J. Returning Contributions There are several provisions in the Act and FPPC regulations that regulate the return of contributions. The general rule is that a committee may return all or part of a contribution to the contributor so long as the return is reasonably related to a political, legislative, or governmental purpose. General Rules: If a contribution is deposited, cashed or negotiated, it must be disclosed on the next campaign statement, even if it is subsequently returned. If a contribution is not deposited, cashed, or negotiated, it is not required to be reported under the following circumstances: • Outside the 90-Day Election Period: A contribution is not required to be reported (by the donor or the committee receiving the funds) if it is not deposited, cashed, or negotiated and it is returned to the contributor before the closing date of the campaign statement on which it would otherwise be reported. • During the 90-Day Election Period: A contribution of $1,000 or more received during the 90 days before an election, including the date of the election, is not required to be reported (by the donor or the committee receiving the funds) if it is not deposited, cashed, or negotiated and it is returned to the contributor within 24 hours of receipt. Missing Contributor Information: A contribution of $100 or more must be returned within 60 days of receipt if the committee has not obtained the contributor’s name, address, and, in the case of a contributor who is an individual, their occupation and employer. If the committee returns the contribution for lack of information, and the check is not cashed by the contributor within 90 days, the committee must, within the next 30 days, forward the amount to the general fund of the local jurisdiction.
Fair Political Practices Commission advice@fppc.ca.gov
Chapter 4.27
Campaign Manual 2 August 2023 Page 215
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