Senate panel OKs campaign disclosure bill

(AP) - Political candidates would have to report their campaign contributions and expenses earlier under a bill passed by a legislative panel.

The Senate Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections on Thursday approved SB125. The bill requires candidates to file campaign reports seven days before early voting begins in a primary, general or special election.

Under existing law, reports must be filed - or mailed - seven days before an election, well after early voting begins. Secretary of State Ross Miller has proposed similar reporting dates as part of an overall election reform package.

SB125 is sponsored by Republican Sen. Ben Kieckhefer of Reno. The bill now goes to the Senate floor.