Oft-fined lawmaker seeks changes

In recent years, it seems almost every meeting of the state Registry of Election Finance has Rep. Joe Towns, Dmemphis, appearing on its agenda.

Towns has been fined more than $100,000 for various reasons, including filing his campaign finance disclosures late.

This year, Towns and Akbari have introduced two bills related to campaign finance fines.

One bill, HB 1484 and SB 872, would allow candidates for public office to use donors’ money to pay for any campaign finance fines.

Another, HB 1485 and SB 873, would limit the registry’s ability to fine candidates to $1,000.