Independent Expenditures

(1) Persons and Entities Required to File Reports of Independent Expenditures. The following persons and entities are required to file reports of independent expenditures in accordance with M.G.L c. 55, § 18A(a), (b), and (c): (a) Any individual, group or association (including, but not limited to, corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies and limited liability partnerships) and any political committee, including a traditional or independent expenditure PAC, that makes an independent expenditure exceeding $250 or independent expenditures exceeding $250 in the aggregate during a calendar year for the express purpose of promoting the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate; and (b) Any PAC, including an independent expenditure PAC, or any other political committee, that makes an expenditure described in 970 CMR 2.17(1)(a). Such committees must file reports in accordance with 970 CMR 2.22. (2) Timing of Reports. Reports of independent expenditures shall be filed within seven business days of when goods or services are utilized. The report discloses the date of the expenditure, the amount paid, the vendor, a description of the expenditure, e.g., “TV ad” or “mailing,” and the name of the candidate(s) supported or opposed. If an independent expenditure exceeds $250 and is made within ten days of any election, but more than 24 hours before an election, a report disclosing the expenditure must be filed within 24 hours. The term “any election” as used in 970 CMR 2.17, shall mean any preliminary, primary, special or general election. (3) Where Reports Filed. Except as provided in 970 CMR 2.22, all reports filed with the Director must be filed electronically, in accordance with M.G.L. c. 55, § 18C. Reports filed to disclose expenditures made to support or oppose municipal candidates who do not file with OCPF shall be filed in paper form with the city or town clerk.