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Out-of-State PACs

A political action committee that was organized outside of Maine may be subject to the same requirements as a PAC organized under Maine law if it becomes involved elections in Maine. If an out-of-state PAC meets the qualifications for being a political action committee under Maine law, it is subject to the same registration and reporting requirements as PACs organized in-state.


An out-of-state PAC that does not meet these qualifications may still have to file a report with the Commission if it expends funds or receives contributions or makes expenditures for the purpose of influencing an election in Maine, including the collection of signatures for a direct initiative or referendum. The PAC must file with the Commission a copy of the report required under federal election law or the laws of the state in which the PAC was organized and the report must be filed with the Commission in accordance with the filing schedule of the Federal Election Commission or the state. If the contributions or expenditures are made to influence a municipal election, a copy of the report must be filed with the municipal clerk, not the Commission.

Statutory Amendment - Effective September 12, 2009

An out-of-state PAC is not required to register and file reports with the Commission or municipality if the PAC’s only financial activity in the state is making contributions to other PACs, party committees, ballot question committees, or candidates registered with the Commission or municipality and the PAC has not raised or accepted any contributions to influence an election or campaign in Maine.