Download This Version in Microsoft Word format
TO AMEND SECTION 8-13-1348, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE USE OF CAMPAIGN FUNDS AND REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO AUTHORIZED USE, SO AS TO REVISE REQUIREMENTS REGARDING THE PAYMENT OR REIMBURSEMENT OF TRAVEL, LODGING, AND FOOD AND BEVERAGE EXPENSES, REQUIREMENTS REGARDING CAMPAIGN COMMUNICATION OR OFFICE EQUIPMENT, AND REQUIREMENTS REGARDING CAMPAIGN OR OFFICE STAFF.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. Section 8-13-1348(B) of the 1976 Code, is amended to read:
"(B) The payment or reimbursement of reasonable and necessary travel expenses or for food or beverages consumed by the candidate or members of his immediate family while at, and in connection with, a political event are permitted associated with the campaign or the office are permitted. However:
(1) any payment or reimbursement of mileage for travel associated with the campaign or office must be at the rate established for the year by the Internal Revenue Service;
(2) the payment or reimbursement for any lodging, food and beverage, or travel expenses, other than mileage, for the candidate, a member of the candidate's immediate family or staff must be for travel for the purpose of campaigning for office or otherwise a part of the official responsibilities of an officeholder. Official responsibilities of the officeholder include, but are not limited to, political party events, official appearances or meetings for which reimbursement is not offered by a governmental entity, and educational forums or conventions to which an officeholder is invited in his official capacity;
(3) any communication or other office equipment purchased with campaign funds including, but not limited to, cell phones, computers, printers, copiers and other similar devices are considered the sole property of the campaign and must be disclosed as assets of the campaign at the time of purchase. Further, this equipment must be accounted for pursuant to Sections 8-13-1368 and 8-13-1370 upon the final disbursement of a campaign account; and
(4) any payments to campaign or office staff must be made contemporaneously with the work provided. A campaign may not employ an immediate family member of the candidate."
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
This web page was last updated on January 14, 2014 at 1:11 PM