What are the rules regarding political action committees?

Political action committees (PACs) are organizations in Massachusetts that are created to aid in influencing the outcomes of election. PACs are also referred to as political committees, independent expenditure committees, and ballot question committees. PACs are responsible for raising and spending money to support and oppose candidates, political causes, and ballot questions. In Massachusetts, PACs must register with the Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF) to lawfully receive and spend funds. The registration process requires the PAC to provide the OCPF with information about its board members, activities, and finances. Once registered, the PAC must also comply with the state’s campaign finance laws that regulate how PACs can raise and spend money. In Massachusetts, PACs can only accept contributions from individuals, governmental entities, and other PACs. Corporations, labor unions, and individuals who are not registered voters of Massachusetts are prohibited from contributing to PACs. Additionally, PACs are required to disclose all of their contributions and expenditures to OCPF. PACs are also subject to laws regarding independent expenditures. Independent expenditures are expenditures that are made by the PAC to support or oppose a candidate or ballot question without coordinating with the candidate or committee. In Massachusetts, PACs are prohibited from making contributions to candidates or committees, but they are allowed to make independent expenditures on behalf of them. PACs must also disclose all independent expenditures to OCPF. Overall, PACs play an important role in the political process in Massachusetts, and they are subject to a variety of laws and regulations.

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