Summary: Disclosure of Information on Spending on Campaigns Leads to Open and Secure Elections Act of 2012 or DISCLOSE 2012 Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to redefine the term "independent expenditure" as an expenditure by a person that, when taken as a whole, expressly advocates the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate, or is the functional equivalent of express advocacy because it can be interpreted by a reasonable person only as advocating the election or defeat of a candidate, taking into account whether the communication involved mentions a candidacy, a political party, or a challenger to a candidate, or takes a position on a candidates, qualifications, or fitness for office. Expands the period during which certain communications are treated as electioneering communications. Prescribes: (1) disclosure requirements for corporations, labor organizations, and certain other entities; and (2) disclaimer requirements for campaign-related disbursements and for certain communications. Requires any communication transmitted through radio or television to include an individual or organizational disclosure statement, together with: (1) the Top Two Funders List of the persons providing the largest and second largest aggregate payments of $10,000 or more for a radio communication, and (2) the Top Five Funders List of the five persons providing the largest aggregate payments of $10,000 or more for a television communication. Repeals the prohibition against political contributions by individuals age 17 or younger. Requires a covered organization which submits regular, periodic reports to its shareholders, members, or donors on its finances or activities to include in each report, in a clear and conspicuous manner, the information included in the statements it has filed about campaign-related disbursements the organization has made during the period covered by the report. Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to require semiannual reports on certain election campaign contributions filed with the Secretary of the Senate or the Clerk of the House of Representatives by registered lobbyists (or persons or organizations required to register as lobbyists) to contain: (1) the amount of any independent expenditure of $1,000 or more made by each such person or organization, along with the name of each candidate being supported or opposed and the amount spent supporting or opposing that candidate; and (2) the amount of any electioneering communication of $1,000 or more made by such person or organization, along with the name of the candidate referred to in the communication and whether the communication involved was in support of or in opposition to the candidate.

disclosure information spending campaigns leads open secure elections act disclose act amends federal election campaign act redefine term independent expenditure expenditure person taken expressly advocates election defeat clearly identified candidate functional equivalent express advocacy interpreted reasonable person advocating election defeat candidate taking account communication involved mentions candidacy political party challenger candidate takes position candidates qualifications fitness office expands period certain communications treated electioneering communications prescribes disclosure requirements corporations labor organizations certain entities disclaimer requirements campaign related disbursements certain communications requires communication transmitted radio television include individual organizational disclosure statement funders list persons providing largest second largest aggregate payments radio communication funders list persons providing largest aggregate payments television communication repeals prohibition political contributions individuals age younger requires covered organization submits regular periodic reports shareholders members donors finances activities include report clear conspicuous manner information included statements filed campaign related disbursements organization period covered report amends lobbying disclosure act require semiannual reports certain election campaign contributions filed secretary senate clerk house_of_representatives registered lobbyists persons organizations required register lobbyists contain independent expenditure person organization candidate supported opposed spent supporting opposing candidate electioneering communication person organization candidate referred communication communication involved support opposition candidate


Summary: Stop the Revolving Door in Washington Act - Amends the federal criminal code regarding the two-year ban on lobbying contacts by former Senators with any Member, officer, or employee of either chamber, or employee of any other legislative office. Imposes: (1) a five-year lobbying ban on all former Members of Congress; and (2) a two-year (currently, one-year) ban on lobbying contacts by former elected officers of either chamber, former congressional employees, or former employees of any other legislative office with any Member, officer, or employee.

stop revolving door washington act amends federal criminal code year ban lobbying contacts senators member officer employee chamber employee legislative office imposes year lobbying ban members congress year currently year ban lobbying contacts elected officers chamber congressional employees employees legislative office member officer employee


Summary: Restore Public Trust Act - Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to: (1) apply mandatory lobbyist registration, reporting, disclosure and enforcement, and identification of clients and covered officials requirements to a political intelligence consultant who first makes a political intelligence contact; (2) define "political intelligence activities" as political intelligence contacts and efforts in support of such contacts, including preparation and planning activities, research, and other background work that is intended for use in contacts, and coordination with such contacts and efforts of others; and (3) require the Comptroller General to audit annually and report on compliance with that Act by political intelligence firms and consultants. Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) modify general venue rules for criminal prosecutions to allow prosecutions in any district in which an act in furtherance of an offense is committed; (2) reduce from $5,000 to $1,000 the threshold amount for theft or bribery involving federally-assisted programs and increase the maximum prison term for such offenses from 10 to 20 years; and (3) increase the maximum term of imprisonment for theft and embezzlement of federal money, property, or records from 10 to 15 years. Modifies elements relating to the crime of bribery of public officials and witnesses. Expands the definition of "official act" to include: (1) any conduct that falls within the range of official duty of a public official; and (2) a single act, more than one act, or a course of conduct. Defines a "rule or regulation" for the purposes of such provisions as a federal regulation or a rule of the House of Representatives or the Senate, including rules and regulations governing the acceptance of gifts and campaign contributions. Prohibits: (1) anyone from knowingly giving, offering, or promising any things of value with an aggregate value of $1,000 or more to any public official for or because of the official's position; and (2) any such official from knowingly demanding, seeking, receiving, or accepting any things with an aggregate value of $1,000 or more for or because of the official's position. Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to review and amend its guidelines and policy statements relating to public corruption offenses to reflect the intent of Congress that penalties for such offenses meet specified requirements, including that they: (1) reflect the serious nature of the offenses, the incidence of such offenses, and the need for an effective deterrent; and (2) account for the harm to the public and the amount of any resulting loss, the level of sophistication and planning involved, whether the offense was committed for purposes of commercial advantage or private financial benefit, whether the defendant acted with intent to cause physical or property harm, the extent to which the offense represented an abuse of trust by the offender and was committed in a manner that undermined public confidence in government, and whether the violation created a threat to public health or safety, injury to any person, or death. Establishes a six-year limitation period for the prosecution of public corruption crimes involving bribery, extortion, theft of government property, mail fraud, and racketeering. Increases to five years the maximum term of imprisonment for: (1) solicitation by federal officers and employees of political contributions from other federal officers and employees, (2) intimidation to secure political contributions, (3) solicitation and acceptance of contributions in federal offices, and (4) coercion of political activity by federal employees. Increases to three years the maximum term of imprisonment for: (1) promise of employment made possible by an act of Congress for political activity, and (2) deprivation of such employment for political activity. Includes as predicates for wiretaps: (1) embezzlement or theft of government money, property, or records; (2) theft or bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds; and (3) major fraud against the United States. Expands the types of perjury and obstruction of justice offenses for which venue lies in the district in which the official proceeding was intended to be affected or in which the conduct constituting the alleged offense occurred. Amends the federal criminal code to include as a prohibited "scheme or artifice to defraud" any scheme or artifice by a public official to engage in undisclosed self-dealing. Defines "undisclosed self-dealing" to mean that: (1) a public official performs an official act for the purpose of furthering or benefitting a financial interest of such official, a spouse, minor child, or business partner, or other individuals, businesses, or organizations with which such official has a specified interest or connection; and (2) an official knowingly falsifies, conceals, or covers up material information required to be disclosed by any federal, state, or local law or regulation or knowingly fails to disclose material information as required. Amends the federal judicial code to permit the disclosure of information regarding a potential criminal offense by a judge to the Attorney General, a grand jury, or law enforcement agents. Allows the Deputy Attorney General, Assistant Attorney General, or Attorney General (in addition to the U.S. Attorney) to certify to the district court that an appeal from a district court's decision suppressing or excluding evidence or requiring the return of seized property in a criminal proceeding is not taken for the purpose of delay and that the evidence is a substantial proof of a material fact in the proceeding.

disclosure act apply mandatory lobbyist registration reporting disclosure enforcement identification clients covered officials requirements political intelligence consultant makes political intelligence contact define political intelligence activities political intelligence contacts efforts support contacts including preparation planning activities research background work intended use contacts coordination contacts efforts require comptroller general audit annually report compliance act political intelligence firms consultants amends federal criminal code modify general venue rules criminal prosecutions allow prosecutions district act furtherance offense committed reduce threshold theft bribery involving federally assisted programs increase maximum prison term offenses years increase maximum term imprisonment theft embezzlement federal money property records years modifies elements relating crime bribery public officials witnesses expands definition official act include conduct falls range official duty public official single act act course conduct defines rule regulation purposes provisions federal regulation rule house_of_representatives senate including rules regulations governing acceptance gifts campaign contributions prohibits knowingly giving offering promising things value aggregate value public official official position official knowingly demanding seeking receiving accepting things aggregate value official position directs united_states_sentencing_commission review amend guidelines policy statements relating public corruption offenses reflect intent congress penalties offenses meet specified requirements including reflect nature offenses incidence offenses need effective deterrent account harm public resulting loss level planning involved offense committed purposes commercial advantage private financial benefit defendant acted intent cause physical property harm extent offense represented abuse trust offender committed manner public confidence government violation created threat public health safety injury person death establishes year limitation period prosecution public corruption crimes involving bribery extortion theft government property mail fraud racketeering increases years maximum term imprisonment solicitation federal officers employees political contributions federal officers employees intimidation secure political contributions solicitation acceptance contributions federal offices coercion political activity federal employees increases years maximum term imprisonment promise employment possible act congress political activity deprivation employment political activity includes predicates wiretaps embezzlement theft government money property records theft bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds major fraud united_states expands types perjury obstruction justice offenses venue lies district official proceeding intended affected conduct constituting alleged offense occurred amends federal criminal code include prohibited scheme artifice defraud scheme artifice public official engage undisclosed self dealing defines undisclosed self dealing mean public official performs official act purpose furthering benefitting financial interest official spouse minor child business partner individuals businesses organizations official specified interest connection official knowingly conceals covers material information required disclosed federal state local law regulation knowingly fails disclose material information required amends federal judicial code permit disclosure information potential criminal offense judge attorney general grand jury law enforcement agents allows deputy attorney general assistant attorney general attorney general addition attorney certify district court appeal district court decision suppressing excluding evidence requiring return seized property criminal proceeding taken purpose delay evidence substantial proof material fact proceeding


Summary: Voter ID Accessibility Act of 2012 - Amends the Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require states that have in effect a photo identification requirement as a condition for voting in a federal election to provide individuals who do not have a government-issued photo identification with such an identification, without charge, upon request.

voter accessibility act amends voter registration act require states effect photo identification requirement condition voting federal election provide individuals government issued photo identification identification charge request


Summary: Hatch Act Modernization Act of 2012 - Amends the Hatch Act to: (1) eliminate the prohibition against state and local employees seeking partisan elective office; (2) make employees of the District of Columbia subject to the provisions applicable to state and local employees (currently, District employees are subject to the provisions applicable to federal employees); and (3) revise penalties for violations to allow penalties other than termination of employment.

hatch act modernization act amends hatch act eliminate prohibition state local employees seeking partisan elective office employees district_of_columbia subject provisions applicable state local employees currently district employees subject provisions applicable federal employees revise penalties violations allow penalties termination employment


Summary: Weekend Voting Act - Amends the Revised Statutes with respect to the time of election to establish the first Saturday and Sunday after the first Friday in November, in every even numbered year, as the days for the election, in each state and territory, of Delegates to, or Members of, Congress. Amends federal law with respect to presidential elections and vacancies to establish the first Saturday and Sunday after the first Friday in November, in every fourth year, as the days for the election of the President and Vice President of the United States. Amends such federal laws to establish the same polling place hours in the United States for both congressional and presidential elections, namely from 10:00 a.m. EST on Saturday till 6:00 p.m. EST on Sunday, with polls allowed to close between the hours of 10:00 p.m. local time on Saturday and 6:00 a.m. local time on Sunday as provided by the law of the state in which the polling place is located.

weekend voting act amends revised statutes respect time election establish saturday sunday friday november numbered year days election state territory delegates members congress amends federal law respect presidential elections vacancies establish saturday sunday friday november fourth year days election president vice president united_states amends federal laws establish polling place hours united_states congressional presidential elections est saturday till est sunday polls allowed close hours local time saturday local time sunday provided law state polling place located


Summary: Allowing Qualified Local Employees to Serve Act - Amends the Hatch Act to eliminate the prohibition against state and local employees seeking partisan elective office.

allowing qualified local employees serve act amends hatch act eliminate prohibition state local employees seeking partisan elective office


Summary: Foreign Lobbying Reform Act - Amends the federal criminal code to establish a ten-year ban on lobbying contacts by former Presidents, Vice Presidents, Members of Congress, and specified appointees with any Member, officer, or employee of either chamber, or executive branch officer or employee to represent, aid, or advise a foreign entity. Subjects violators of this Act to fines and imprisonment, or both.

foreign lobbying reform act amends federal criminal code establish year ban lobbying contacts presidents vice presidents members congress specified appointees member officer employee chamber executive branch officer employee represent aid advise foreign entity subjects violators act fines imprisonment


Summary: Poll Tape Transparency Act of 2012 - Amends the Help America Vote Act with respect to the requirements for each voting system used in a federal election. Requires the appropriate election official, upon the closing of the polls at each polling place, and under the observation of the certified tabulation observers admitted to the polling place, to: (1) announce the vote orally; (2) post a copy of the poll tape reflecting the totals from each voting machine in the polling place upon which votes were cast; (3) prepare and post a statement of the total number of individuals who appeared at the polling place to cast ballots; and (4) display by noon the following day, at a prominent public location, a copy of each poll tape and statement. Requires display of such information also on the official public websites of the applicable local election official and chief state election official. Specifies similar treatment of ballots cast at early voting sites, absentee ballots, and the daily count of provisional ballots.

poll tape transparency act amends help america vote act respect requirements voting system federal election requires appropriate election official closing polls polling place observation certified tabulation observers admitted polling place announce vote orally post copy poll tape reflecting totals voting machine polling place votes cast prepare post statement total number individuals appeared polling place cast ballots display following day prominent public location copy poll tape statement requires display information official public websites applicable local election official chief state election official specifies similar treatment ballots cast early voting sites absentee ballots daily count provisional ballots


Summary: Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2012 - Amends the Revised Statutes and federal criminal law to prohibit any person, whether acting under color of law or otherwise, from knowingly deceiving any other person regarding: (1) the time, place, or manner of conducting any federal election; or (2) the qualifications for or restrictions on voter eligibility for any such election. Creates a private right of action for any person aggrieved by a violation of such prohibition. Prescribes a criminal penalty for such deceptive acts. Authorizes any person to report to the Assistant Attorney General of the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice certain acts of deception involving federal elections. Requires the Assistant Attorney General, within 48 hours after receiving such a report, to investigate it and, if an act of deception occurred, to: (1) undertake all effective measures necessary to provide correct information to voters affected by the deception, and (2) refer the matter to the appropriate federal and state authorities for criminal prosecution. Directs the Attorney General to study the feasibility of providing such corrective information through public service announcements, the emergency alert system, or other forms of public broadcast.

deceptive practices voter intimidation prevention act amends revised statutes federal criminal law prohibit person acting color law knowingly deceiving person time place manner conducting federal election qualifications restrictions voter eligibility election creates private right action person aggrieved violation prohibition prescribes criminal penalty deceptive acts authorizes person report assistant attorney general certain acts deception involving federal elections requires assistant attorney general hours receiving report investigate act deception occurred undertake effective measures necessary provide correct information voters affected deception refer matter appropriate federal state authorities criminal prosecution directs attorney general study feasibility providing corrective information public service announcements emergency alert system forms public broadcast


Summary: Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act of 2011 [sic] - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA) to revise requirements for the audit capacity of voting systems, particularly those for a permanent paper record. Requires the voting system to require the use of an individual, durable, voter-verified paper ballot of the voter's vote that shall be marked and made available for inspection by the voter before the voter's vote is cast and counted, and which shall be counted by hand or read by an optical scanner or other counting device. Requires the voting system to provide the voter with an opportunity to correct any system-made error in the voter-verified paper ballot before it is permanently preserved. Requires each paper ballot used to be: (1) suitable for a manual audit, and (2) counted by hand in any recount or audit conducted with respect to any federal election. Sets forth a special rule for treatment of disputes when paper ballots have been shown to be compromised. Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to make grants to eligible entities to study, test, and develop accessible ballot voting, verification, and casting mechanisms and devices and best practices to enhance the accessibility of paper ballot voting and verification mechanisms for individuals with disabilities, for voters whose primary language is not English, and for voters with difficulties in literacy. Specifies additional voting system requirements and prohibitions. Requires the NSF Director to make grants to eligible entities to conduct research on the development of election-dedicated voting system software. Makes available additional funding to enable states to meet the costs of the requirements imposed by this Act. Provides for complaints to the Attorney General by persons aggrieved by violations of HAVA. Requires each state to administer audits of federal election results, without advance notice to the precincts selected, consisting of random hand counts of the voter-verified paper ballots. Makes an exception from this requirement for elections in which the winning candidate had no opponent or received 80% or more of the vote total. Prescribes requirements for determination of the number of ballots counted under the audit. Prescribes the process for administering audits. Requires the Election Auditor of a state, as soon as practicable after the completion of an audit, to submit the results to the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) for publication. Prohibits certification of the results of any election until completion of audits. Provides for payments to states for the costs of conducting audits. Exempts from this Act any election for which a recount under state law will commence before certification of the election results. Repeals the EAC's exemption from certain federal government contracting requirements.

increased accessibility act sic amends help america vote act hava revise requirements audit capacity voting systems particularly permanent paper record requires voting system require use individual durable voter verified paper ballot voter vote shall marked available inspection voter voter vote cast counted shall counted hand read optical counting device requires voting system provide voter opportunity correct system error voter verified paper ballot permanently preserved requires paper ballot suitable manual audit counted hand recount audit conducted respect federal election sets forth special rule treatment disputes paper ballots shown compromised requires director national_science_foundation nsf grants eligible entities study test develop accessible ballot voting verification casting mechanisms devices best practices enhance accessibility paper ballot voting verification mechanisms individuals disabilities voters primary language english voters difficulties literacy specifies additional voting system requirements prohibitions requires nsf director grants eligible entities conduct research development election dedicated voting system software makes available additional funding enable states meet costs requirements imposed act provides complaints attorney general persons aggrieved violations hava requires state administer audits federal election results advance notice precincts selected consisting random hand counts voter verified paper ballots makes exception requirement elections winning candidate opponent received vote total prescribes requirements determination number ballots counted audit prescribes process administering audits requires election auditor state soon practicable completion audit submit results election_assistance_commission eac publication prohibits certification results election completion audits provides payments states costs conducting audits exempts act election recount state law commence certification election results repeals eac exemption certain federal government contracting requirements


Summary: Amends the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act to permit a valid voter registration and absentee ballot request submitted by an absent U.S. military or civilian overseas voter with respect to an election for a U.S. federal office to be treated as a request for each subsequent election held in that person's normal state of residence through the next regularly scheduled general election. Provides an exception for voters changing their state of registration. Prohibits a state from refusing to accept or process an otherwise valid absentee registration or ballot application from such voters on the grounds that it was submitted before the date on which such state accepts or processes such applications from domestic voters.

amends uniformed overseas citizens absentee voting act permit valid voter registration absentee ballot request submitted absent military civilian overseas voter respect election federal office treated request subsequent election held person normal state residence regularly scheduled general election provides exception voters changing state registration prohibits state refusing accept process valid absentee registration ballot application voters grounds submitted date state accepts processes applications domestic voters


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal provisions providing for the use of funds from the Presidential Election Campaign Fund for presidential nominating conventions.

amends internal revenue code repeal provisions providing use funds presidential_election_campaign_fund presidential nominating conventions


Summary: Obtaining Information Through Leasing on Money and Disclosure Act or OIL Money Disclosure Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to issue new oil and gas leases on federal lands under the Mineral Leasing Act and submerged lands under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act only to a bidder that has submitted a list containing the date, amount, and recipient during the previous five years of: (1) any payments consisting of a contribution, expenditure, independent expenditure, or disbursement for an electioneering communication made by the bidder in connection with any election for federal office; and (2) any disbursement of other funds made by the bidder with the reasonable expectation that the individual or entity will use them to make such a payment. Requires the Secretary to publish each such list within 10 days after its receipt.

obtaining information leasing money disclosure act oil money disclosure act authorizes secretary interior issue new oil gas leases federal lands mineral leasing act submerged lands outer_continental_shelf_lands_act bidder submitted list containing date recipient previous years payments consisting contribution expenditure independent expenditure disbursement electioneering communication bidder connection election federal office disbursement funds bidder reasonable expectation individual entity use payment requires secretary publish list days receipt


Summary: Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to reduce the rate of pay otherwise applicable to Members of Congress for any month, during a Congress, by the Member's missed vote percentage for the most recent month before such month if the individual missed votes because of campaigning for election to another office. Applies this requirement to a vote taken in the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union unless the Member of the House of Representatives did not engage in any campaign-related activity on the date of the vote. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer from the general fund of the Treasury to a specified mandatory account to reduce the public debt the difference between the aggregate amount expended for pay of Members of Congress for the fiscal year and the aggregate amount that would have been expended but for the reduction in pay.

amends legislative reorganization act reduce rate pay applicable members congress month congress member missed vote percentage recent month month individual missed votes election office applies requirement vote taken member house_of_representatives engage campaign related activity date vote requires secretary treasury transfer general fund treasury specified mandatory account reduce public debt difference aggregate expended pay members congress fiscal year aggregate expended reduction pay


Summary: Candidate Accountability Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to limit to $50,000 in a federal election the aggregate contributions any person may make to any candidate and the candidate's authorized committees during the 5-day period ending on the election date. Sunsets all other current federal election contributions limits as of December 31, 2012. Repeals current restrictions and requirements on independent and coordinated election expenditures by political party committees after the party nominates a candidate. Replaces them with a special rule for direct costs of communications. Subjects to specified limitations the direct costs incurred by a political committee of a political party for a communication made in connection with the campaign of a candidate for federal office only if the communication is controlled by, or made at the direction of, the candidate or an authorized committee of the candidate. Requires each political committee to post mandatory contribution information on its public website: (1) within 7 days after receiving the contribution, or (2) within 2 days if the aggregate contributions of the contributor exceed $10,000.

candidate accountability act amends federal election campaign act limit federal election aggregate contributions person candidate candidate authorized committees day period ending election date sunsets current federal election contributions limits december repeals current restrictions requirements independent coordinated election expenditures political party committees party candidate replaces special rule direct costs communications subjects specified limitations direct costs incurred political committee political party communication connection campaign candidate federal office communication controlled direction candidate authorized committee candidate requires political committee post mandatory contribution information public website days receiving contribution days aggregate contributions contributor exceed


Summary: Verifying Official Totals for Elections Act - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to prohibit a voting system used in a federal election from containing or using any election-dedicated voting system technology which is not deposited by the state (or at the state's option by the vendor of the technology) with the National Software Reference Library of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) before the election. Requires the Director of NIST to: (1) hold the technology in escrow; and (2) disclose it and information about it to a qualified person who has entered into a nondisclosure agreement with respect to it, or to whom the Director is permitted or required to disclose the technology under state law.

help america vote act prohibit voting system federal election containing election dedicated voting system technology deposited state state option vendor technology national_institute_of_standards_and_technology nist election requires director nist hold technology escrow disclose information qualified person entered nondisclosure agreement respect director permitted required disclose technology state law


Summary: Campaign Sunlight Act of 2012 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to direct the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to establish and operate a website (Campaign Accountability Site) through which members of the public may view the contents of political advertisements. Requires the sponsor of a political advertisement to submit its contents to the FEC in a format the FEC may require. Requires the format to make the sources of such contents available on the website directly or through hyperlinks to the sources. Requires the sponsor to submit an advertisement to the FEC within: (1) 24 hours after its dissemination, if it is disseminated during the 7 days before the election involved; or (2) 72 hours after dissemination during any other period.

campaign sunlight act amends federal election campaign act direct federal_election_commission fec establish operate website campaign accountability site members public view contents political advertisements requires sponsor political advertisement submit contents fec format fec require requires format sources contents available website directly hyperlinks sources requires sponsor submit advertisement fec hours dissemination disseminated days election involved hours dissemination period


Summary: Restoring Confidence in Our Democracy Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to set forth special rules for electioneering communications, especially targeted communications, which national banks, corporations, and labor organizations are prohibited from paying for. Defines "targeted communications" as electioneering communications distributed from a television or radio broadcast station or provider of cable or satellite television service and, in the case of a communication which refers to a candidate for an office other than President or Vice President, is targeted to the relevant electorate. Prohibits independent expenditures by national banks, corporations, and labor organizations. Applies certain limitations on contributions made by any person to a political committee to any contribution to a political committee which accepts donations or contributions that do not comply with contribution or source prohibitions (or made to any account of a political committee established to accept such noncompliant donations or contributions).

restoring confidence democracy act amends federal election campaign act set forth special rules electioneering communications especially targeted communications national banks corporations labor organizations prohibited paying defines targeted communications electioneering communications distributed television radio broadcast station provider cable satellite television service case communication refers candidate office president vice president targeted relevant prohibits independent expenditures national banks corporations labor organizations applies certain limitations contributions person political committee contribution political committee accepts donations contributions comply contribution source prohibitions account political committee established accept noncompliant donations contributions


Summary: Voter Registration Integrity Act - Amends the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require a state motor vehicle authority to require each individual applying for a motor vehicle driver's license in the state to: (1) indicate whether the individual resides in another state or resided in another state before applying for the license, and, if so, to identify the state involved; and (2) indicate whether the individual intends for the new state to serve as the individual's residence for federal voter registration purposes. Requires the motor vehicle authority, if an individual indicates an intention for the new state to serve as the individual's residence for federal voter registration purposes, to notify the motor vehicle authority of the former state of residence, which shall notify the chief state election official of that state that the individual no longer intends for it to serve as the individual's residence for federal voter registration purposes.

integrity act amends national voter registration act require state motor vehicle authority require individual applying motor vehicle driver license state indicate individual resides state resided state applying license identify state involved indicate individual intends new state serve individual residence federal voter registration purposes requires motor vehicle authority individual indicates intention new state serve individual residence federal voter registration purposes notify motor vehicle authority state residence shall notify chief state election official state individual longer intends serve individual residence federal voter registration purposes


Summary: America Votes Act of 2012 - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to permit an individual required to present identification as a condition for voting in a federal election to meet the requirement by presenting the appropriate state or local election official with an affidavit, signed by the individual under penalty of perjury, attesting to the individual's identification and that he or she is registered to vote in the election. Allows an individual desiring to vote by mail to submit such an affidavit with the ballot. Prohibits a state from requiring an individual who presents or submits such an affidavit to cast a provisional ballot in the election. Excepts first-time voters registering by mail from application of this Act. Requires states requiring an individual to present identification as a condition of receiving and casting a ballot in a federal election to include the use of an affidavit in voting information posted at polling places.

america votes act amends help america vote act permit individual required present identification condition voting federal election meet requirement presenting appropriate state local election official affidavit signed individual penalty perjury attesting individual identification registered vote election allows individual desiring vote mail submit affidavit ballot prohibits state requiring individual presents submits affidavit cast provisional ballot election excepts time voters registering mail application act requires states requiring individual present identification condition receiving casting ballot federal election include use affidavit voting information posted polling places


Summary: Grassroots Democracy Act of 2012 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable credit of up to $25 ($50 in the case of a joint return), adjusted for inflation, for qualified grassroots federal congressional campaign contributions paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year. Directs the Grassroots Democracy Advisory Commission (GDAC, established by this Act) to establish a pilot program under which a qualified individual shall be provided with a "Grassroots Democracy Coupon" during the election cycle, which will be assigned a routing number and, at the individual's option, provided in either paper or electronic form. Authorizes the individual to: (1) submit the Coupon, using the routing number, in either electronic or paper form to qualified federal election candidates, and (2) allocate portions of the Coupon's value in $5 increments to a candidate (up to a maximum of $50 per candidate). Requires the GDAC to pay the candidate who transmits the Coupon to it the portion of the Coupon's value that the individual allocated to the candidate, which shall be considered a contribution under the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA). Amends FECA with respect to: (1) benefits for participating congressional candidates; (2) Federal Election Commission (FEC) payments to such candidates; (3) candidate use of payments; (4) qualified grassroots contribution, expenditure, and fundraising requirements; (5) certification of participating congressional candidates; (6) campaign administration; (7) prevention of the unnecessary spending of public funds; (8) remittal to the Grassroots Democracy Fund of unspent funds after an election; (9) eligibility of participating candidates for payments; (10) establishment of the Grassroots Democracy Fund in the Treasury and of a Grassroots Democracy Advisory Commission in the FEC; and (11) civil penalties for violation of contribution and expenditure requirements. Prohibits use of contributions by a participating candidate for any purposes other than an election campaign. Revises bundler disclosure requirements to repeal a specified exception and so require disclosure of persons who provided bundled contributions to the reporting committee. Extends from 60 days before a general, special, or runoff election to 120 days before such an election the period for treatment of communications as electioneering communications. Creates user fees, payable to the FEC, for candidate-designated political committees and bundlers. Amends FECA to empower the FEC to petition the U.S. Supreme Court for a writ of certiorari to appeal a civil action to enforce the Act. Requires all political committee designations, statements, and reports required to be filed under FECA to be filed: (1) directly with the FEC, and (2) in electronic form accessible by computers. Reduces from 48 hours to 24 hours after their receipt the deadline for the FEC to make designations, statements, reports, or notifications available to the public in the FEC office and on the Internet. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal: (1) the alternative tax on political organizations that have net capital gains for the taxable year; and (2) the treatment as tax-exempt functions of proceeds from a political fundraising or entertainment event, from the sale of political campaign materials not received in the ordinary course of trade or business, or from any bingo game. Revises the formula limiting the amount included in the gross income of a tax-exempt organization that expends funds for an exempt function of a political committee. Repeals the application of graduated tax rates for principal campaign committees (thus applying the highest rates to such committees). Allows an individual to designate a specified portion of any overpayment of tax as a contribution to the Grassroots Democracy Fund. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to set a station's lowest unit price for preemptible use as the charge for a broadcast by the national committee of a political party for an affiliated candidate. Authorizes the FEC to revoke a broadcast station license or construction permit only for at least three willful failures to allow reasonable access to, or to permit purchase of reasonable amounts of time for the use of, a broadcasting station by a legally qualified candidate for federal office.

grassroots democracy act amends internal revenue code allow refundable credit case joint return adjusted inflation qualified grassroots federal congressional campaign contributions paid taxpayer taxable year directs established act establish pilot program qualified individual shall provided grassroots democracy coupon election cycle assigned routing number individual option provided paper electronic form authorizes individual submit coupon routing number electronic paper form qualified federal election candidates allocate portions coupon value increments candidate maximum candidate requires pay candidate transmits coupon portion coupon value individual allocated candidate shall considered contribution federal_election_campaign_act feca amends feca respect benefits participating congressional candidates federal_election_commission fec payments candidates candidate use payments qualified grassroots contribution expenditure fundraising requirements certification participating congressional candidates campaign administration prevention unnecessary spending public funds unspent funds election eligibility participating candidates payments establishment treasury grassroots democracy advisory commission fec civil penalties violation contribution expenditure requirements prohibits use contributions participating candidate purposes election campaign revises disclosure requirements repeal specified exception require disclosure persons provided bundled contributions reporting committee extends days general special runoff election days election period treatment communications electioneering communications creates user fees payable fec candidate designated political committees amends feca empower fec petition writ certiorari appeal civil action enforce act requires political committee designations statements reports required filed feca filed directly fec electronic form accessible computers reduces hours hours receipt deadline fec designations statements reports notifications available public fec office internet amends internal revenue code repeal alternative tax political organizations net capital gains taxable year treatment tax exempt functions proceeds political fundraising entertainment event sale political campaign materials received ordinary course trade business game revises formula limiting included gross income tax exempt organization expends funds exempt function political committee repeals application graduated tax rates principal campaign committees applying highest rates committees allows individual designate specified portion overpayment tax contribution amends communications act set station lowest unit price preemptible use charge broadcast national committee political party affiliated candidate authorizes fec revoke broadcast station license construction permit willful failures allow reasonable access permit purchase reasonable amounts time use broadcasting station legally qualified candidate federal office


Summary: Empowering Citizens Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to revise the system of public financing for presidential primary and general elections and to establish a system of public financing for congressional elections. Increases the amount of matching funds for presidential primaries from a one-to-one match to a five-to-one match for contributions of $250 or less from individuals. Limits the total amount of payments to a primary candidate to $100 million. Requires presidential primary candidates who opt to participate in the public financing system to certify to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) that they have raised $25,000 (currently, $5,000) in each of 20 states, with individual contributions limited to $250. Requires such candidates to commit to accept public financing in both the primary and general elections. Limits contributions to presidential primary candidates who participate in the public financing system to $1,250 from individual contributors (currently, $2,500). Prohibits primary candidates from accepting contributions or bundled contributions (i.e., combining small contributions into one large contribution) from lobbyists or political action committees (PACs). Eliminates expenditure limitations for presidential primary and general elections. Changes the period for payment of matching funds to presidential primary candidates from January 1 of the election year to six months prior to the date of the earliest state primary election. Revises general election payment provisions to allow a grant of $50 million to candidates and an additional $150 million in matching funds based upon a five-to-one match of contributions raised after June 1 of the general election year from individual donors giving up to $250 each. Increases to $50 million the limit on coordinated spending by a national party and its presidential candidate in a general election campaign. Eliminates public financing for national party conventions. Allows individual contributions up to $25,000 in each four-year presidential election cycle to pay for national party convention costs. Prohibits the use of unregulated funds (soft money) to pay for national party convention costs. Provides for public financing of congressional election campaigns. Establishes the Empowering Citizens Payment Account in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund to finance congressional election campaigns. Increases from $3 to $20 ($6 to $40 for joint returns) the tax check-off for contributions to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations to ensure that approved tax preparation software does not automatically accept or decline a check-off of contributions for the public financing system. Directs the FEC to issue regulations on best efforts for identifying persons making contributions to political committees. Prohibits an authorized committee of a candidate from establishing a joint fundraising committee with a political committee other than an authorized committee of a candidate. Revises reporting requirements for the disclosure of bundled contributions by lobbyists and to presidential campaigns. Sets forth rules for judicial review of campaign finance laws and FEC actions.

empowering citizens act amends internal revenue code federal_election_campaign_act revise system public financing presidential primary general elections establish system public financing congressional elections increases matching funds presidential primaries match match contributions individuals limits total payments primary candidate million requires presidential primary candidates opt participate public financing system certify federal_election_commission fec raised currently states individual contributions limited requires candidates commit accept public financing primary general elections limits contributions presidential primary candidates participate public financing system individual contributors currently prohibits primary candidates accepting contributions bundled contributions combining small contributions large contribution lobbyists political action committees pacs eliminates expenditure limitations presidential primary general elections changes period payment matching funds presidential primary candidates january election year months prior date earliest state primary election revises general election payment provisions allow grant million candidates additional million matching funds based match contributions raised june general election year individual donors giving increases million limit coordinated spending national party presidential candidate general election campaign eliminates public financing national party conventions allows individual contributions year presidential election cycle pay national party convention costs prohibits use unregulated funds soft money pay national party convention costs provides public financing congressional election campaigns establishes empowering citizens payment account presidential_election_campaign_fund finance congressional election campaigns increases joint returns tax check contributions presidential_election_campaign_fund directs secretary treasury prescribe regulations ensure approved tax preparation software automatically accept decline check contributions public financing system directs fec issue regulations best efforts identifying persons making contributions political committees prohibits authorized committee candidate establishing joint fundraising committee political committee authorized committee candidate revises reporting requirements disclosure bundled contributions lobbyists presidential campaigns sets forth rules judicial review campaign finance laws fec actions


Summary: No Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying Act - Prohibits the use of appropriated funds for publicity or propaganda purposes, for the preparation, distribution, or use of any kit, pamphlet, booklet, publication, electronic communication, radio, television, or video presentation that is designed to support or defeat the enactment of federal, state, or local legislation or the promulgation of proposed or pending regulations, administrative actions, or orders issued by the executive branch of any state or local government. Imposes the same prohibition on the use of appropriated funds for payment of salaries or expenses of federal grant or contract recipients who are attempting to influence legislation and regulatory actions. Extends such prohibitions to any activity to advocate or promote tax increases, restrictions on legal consumer products, or gun control.

taxpayer funded lobbying act prohibits use appropriated funds publicity propaganda purposes preparation distribution use kit pamphlet publication electronic communication radio television video presentation designed support defeat enactment federal state local legislation promulgation proposed pending regulations administrative actions orders issued executive branch state local government imposes prohibition use appropriated funds payment salaries expenses federal grant contract recipients attempting influence legislation regulatory actions extends prohibitions activity advocate promote tax increases restrictions legal consumer products gun control


Summary: Fair, Accurate, Secure, and Timely Voting Act of 2012 or FAST Voting Act of 2012 - Directs the Attorney General to award grants, on a competitive basis, to enable states to: (1) invest in practices and technology designed to expedite voting at the polls, and (2) simplify voter registration. Requires the grant application to include a comprehensive and coherent plan for using funds to improve the applicant's performance on specified measures with respect to: (1) flexible registration opportunities, (2) early voting, (3) assistance to non-English speaking voters, and (4) other related matters. Requires each grantee to establish performance measures and targets, approved by the Attorney General, that track its progress in implementing its plan and expediting voting at the polls or simplifying voter registration, as applicable.

fair accurate secure timely voting act fast voting act directs attorney general award grants competitive basis enable states invest practices technology designed expedite voting polls simplify voter registration requires grant application include comprehensive coherent plan funds improve applicant performance specified measures respect flexible registration opportunities early voting assistance non english speaking voters related matters requires grantee establish performance measures targets approved attorney general track progress implementing plan expediting voting polls simplifying voter registration applicable


Summary: Voter Fraud Prevention Act of 2012 - Amends the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to: (1) increase from 5 to 10 years the length of imprisonment for criminal activities involving intimidation or fraud in connection with voter registration and voting, and (2) prohibit an individual involved in such activities from voting in subsequent federal elections. Amends the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act to require the appropriate state election official, in transmitting balloting materials to absent uniformed services voters, to: (1) ensure that any tray or sack containing such materials is tagged with Tag 191 or some other similar tagging device to provide greater visibility to such containers, and (2) use IMb Tracing or other similar tracking methods to provide real-time tracking information for such materials. Directs the Postmaster General to report to Congress on the efforts undertaken to deter and prevent the loss and theft of balloting materials transmitted to or by absent uniformed services voters in elections for federal office.

amends national voter registration act increase years length imprisonment criminal activities involving intimidation fraud connection voter registration voting prohibit individual involved activities voting subsequent federal elections amends uniformed overseas citizens absentee voting act require appropriate state election official transmitting balloting materials absent uniformed services voters ensure containing materials tag similar device provide greater visibility containers use tracing similar tracking methods provide real time tracking information materials directs postmaster general report congress efforts undertaken deter prevent loss theft balloting materials transmitted absent uniformed services voters elections federal office


Summary: Military Ballot Integrity Act of 2012 - Amends the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act to require states which do not transmit to an absent uniformed services voter a validly requested absentee ballot for a federal election by the deadline required to delay the certification of the election results by the number of days by which the state missed such deadline with respect to the voter, except in elections subject to a state undue hardship waiver. Allows any person aggrieved by a violation of the Act to bring a civil action in an appropriate district court for necessary declaratory or injunctive relief. (Under current law, only the Attorney General may bring such an action.) Allows for the award of reasonable attorney's fees for the prevailing party. Requires a report from the Attorney General in each year in which a general election for federal office is scheduled on the number of attorneys and other staff within the Department of Justice (DOJ) assigned to enforce the Act, as well as a plan to detect noncompliance by state and local election officials with requirements of the Act. Requires the presidential designee responsible for federal functions under the Act to establish and operate a centralized mail forwarding database through which balloting materials for a member of a reserve component called or ordered to active duty are forwarded to the member's correct mailing address after the member is released from active duty.

military ballot integrity act amends uniformed overseas citizens absentee voting act require states transmit absent uniformed services voter validly requested absentee ballot federal election deadline required delay certification election results number days state missed deadline respect voter elections subject state undue hardship waiver allows person aggrieved violation act bring civil action appropriate district court necessary declaratory injunctive relief current law attorney general bring action allows award reasonable attorney fees prevailing party requires report attorney general year general election federal office scheduled number attorneys staff department_of_justice doj assigned enforce act plan detect noncompliance state local election officials requirements act requires presidential designee responsible federal functions act establish operate centralized mail forwarding database balloting materials member reserve component called ordered active duty forwarded member correct mailing address member released active duty


Summary: Voting Line Reduction and Online Registration Act - Amends the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA) to require each state to make available official public websites for online voter registration. Authorizes automated voter registration of certain individuals and establishes other initiatives to promote voter registration, such as same day registration and voter registration of individuals under 18 years of age. Sets forth requirements for maintenance, privacy, and security of voter registration lists, including establishing deadlines for transmittal of change of address or other identifying information. Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA) to direct each state to provide, according to standards issued by the Election Assistance Commission, for the minimum required number of voting systems, poll workers, and other election resources (including all other physical resources) for each voting site on the day of any federal election and on any days during which such state allows early voting for a federal election. Require each state to submit a written plan to the Commission describing the measures it is implementing to ensure, to the greatest extent possible, an equitable waiting time for all voters in the state, and a waiting time of less than one hour at any polling place in the election. Requires each jurisdiction for which the Commission determines that a substantial number of voters waited more than 90 minutes to cast a vote in a federal election, or in which there were substantial violations of certain established standards, to comply with a state remedial plan established by the Commission to provide for the effective allocation of resources to administer elections in the state and to reduce voter waiting times. Requires provision of an emergency paper ballot to any requesting voter in the event of a failure of voting equipment or other circumstances at a polling place that causes an unreasonable delay. Requires each state to allow individuals to vote during the seven day period (or, at state option, a longer period) before a federal election in the same manner as voting is allowed on election day. Establishes minimum early voting requirements. Directs the Commission to issue standards for the administration of early voting.

voting line reduction online registration act amends national voter registration act require state available official public websites online voter registration authorizes automated voter registration certain individuals establishes initiatives promote voter registration day registration voter registration individuals years age sets forth requirements maintenance privacy security voter registration lists including establishing deadlines transmittal change address identifying information amends help_america_vote_act hava direct state provide according standards issued election_assistance_commission minimum required number voting systems poll workers election resources including physical resources voting site day federal election days state allows early voting federal election require state submit written plan commission describing measures implementing ensure greatest extent possible equitable waiting time voters state waiting time hour polling place election requires jurisdiction commission determines substantial number voters minutes cast vote federal election substantial violations certain established standards comply state remedial plan established commission provide effective allocation resources administer elections state reduce voter waiting times requires provision emergency paper ballot requesting voter event failure voting equipment circumstances polling place causes unreasonable delay requires state allow individuals vote seven day period state option longer period federal election manner voting allowed election day establishes minimum early voting requirements directs commission issue standards administration early voting


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to terminate the taxpayer election to designate $3 of income tax liability for financing of presidential election campaigns, the Presidential Election Campaign Fund, and the Presidential Primary Matching Payment Account.

amends internal revenue code terminate taxpayer election designate income tax liability financing presidential election campaigns presidential_election_campaign_fund presidential_primary_matching_payment_account


Summary: Senate Campaign Disclosure Parity Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to require all election-related designations, statements, and reports required to be filed under the Act to be filed directly with the Federal Election Commission (FEC).

senate campaign disclosure parity act amends federal election campaign act require election related designations statements reports required filed act filed directly federal_election_commission fec


Summary: Public Officials Accountability Act - Amends the federal criminal code to include as a fraud offense a scheme or artifice by a public official to engage in undisclosed self-dealing. Defines "undisclosed self-dealing" to mean: (1) performing an official act to benefit or further a financial interest of such public official, a spouse or minor child, a general business partner, a business or organization in which the public official is serving as an employee, officer, director, trustee, or general partner, or an individual, business, or organization with whom the public official is negotiating for, or has any arrangement concerning, prospective employment or financial compensation; and (2) knowingly falsifying, concealing, covering up, or failing to disclose material information regarding a financial interest as required by law.

public officials accountability act amends federal criminal code include fraud offense scheme artifice public official engage undisclosed self dealing defines undisclosed self dealing mean performing official act benefit financial interest public official spouse minor child general business partner business organization public official serving employee officer director trustee general partner individual business organization public official negotiating arrangement concerning prospective employment financial compensation knowingly falsifying concealing covering failing disclose material information financial interest required law


Summary: Robocall Privacy Act of 2011 - Makes it unlawful for a person during specified periods before a federal primary or general election to make certain prerecorded political telephone calls with respect to a candidate for federal office without disclosing immediately the recorded nature of the calls, the identity of the caller, and the caller's telephone number on the recipient's caller identification service.

robocall privacy act makes unlawful person specified periods federal primary general election certain prerecorded political telephone calls respect candidate federal office disclosing immediately recorded nature calls identity caller caller telephone number recipient caller identification service


Summary: Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to require each authorized election campaign committee of a member of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction to report any contribution of $1,000 or more received by it or by the member between the member's appointment to the Joint Select Committee and January 31, 2012.

amends federal_election_campaign_act require authorized election campaign committee member joint_select_committee deficit reduction report contribution received member member appointment joint_select_committee january


Summary: Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2011 - Amends the Revised Statutes and federal criminal law to prohibit any person, whether acting under color of law or otherwise, from knowingly misleading voters regarding: (1) the time or place of holding any federal election, (2) the qualifications for or restrictions on voter eligibility for any such election, or (3) an endorsement. Prohibits hindering, interfering with, or preventing another person from voting, registering to vote, or aiding another person to vote or register to vote in a federal election. Creates a private right of action for any person aggrieved by a violation of such prohibition. Amends the federal criminal code to prescribe criminal penalties for such deceptive acts. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review and, if appropriate, amend the federal sentencing guidelines and policy statements applicable to persons convicted of any offense under this Act. Authorizes any person to report to the Attorney General false election information. Requires the Attorney General, if receiving a credible report that materially false information has been or is being communicated, to communicate to the public accurate information designed to correct the materially false information if the Attorney General determines that state and local election officials have not taken adequate steps to promptly communicate accurate information to correct the materially false information.

deceptive practices voter intimidation prevention act amends revised statutes federal criminal law prohibit person acting color law knowingly misleading voters time place holding federal election qualifications restrictions voter eligibility election endorsement prohibits hindering interfering preventing person voting registering vote aiding person vote register vote federal election creates private right action person aggrieved violation prohibition amends federal criminal code prescribe criminal penalties deceptive acts directs review appropriate amend federal sentencing guidelines policy statements applicable persons convicted offense act authorizes person report attorney general false election information requires attorney general receiving credible report materially false information communicated communicate public accurate information designed correct materially false information attorney general determines state local election officials taken adequate steps promptly communicate accurate information correct materially false information


Summary: Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act of 2012 or DISCLOSE Act of 2012 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) to redefine the term "independent expenditure" as an expenditure by a person that, when taken as a whole, expressly advocates the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate, or is the functional equivalent of express advocacy because it can be interpreted by a reasonable person only as advocating the election or defeat of a candidate, taking into account whether the communication involved mentions a candidacy, a political party, or a challenger to a candidate, or takes a position on a candidates, qualifications, or fitness for office. Expands the period during which certain communications are treated as electioneering communications. Prescribes disclosure requirements for corporations, labor organizations, and certain other entities, including a political committee with an account established for the purpose of accepting donations or contributions that do not comply with the contribution limits or source prohibitions under FECA (but only with respect to such accounts). Prescribes disclaimer requirements for public communications that include functional equivalent of express advocacy. Requires any communication transmitted through radio or television to include an individual or organizational disclosure statement, together with: (1) the Top Two Funders List of the persons providing the largest and second largest aggregate payments of $10,000 or more for a radio communication, and (2) the Top Five Funders List of the five persons providing the largest aggregate payments of $10,000 or more for a television communication. Repeals the prohibition against political contributions by individuals age 17 or younger.

democracy strengthened casting light spending elections act amends federal election campaign act feca redefine term independent expenditure expenditure person taken expressly advocates election defeat clearly identified candidate functional equivalent express advocacy interpreted reasonable person advocating election defeat candidate taking account communication involved mentions candidacy political party challenger candidate takes position candidates qualifications fitness office expands period certain communications treated electioneering communications prescribes disclosure requirements corporations labor organizations certain entities including political committee account established purpose accepting donations contributions comply contribution limits source prohibitions feca respect accounts prescribes disclaimer requirements public communications include functional equivalent express advocacy requires communication transmitted radio television include individual organizational disclosure statement funders list persons providing largest second largest aggregate payments radio communication funders list persons providing largest aggregate payments television communication repeals prohibition political contributions individuals age younger


Summary: Small Business Election Simplification Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the subchapter S election for corporate taxpayers, to: (1) extend the deadline for filing such election to the due date (with extensions) of the corporation's tax return, (2) authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to treat a late filing or revocation of an election as timely filed or revoked if there is reasonable cause for failing to make a timely filing or revocation, and (3) allow taxpayers to make a subchapter S election on their current tax return in lieu of filing a separate form for making such election.

small business election simplification act amends internal revenue code respect subchapter election corporate taxpayers extend deadline filing election date extensions corporation tax return authorize secretary treasury treat late filing revocation election timely filed revoked reasonable cause failing timely filing revocation allow taxpayers subchapter election current tax return lieu filing separate form making election


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal provisions providing for the use of funds from the Presidential Election Campaign Fund for presidential nominating conventions. Requires that any amount which is returned by the national committee of a major or minor party to the Treasury from an account established under the Fund to make payments for conventions to be used solely for deficit reduction.

amends internal revenue code repeal provisions providing use funds presidential_election_campaign_fund presidential nominating conventions requires returned national committee major minor party treasury account established fund payments conventions solely deficit reduction


Summary: Presidential Funding Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to revise the system of public financing for presidential primary and general elections. Increases the amount of matching funds for presidential primaries from a 1:1 match to a 4:1 match for contributions of $200 or less from individuals. Limits the total amount of payments to primary candidates to $100 million. Requires presidential primary candidates who opt to participate in the public financing system to certify to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) that they have raised $25,000 (currently, $5,000) in each of 20 states, with individual contributions limited to $200. Requires such candidates to commit to accept public financing in both the primary and general elections. Limits contributions to presidential primary candidates who participate in the public financing system to $1,000 from individual contributors (currently, $2,400). Eliminates expenditure limitations for presidential primary and general elections. Changes the period for payment of matching funds to presidential primary candidates from January 1 of the election year to six months prior to the date of the earliest state primary election. Revises general election payment provisions to allow a grant of $50 million to candidates and an additional $150 million in matching funds based upon a 4:1 match of contributions raised after June 1 of the general election year from individual donors giving up to $200 each. Increases to $50 million the limit on coordinated spending by a national party and its presidential candidate. Eliminates public financing for national party conventions. Allows individual contributions up to $25,000 in each four-year presidential election cycle to pay for national party convention costs. Prohibits the use of unregulated funds (soft money) to pay for national party convention costs. Increases from $3 to $10 ($6 to $20 for joint returns) the tax check-off for contributions to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations to ensure that approved tax preparation software does not automatically accept or decline a check-off of contributions for the public financing system. Directs the FEC to issue regulations on best efforts for identifying persons making contributions to political committees. Revises reporting requirements for the disclosure of bundled contributions by lobbyists and to presidential campaigns.

presidential funding act amends internal revenue code federal_election_campaign_act revise system public financing presidential primary general elections increases matching funds presidential primaries match match contributions individuals limits total payments primary candidates million requires presidential primary candidates opt participate public financing system certify federal_election_commission fec raised currently states individual contributions limited requires candidates commit accept public financing primary general elections limits contributions presidential primary candidates participate public financing system individual contributors currently eliminates expenditure limitations presidential primary general elections changes period payment matching funds presidential primary candidates january election year months prior date earliest state primary election revises general election payment provisions allow grant million candidates additional million matching funds based match contributions raised june general election year individual donors giving increases million limit coordinated spending national party presidential candidate eliminates public financing national party conventions allows individual contributions year presidential election cycle pay national party convention costs prohibits use unregulated funds soft money pay national party convention costs increases joint returns tax check contributions presidential_election_campaign_fund directs secretary treasury prescribe regulations ensure approved tax preparation software automatically accept decline check contributions public financing system directs fec issue regulations best efforts identifying persons making contributions political committees revises reporting requirements disclosure bundled contributions lobbyists presidential campaigns


Summary: Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act of 2012 or DISCLOSE Act of 2012 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) to redefine the term "independent expenditure" as an expenditure by a person that, when taken as a whole, expressly advocates the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate, or is the functional equivalent of express advocacy because it can be interpreted by a reasonable person only as advocating the election or defeat of a candidate, taking into account whether the communication involved mentions a candidacy, a political party, or a challenger to a candidate, or takes a position on a candidates, qualifications, or fitness for office. Expands the period during which certain communications are treated as electioneering communications. Prescribes disclosure requirements for corporations, labor organizations, and certain other entities, including a political committee with an account established for the purpose of accepting donations or contributions that do not comply with the contribution limits or source prohibitions under FECA (but only with respect to such accounts). Repeals the prohibition against political contributions by individuals age 17 or younger.

democracy strengthened casting light spending elections act amends federal election campaign act feca redefine term independent expenditure expenditure person taken expressly advocates election defeat clearly identified candidate functional equivalent express advocacy interpreted reasonable person advocating election defeat candidate taking account communication involved mentions candidacy political party challenger candidate takes position candidates qualifications fitness office expands period certain communications treated electioneering communications prescribes disclosure requirements corporations labor organizations certain entities including political committee account established purpose accepting donations contributions comply contribution limits source prohibitions feca respect accounts repeals prohibition political contributions individuals age younger


Summary: Reduction in Federal Advertising Budgets Act of 2012 - Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to issue a directive limiting agency expenditures for advertising in FY2013 to not more than 50% of the amount of such expenditures during FY2012.

reduction federal advertising budgets act requires director office_of_management_and_budget omb issue directive limiting agency expenditures advertising fy2013 expenditures fy2012


Summary: Louis L. Redding Fair, Accurate, Secure, and Timely Voting Act of 2012 or FAST Voting Act of 2012 - Directs the Attorney General to award grants, on a competitive basis, to enable states to: (1) invest in practices and technology designed to expedite voting at the polls, and (2) simplify voter registration. Requires the grant application to include a comprehensive and coherent plan for using funds to improve the applicant's performance on specified measures with respect to: (1) flexible registration opportunities, (2) early voting, (3) assistance to non-English speaking voters, and (4) other related matters. Requires each grantee to establish performance measures and targets, approved by the Attorney General, that track its progress in implementing its plan and expediting voting at the polls or simplifying voter registration, as applicable.

accurate secure timely voting act fast voting act directs attorney general award grants competitive basis enable states invest practices technology designed expedite voting polls simplify voter registration requires grant application include comprehensive coherent plan funds improve applicant performance specified measures respect flexible registration opportunities early voting assistance non english speaking voters related matters requires grantee establish performance measures targets approved attorney general track progress implementing plan expediting voting polls simplifying voter registration applicable


Summary: Lines Interfere with National Elections Act of 2012 or LINE Act of 2012 - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require each state to provide for the minimum required number of voting systems, poll workers, and other election resources (including all other physical resources) for each voting site on the day of any federal election and on any days during which the state allows early voting for a federal election in accordance with standards established under this Act. Directs the Attorney General, to the maximum extent practicable in coordination with the Election Assistance Commission, to issue standards for a uniform and non-discriminatory distribution of such systems, workers, and other resources, taking into account with respect to any voting site, among other factors, the voting age population, the needs and numbers of disabled voters, and voters with limited English proficiency. Requires the standards, to the extent possible, to provide for a distribution of voting systems, poll workers, and other election resources with the goal of: (1) ensuring an equal waiting time for all voters in the state, and (2) preventing a waiting time of over one hour at any polling place. Requires each jurisdiction where a substantial number of voters waited more than 90 minutes to cast a vote in the federal election held on November 6, 2012, or any federal election held after that date, to comply with a state remedial plan to minimize voter waiting times.

lines interfere national elections act line act amends help america vote act require state provide minimum required number voting systems poll workers election resources including physical resources voting site day federal election days state allows early voting federal election accordance standards established act directs attorney general maximum extent practicable coordination election_assistance_commission issue standards uniform non discriminatory distribution systems workers resources taking account respect voting site factors voting age population needs numbers disabled voters voters limited english proficiency requires standards extent possible provide distribution voting systems poll workers election resources goal ensuring equal waiting time voters state preventing waiting time hour polling place requires jurisdiction substantial number voters minutes cast vote federal election held november federal election held date comply state remedial plan minimize voter waiting times


Summary: Fair Elections Revenue Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax on payments made pursuant to a U.S. government contract to any person that is not a state or local government, a foreign nation, or a tax-exempt organization and that has contracts with the U.S. government in excess of $10 million. Sets the rate of such tax imposed on any payment to a qualified person under any such contract at 0.50% of the amount paid and limits the aggregate annual amount of tax so imposed for any calendar year to not more than $500,000. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the tax revenues raised by this Act should be used for the financing of a Fair Elections Fund and the public financing of Senate elections.

fair elections revenue act amends internal revenue code impose excise tax payments pursuant government contract person state local government foreign nation tax exempt organization contracts government excess million sets rate tax imposed payment qualified person contract paid limits aggregate annual tax imposed calendar year expresses sense senate tax revenues raised act financing fair_elections_fund public financing senate elections


Summary: Fair Elections Now Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) with respect to: (1) eligibility and qualifying contribution requirements and benefits of fair elections financing of Senate election campaigns, (2) establishment of a Fair Elections Fund, (3) eligibility for Fund allocations, (4) contribution and expenditure requirements, (5) a public debate requirement, (6) certification of whether or not a federal election candidate is a participating candidate, (7) benefits for participating candidates, (8) 500% matching payments to candidates for certain small dollar contributions, (9) political advertising vouchers, (10) establishment of a Fair Elections Oversight Board, (11) civil penalties for violation of contribution and expenditure requirements, (12) prohibition of joint fundraising committees with any political committee other than a candidate's authorized committee, and (13) an exception to a specified limitation on coordinated expenditures by political party committees with participating candidates for any expenditure from a qualified political party-participating candidate coordinated expenditure fund. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to: (1) prohibit the preemption of the use of a broadcasting station by a legally qualified Senate candidate who has purchased and paid for such use, (2) revise Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authority to revoke licenses for broadcasting stations who fail to provide access to Senate candidates, and (3) revise the formula for determining reduced broadcast rates for participating candidates in certain circumstances. Directs the FCC to initiate a rulemaking proceeding to establish a standardized form to be used by broadcasting stations to record and report the purchase of advertising time by or on behalf of a candidate for nomination for election, or for election, to federal elective office. Amends FECA to: (1) empower the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to petition the U.S. Supreme Court for a writ of certiorari to appeal a civil action; (2) require all designations, statements, and reports required to be filed under FECA to be filed directly with the FEC, and in computer-accessible electronic form; and (3) reduce from 48 to 24 hours after their receipt the deadline for the FEC to make designations, statements, reports, or notifications available to the public in the FEC office and on the Internet.

fair elections act amends federal election campaign act feca respect eligibility qualifying contribution requirements benefits fair elections financing senate election campaigns establishment fair_elections_fund eligibility fund allocations contribution expenditure requirements public debate requirement certification federal election candidate participating candidate benefits participating candidates matching payments candidates certain small dollar contributions political advertising vouchers establishment civil penalties violation contribution expenditure requirements prohibition joint fundraising committees political committee candidate authorized committee exception specified limitation coordinated expenditures political party committees participating candidates expenditure qualified political party participating candidate coordinated expenditure fund amends communications act prohibit preemption use broadcasting station legally qualified senate candidate purchased paid use revise federal_communications_commission fcc authority revoke licenses broadcasting stations fail provide access senate candidates revise formula determining reduced broadcast rates participating candidates certain circumstances directs fcc initiate rulemaking proceeding establish standardized form broadcasting stations record report purchase advertising time behalf candidate nomination election election federal elective office amends feca empower federal_election_commission fec petition writ certiorari appeal civil action require designations statements reports required filed feca filed directly fec computer accessible electronic form reduce hours receipt deadline fec designations statements reports notifications available public fec office internet