Georgia Legislative Watch

Sen. Seth Harp is sponsoring legislation, SB 17, that would increase both filing fees and fines for candidates who fail to file campaign and financial disclosures candidates on time.

The fine to file a disclosure would be increase from $25 to $50. It also increases the fine if the disclosure is 15 days late from $50 to $100 and adds a new fine of $250 if the disclosure is 45 days late. It also repeats the same fines for financial disclosures.

Lobbyists would also be effected by this legislation. The fee for a new lobbyist registration or renewal is cut from $200 to $50, however, the cost for an identification card is increased from $5 to $20. The same fines and time limits that apply candidate also apply to lobbyists.