PART A

Sec. A-1. 21-A MRSA §1004-A is enacted to read:

§1004-A.__Penalties

The commission may assess the following penalties in addition to the other monetary sanctions authorized in this chapter.

1.__Late campaign finance report.__A person that files a late campaign finance report containing no contributions or expenditures may be assessed a penalty of no more than $100.

2.__Contribution in excess of limitations.__A person that accepts or makes a contribution that exceeds the limitations set out in section 1015, subsections 1 and 2 may be assessed a penalty of no more than the amount by which the contribution exceeded the limitation.

3.__Contribution in name of another person.__A person that makes a contribution in the name of another person, or that knowingly accepts a contribution made by one person in the name of another person, may be assessed a penalty not to exceed $5,000.

4.__Substantial misreporting.__A person that files a campaign finance report that substantially misreports contributions, expenditures or other campaign activity may be assessed a penalty not to exceed $5,000.

5.__Material false statements.__A person that makes a material false statement in a document that is required to be submitted to the commission, or that is submitted in response to a request by the commission, may be assessed a penalty not to exceed $5,000.

When the commission has reason to believe that a violation has occurred, the commission shall provide written notice to the candidate, political action committee, committee treasurer or other respondent and shall afford them an opportunity to appear before the commission before assessing any penalty.__In determining any penalty under subsections 3, 4 and 5, the commission shall consider, among other things, the level of intent to mislead, the penalty necessary to deter similar misconduct in the future and the harm suffered by the public from the incorrect disclosure.