A committee, except an out-of-state committee, which receives or expends more than five hundred dollars in the aggregate during an election cycle to influence the outcome of an elective office or ballot measure must file a statement of organization with the State Ethics Commission no later than five days after receiving the contribution or making the expenditure. An out-of-state committee which expends more than five hundred dollars in the aggregate during an election cycle to influence the outcome of an elective office or a ballot measure must file a statement of organization with the State Ethics Commission no later than five days after making the expenditure.

ETHICS COMMISSION OPINIONS

Committee supporting potential ballot issue is required to file Statement of Organization within 5 days after receiving or expending $500 and must filed Campaign Disclosure Form within 10 days after reaching $500 threshold. Op S.C. St. Ethics Comm., SEC AO92-189, June 9, 1992.

Campaign practices requirements of Sections 8-13-1304 and 8-13-1308 take effect January 1, 1992. Candidates in January 7, 1992 election will be required to register their committee within 5 days after January 1, 1992. Initial campaign disclosure will be due on or before January 10, 1992. Contribution limits apply only to those contributions received on or after January 1, 1992. Op S. C. St Ethics Comm., SEC AO92-004, Dec 18, 1991.

Ethics Reform Act does not prohibit political party from raising money by marketing long distance telephone service plan. In accordance with earlier opinions and facts submitted, State Ethics Commission does not object to party's decision to maintain these funds in account separate from campaign accounts and use them only for non-campaign related expenses. Ethics Reform Act does not limit donations to political party that are neither channeled through campaign account nor used to influence outcome of elective offices or ballot measures. Op. S.C. St. Ethics Comm., SEC AO94-019, April 20, 1994.