Modifies provisions relating to campaign finance

HB 1649 modifies the definitions used in state campaign finance laws to clarify who and what counts as a candidate, committee, and ballot measure. The bill expands the definition of a candidate to include individuals who receive contributions or make expenditures with the intent to run for office, even before they officially announce their candidacy, unless they quickly disavow the campaign. It also updates how committees are defined and excluded, specifying limits on small groups and clarifying which organizations, such as labor unions and corporations, are exempt from certain reporting requirements if they do not accept outside contributions. These changes aim to ensure that financial activities related to political campaigns are properly tracked and reported under existing statutes.