurer for credit to the state general fund.
9. If a civil penalty is imposed because a candidate has reported his campaign contributions after the date the report is due, the amount of the civil penalty is:
(a) If the report is not more than 7 days late, $25 for each day the report is late.
(b) If the report is more than 7 days late but not more than 15 days late, $50 for each day the report is late.
(c) If the report is more than 15 days late, $100 for each day the report is late.
Sec. 10. NRS 294A.140 is hereby amended to read as follows:
294A.140 1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 6, every person who is not under the direction or control of a candidate or group of candidates or of any person involved in the campaign of that candidate or group who makes an independent expenditure on behalf of the candidate or group which is not solicited or approved by the candidate or group and every committee for political action which makes an independent expenditure on behalf of a candidate or group of candidates which is not solicited or approved by the candidate or group shall, not later than:
(a) Fifteen days before a primary election or primary city election, for the period from 30 days after the last election for that office to 20 days before that election;
(b) Fifteen days before a general election or general city election, whether or not the candidate won the primary election or primary city election, for the period from 20 days before that election to 20 days before the general election or general city election; and
(c) The 15th day of the second month after a general election or general city election, for the remaining period up to 30 days after the general election or general city election,
report the total amount of contributions received on the form designed and provided by the secretary of state and shall sign the report under penalty of perjury.
2. The report of campaign contributions must identify each contribution in excess of [$500.] $300. Contributions which a contributor has made cumulatively in excess of [$500] $300 since the beginning of the first reporting period must be separately identified with the name and address of the contributor and the date of the contribution [or contributions] tabulated and reported on the form designed and provided by the secretary of state.
3. If the candidate is elected from one county, the reports must be filed with the county clerk of that county. If the candidate is elected from one city, the reports must be filed with the city clerk of that city. For all other candidates the reports must be filed with the secretary of state. A person may make his report to the appropriate officer by certified mail. If certified mail is used, the date of mailing shall be deemed the date of filing.
4. Each county clerk or city clerk who receives a report pursuant to subsection 3 shall file a copy of the report with the secretary of state within 10 working days after he receives the report.
5. Except as otherwise provided in this section, any person who willfully violates any of the provisions of this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
6. The provisions of this section do not apply to a political party or committee sponsored by a political party.
Sec. 11. NRS 294A.150 is hereby amended to read as follows:
294A.150 1. Every person or group of persons organized formally or informally who advocates the passage or defeat of a question or group of questions on the ballot at any election including any [recall or] special election shall, not later than:
(a) Fifteen days before a primary election or primary city election, for the period from [30 days after the last election for that office] 24 months before the election to 20 days before [that] the primary election or primary city election;
(b) Fifteen days before a general election or general city election, [whether or not the candidate won the primary election or primary city election,] for the period from 20 days before [that] the primary election or primary city election to 20 days before the general election or general city election; and
(c) The 15th day of the second month after a general election or general city election, for the remaining period up to 30 days after the general election or general city election,
report the total amount of contributions received on the form designed and provided by the secretary of state and signed by the person or a representative of the group under penalty of perjury.
2. Each contribution in excess of [$500] $300 and contributions which a contributor has made cumulatively in excess of that amount since the beginning of the first reporting period [,] must be separately identified with the name and address of the contributor and the date of the contribution [or contributions] tabulated and reported on the form provided by the secretary of state.
3. If the question is submitted to the voters of only one county, the reports must be filed with the county clerk of that county. If the question is submitted to the voters of only one city, the reports must be filed with the city clerk of that city. Otherwise, the reports must be filed with the secretary of state. If the person or group of persons is advocating passage or defeat of a group of questions, the reports must be made to the officer appropriate for each question and must be itemized by question.
4. Each county clerk or city clerk who receives a report pursuant to subsection 3 shall file a copy of the report with the secretary of state within 10 working days after he receives the report.
5. Except as otherwise provided in this section, any person who willfully violates any of the provisions of this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
Sec. 12. NRS 294A.180 is hereby amended to read as follows:
294A.180 1. Each candidate for a state, district, county, city or township office who is not elected to that office or who submits a withdrawal of candidacy pursuant to NRS 293.202 shall, not later than the 15th day of the second month after [his defeat,] the election, file a report with the [secretary of state] officer with whom he filed his declaration of candidacy, acceptance of candidacy or affidavit of candidacy stating the amount of contributions which he received for that campaign but did not spend [,] and the disposition of those unspent contributions.
2. Each public officer who is elected to a state, district, county, city or township office shall file a report with the [secretary of state:] officer with whom he filed his declaration of candidacy, acceptance of candidacy or affidavit of candidacy:
(a) Not later than the 15th day of the second month after his election, stating the amount of campaign contributions which he received but did not spend, and the amount, if any, of those unspent contributions disposed of pursuant to [paragraph (a), (b) or (c) of] subsection 2 of NRS 294A.160;
(b) Not later than January 15th of each year of his term beginning the year after he filed the report required by paragraph (a), stating the amount, if any, of those unspent contributions disposed of pursuant to NRS 294A.160 during the period since his last report and the manner in which they were disposed of; and
(c) Not later than the 15th day of the second month after he no longer holds that office, stating the amount and disposition of any remaining unspent contributions.
3. The reports required by subsections 1 and 2 must be submitted on a form designed and provided by the secretary of state and signed by the candidate or public officer under penalty of perjury.
4. Except as otherwise provided in this section, any person who willfully violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Sec. 13. NRS 294A.200 is hereby amended to read as follows:
294A.200 1. Every candidate for state, district, county or township office at a primary or general election shall, not later than:
(a) Fifteen days before the primary election, for the period from 30 days before the regular session of the legislature after the last election for that office up to 20 days before the primary election;
(b) Fifteen days before the general election, whether or not the candidate won the primary election, for the period from 20 days before the primary election up to 20 days before the general election; and
(c) The 15th day of the second month after the general election, for the remaining period up to 30 days before the next regular session of the legislature,
report his campaign expenses on forms designed and provided by the secretary of state and signed by the candidate under penalty of perjury.
2. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, every candidate for a district office at a special election shall, not later than:
(a) Fifteen days before the special election, for the period from his nomination up to 20 days before the special election; and
(b) Sixty days after the special election, for the remaining period up to 30 days after the special election,
report his campaign expenses on forms designed and provided by the secretary of state and signed by the candidate under penalty of perjury.
3. Every candidate for state, district, county, municipal or township office at a special election to determine whether a public officer will be recalled shall report his campaign expenses on forms designed and provided by the secretary of state and signed by the candidate under penalty of perjury, 60 days after the special election, for the period from the filing of the notice of intent to circulate the petition for recall up to 30 days after the special election.
4. Reports of campaign expenses must be filed with the officer with whom the candidate filed the declaration of candidacy or acceptance of candidacy. A candidate may mail the report to that officer by certified mail. If certified mail is used, the date of mailing shall be deemed the date of filing.
5. County clerks who receive from candidates for [legislative or judicial office, except the office of justice of the peace or municipal judge,] state office reports of campaign expenses pursuant to subsection [2] 4 shall file a copy of each report with the secretary of state within 10 working days after he receives the report.
6. If the secretary of state has received information that a candidate has not filed a report as required pursuant to the provisions of this section, the secretary of state shall, after giving notice to the candidate, cause the appropriate proceedings to be instituted in a court of competent jurisdiction.
7. Except as otherwise provided in this section, any candidate who violates any of the provisions of this section is subject to a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 for each violation and payment of court costs and attorney's fees. The civil penalty must be recovered in a civil action brought in the name of the State of Nevada by the secretary of state in a court of competent jurisdiction and deposited with the state treasurer for credit to the state general fund.
8. If a civil penalty is imposed because a candidate has reported his campaign expenses after the date the report is due, the amount of the civil penalty is:
(a) If the report is not more than 7 days late, $25 for each day the report is late.
(b) If the report is more than 7 days late but not more than 15 days late, $50 for each day the report is late.
(c) If the report is more than 15 days late, $100 for each day the report is late.
Sec. 14. NRS 294A.210 is hereby amended to read as follows:
294A.210 1. Every person who is not under the direction or control of a candidate or group of candidates or of any person involved in the campaign of that candidate or group who makes an independent expenditure on behalf of the candidate or group which is not solicited or approved by the candidate or group [,] and every committee for political action [, political party or] and committee sponsored by a political party which makes an independent expenditure on behalf of a candidate or group of candidates which is not solicited or approved by the candidate or group, shall, not later than:
(a) Fifteen days before a primary election or primary city election, for the period from 30 days after the last election for that office to 20 days before that election;
(b) Fifteen days before a general election or general city election, whether or not the candidate won the primary election or primary city election, for the period from 20 days before that election to 20 days before the general election or general city election; and
(c) The 15th day of the second month after a general election or general city election, for the remaining period up to 30 days after the general election or general city election,
report the independent expenditures made on behalf of a candidate or group of candidates in excess of [$500] $300 on forms designed and provided by the secretary of state and signed by the person or a representative of the group under penalty of perjury. The report must also include identification of independent expenditures which the person or group made cumulatively in excess of [$500] $300 since the beginning of the first reporting period.
2. [Expenditures] Independent expenditures made within the state or made elsewhere but for use within the state, including independent expenditures made outside the state for printing, television and radio broadcasting or other production of the media, must be included in the report. [Expenditures] Independent expenditures made to communicate with the group's [own] members on behalf of a candidate or group of candidates must not be included in the report.
3. If the candidate is elected from one county, the reports must be filed with the county clerk of that county. If the candidate is elected from one city, the reports must be filed with the city clerk of that city. Otherwise, the reports must be filed with the secretary of state. If an independent expenditure is made on behalf of a group of candidates, the reports must be made to the officer appropriate for each candidate and itemized by the candidate. A person may make his report to the appropriate officer by certified mail. If certified mail is used, the date of mailing shall be deemed the date of filing.
4. Each county clerk or city clerk who receives a report pursuant to subsection 3 shall file a copy of the report with the secretary of state within 10 working days after he receives the report.
5. [Except as otherwise provided in this section, any] A person who willfully violates any of the provisions of this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
Sec. 15. NRS 294A.220 is hereby amended to read as follows:
294A.220 1. Every person or group of persons organized formally or informally who advocates the passage or defeat of a question or group of questions on the ballot at any election , including [any recall or] a special election shall, not later than:
(a) Fifteen days before a primary election or primary city election, for the period from [30 days after the last election for that office] 24 months before the election to 20 days before [that] the primary election or primary city election;
(b) Fifteen days before a general election or general city election , [whether or not the candidate won the primary election or primary city election,] for the period from 20 days before [that] the primary election or primary city election to 20 days before the general election or general city election; and
(c) The 15th day of the second month after a general election or general city election, for the remaining period up to 30 days after the general election or general city election,
report expenditures made on behalf of or against a question or group of questions on the ballot in excess of [$500] $300 on the form designed and provided by the secretary of state and signed by the person or a representative of the group under penalty of perjury. The report must also include the identification of expenditures which the person or group made cumulatively in excess of [$500] $300 since the beginning of the first reporting period.
2. Expenditures made within the state or made elsewhere but for use within the state, including expenditures made outside the state for printing, television and radio broadcasting or other production of the media, must be included in the report. Expenditures made to communicate with the group's own members on behalf of or against a question or group of questions must not be included in the report.
3. If the question is submitted to the voters of only one county, the reports must be filed with the county clerk of that county. If the question is submitted to the voters of only one city, the reports must be filed with the city clerk of that city. Otherwise, the reports must be filed with the secretary of state. If an expenditure is made on behalf of a group of questions, the reports must be made to the officer appropriate for each question and must be itemized by question. A person may make his report to the appropriate filing officer by certified mail. If certified mail is used, the date of mailing shall be deemed the date of filing.
4. Each county clerk or city clerk who receives a report pursuant to subsection 3 shall file a copy of the report with the secretary of state within 10 working days after he receives the report.
5. Except as otherwise provided in this section, any person who willfully violates any of the provisions of this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
Sec. 16. NRS 294A.230 is hereby amended to read as follows:
294A.230 1. Each committee for political action shall, before it engages in any activity in this state, register with the secretary of state on forms supplied by him.
2. The form must require:
(a) The name of the committee;
(b) The purpose for which it was organized;
(c) The names and addresses of its officers;
(d) If the committee for political action is affiliated with any other organizations, the name and address of each organization;
(e) The name and address of its resident agent; and
(f) Any other information deemed necessary by the secretary of state.
3. A committee for political action shall file with the secretary of state an amended form for registration within 30 days after any change in the information contained in the form for registration.
4. Each committee for political action which ceases to operate in this state shall file a notice of dissolution with the secretary of state on a form supplied by him not later than 30 days after it ceases to operate. The filing of such a notice does not exempt the committee for political action from the requirements for the reporting of contributions and expenditures pursuant to this chapter.
Sec. 17. NRS 294A.270 is hereby amended to read as follows:
294A.270 1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, each committee for the recall of a public officer shall, not later than:
(a) Fifteen days before the special election to recall a public officer, for the period from the filing of the notice of intent to circulate the petition for recall up to 20 days before the special election; and
(b) Thirty days after the election, for the remaining period up to the election,
report each contribution received or made by the committee in excess of [$500] $300 on a form provided by the secretary of state and signed under [the penalty for] penalty of perjury.
2. If a petition for the purpose of recalling a public officer is not filed before the expiration of the notice of intent, the committee for the recall of a public officer shall, not later than 30 days after the expiration of the notice of intent, report each contribution received or made by the committee in excess of [$500.] $300.
3. If a court does not order a special election for the recall of the public officer, the committee for the recall of a public officer shall, not later than 30 days after the court determines that an election will not be held, for the period from the filing of the notice of intent to circulate the petition for recall up to the day the court determines that an election will not be held, report each contribution received or made by the committee in excess of [$500.] $300.
4. Each report of contributions must be filed with the secretary of state. The committee may mail the report by certified mail. If certified mail is used, the date of mailing shall be deemed the date of filing.
5. Each contribution, whether from or to a natural person, association or corporation, in excess of [$500,] $300 and contributions which a contributor or the committee has made cumulatively in excess of that amount since the beginning of the first reporting period [,] must be separately identified with the name and address of the contributor or person to whom the contribution was given and the date of the contribution [or contributions,] tabulated and reported on the form provided by the secretary of state.
6. Any person who willfully violates any of the provisions of this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. This subsection does not affect any penalty which may be imposed for the commission of perjury or subornation of perjury with regard to any reports required by this section.
Sec. 18. NRS 294A.280 is hereby amended to read as follows:
294A.280 1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, each committee for the recall of a public officer shall, not later than:
(a) Fifteen days before the special election to recall a public officer, for the period from the filing of the notice of intent to circulate the petition for recall up to 20 days before the special election; and
(b) Thirty days after the election, for the remaining period up to the election,
report each expenditure made by the committee in excess of [$500] $300 on a form provided by the secretary of state and signed under [the penalty for] penalty of perjury.
2. If a petition for the purpose of recalling a public officer is not filed before the expiration of the notice of intent, the committee for the recall of a public officer shall, not later than 30 days after the expiration of the notice of intent, report each expenditure made by the committee in excess of [$500.] $300.
3. If a court does not order a special election for the recall of the public officer, the committee for the recall of a public officer shall, not later than 30 days after the court determines that an election will not be held, for the period from the filing of the notice of intent to circulate the petition for recall up to the day the court determines that an election will not be held, report each expenditure made by the committee in excess of [$500.] $300.
4. The report must also include identification of expenditures which the committee for the recall of a public officer made cumulatively in excess of [$500] $300 since the beginning of the first reporting period.
5. Each report of expenditures must be filed with the secretary of state. The committee may mail the report by certified mail. If certified mail is used, the date of mailing shall be deemed the date of filing.
6. Any person who willfully violates any of the provisions of this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. This subsection does not affect any penalty which may be imposed for the commission of perjury or subornation of perjury with regard to any reports required by this section.
Sec. 19. NRS 294A.360 is hereby amended to read as follows:
294A.360 1. Every candidate for city office where the general city election is preceded by a primary city election shall file the reports in the manner required by NRS 294A.120, 294A.200 and 294A.350 for other offices not later than:
(a) Fifteen days before the primary city election, for the period from 30 days after the last election for that office up to 20 days before the primary city election;
(b) Fifteen days before the general city election, whether or not the candidate won the primary city election, for the period from 20 days before the primary city election up to 20 days before the general city election; and
(c) The 15th day of the second month after the general city election, for the remaining period up to 30 days after the general city election.
2. Every candidate for city office where there is no primary city election shall so file those reports:
(a) Twenty days before the general city election, for the period from 30 days after the last election for that office up to 30 days before the general city election; and
(b) The 15th day of the second month after the general city election, for the remaining period up to 30 days after the general city election.
3. The [city clerk] secretary of state shall design [the] a form for each report a candidate for city office is required to file pursuant to NRS 294A.120 and 294A.200. [The] A city clerk [shall submit] may make such changes to the form as are necessary to comply with any ordinances adopted by the governing body of the city if he submits the amended form to the secretary of state for approval. The city clerk shall not use such a form until it is approved.
Sec. 20. NRS 294A.400 is hereby amended to read as follows:
294A.400 The secretary of state shall, within 30 days after receipt of the reports required by NRS 294A.120, 294A.140, 294A.150, 294A.200, 294A.210, 294A.220, 294A.270 and 294A.280, prepare and make available for public inspection a compilation of:
1. The total campaign contributions, the contributions which are in excess of [$500] $300 and the total campaign expenses of each of the candidates for legislative and judicial offices from whom reports of those contributions and expenses are required.
2. The contributions made to a committee for the recall of a public officer in excess of [$500.] $300.
3. The expenditures exceeding [$500] $300 made by a:
(a) Person on behalf of a candidate other than himself.
(b) Person or group of persons on behalf of or against a question or group of questions on the ballot.
(c) Group of persons advocating the election or defeat of a candidate.
(d) Committee for the recall of a public officer.
4. The contributions in excess of [$500] $300 made to:
(a) A person who is not under the direction or control of a candidate or group of candidates or of any person involved in the campaign of the candidate or group who makes an expenditure on behalf of the candidate or group which is not solicited or approved by the candidate or group.
(b) A person or group of persons organized formally or informally who advocates the passage or defeat of a question or group of questions on the ballot.
(c) A committee for political action which makes an expenditure on behalf of a candidate or group of candidates.