ELECTIONS-CIVIL PENALTIES

Amends the Disclosure and Regulation of Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Article of the Election Code. In provisions concerning criminal penalties for election interference, provides that, in addition to criminal penalties, the State Board of Elections may impose a civil penalty of up to $5,000 for the first violation of the provisions and up to $10,000 for a second or subsequent violation of the provisions. In provisions concerning criminal penalties for unlawful contributions to a candidate or treasurer of a political committee, provides that, in addition to criminal penalties, the State Board of Elections may impose upon a person or political committee found to have violated the provisions a civil penalty of up to $500 for each contribution of $500 or less and up to the amount of the contribution plus $500 for each contribution greater than $500. Provides that the appropriate State's Attorney or the Attorney General, if prosecuting a violation of the Article, shall bring the action in the name of the people of the State of Illinois (rather than the State's Attorney or the Attorney General shall bring the action).