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Rep. Nathan Ballentine
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House Approves Important Campaign Finance Reforms


COLUMBIA, S.C. -- The South Carolina House of Representatives approved a package of campaign finance reforms Wednesday, expanding online campaign finance disclosure.

"I'm proud that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle came together to support these important, common-sense reforms," said Rep. Nathan Ballentine of Irmo, the bill's primary sponsor. "The public continues to clamor for transparency in government.  After the recent influx of money from third-party groups into campaigns in our state, these reforms will ensure the public knows who is receiving money from whom.

"This isn't about restricting anyone's, or any group's, right to give money to candidates,” Ballentine added.  “We just want to be sure it is done in a transparent way before the election."

The bill expands online campaign finance disclosure -- currently required of state-level candidates -- to local offices such as school board and city and county councils.  In addition, it requires that after the final pre-election campaign disclosure, any candidates receiving contributions of more than $500 must disclose the contribution within 48 hours.

"This bill is all about transparency and allowing the voters to see who is funding campaigns at all levels," said Majority Leader Kenny Bingham. "With the technology available today, there is no reason that local candidates shouldn't follow the same online reporting requirements that state officials follow."


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