Filing Requirements for Exploratory Committees

D.C. Law 17-0104, the “Exploratory Committee Regulation Amendment Act of 2007”, was enacted on November 28, 2007, and became effective on February 2, 2008.  This legislation will require all exploratory committees who receive contributions and make expenditures to file information reports semi-annually on January 31st and July 31st with the Office of Campaign Finance and on the last day of each month within 12 months of an election for the office that is the subject of the exploratory committee.  The Act establishes both aggregate and individual contribution limits for exploratory committees and provides that fund balances may be transferred to an established principal campaign committee, political committee or charitable organization.

Of significance, when an individual becomes a candidate, contributions received during the exploratory period shall apply to the contribution limits set forth in D.C. Official Code, Section 1-1131.01 (2001 Edition).

Lastly, D.C. Law 17-0104 amends the District of Columbia Campaign Finance Reform and Conflict of Interest Act to define the term “exploratory committee” as “any individual, or group of individuals organized for the purpose of examining or exploring the feasibility of becoming a candidate for an elective office in the District of Columbia.”