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.

Sec. A-2. 21-A MRSA §1017-A, sub-§4-B is enacted to read:

4-B.__Filing schedule for municipal, district and county party committees.__Municipal, district and county party committees shall file reports according to the following schedule.

A.__Reports filed during an election year must be filed with the commission on:

(1)__July 15th and be complete as of June 30th;

(2)__October 27th and be complete as of October 22nd; and

(3)__January 15th and be complete as of December 31st.

B.__Reports filed during a nonelection year must be filed on:

(1)__July 15th and be complete as of June 30th; and

(2)__January 15th and be complete as of December 31st.

C.__Any contribution or expenditure of $1,000 or more made after the 12th day before any election and more than 24 hours before that election must be reported within 24 hours of that contribution or expenditure or by noon of the first business day after the contribution or expenditure, whichever is later.