[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 212 (Wednesday, November 2, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 76416-76444]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-25102]



[[Page 76415]]

Vol. 81

Wednesday,

No. 212

November 2, 2016

Part II





 Federal Election Commission





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11 CFR Parts 1, 2, 4, et al.





 Technological Modernization; Proposed Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 81 , No. 212 / Wednesday, November 2, 2016 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 76416]]


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FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION

11 CFR Parts 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 100, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 108, 
109, 110, 111, 112, 114, 116, 200, 201, 300, 9002, 9003, 9004, 
9007, 9032, 9033, 9034, 9035, 9036, 9038, and 9039

[Notice 2016-12]


Technological Modernization

AGENCY: Federal Election Commission.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: The Federal Election Commission requests comment on proposed 
changes to its regulations to address contributions and expenditures 
that are made by electronic means, such as through internet-based 
payment processors or text messaging; to eliminate and update 
references to outdated technologies; and to address similar issues. The 
Commission has not made any final decisions about the issues and 
proposals presented in this rulemaking.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before December 2, 2016. The 
Commission will determine at a later date whether to hold a public 
hearing on this proposed rule. Anyone wishing to testify at such a 
hearing must file timely written comments and must include in the 
written comments a request to testify. If a hearing is to be held, the 
Commission will publish a document in the Federal Register announcing 
the date and time of the hearing.

ADDRESSES: All comments must be in writing. Commenters are encouraged 
to submit comments electronically via the Commission's Web site at 
http://www.fec.gov/fosers, reference REG 2013-01, or by email to 
[email protected]. Alternatively, commenters may submit comments in paper 
form, addressed to the Federal Election Commission, Attn.: Neven F. 
Stipanovic, Acting Assistant General Counsel, 999 E Street NW., 
Washington, DC 20463. Each commenter must provide, at a minimum, his or 
her first name, last name, city, state, and zip code. All properly 
submitted comments, including attachments, will become part of the 
public record, and the Commission will make comments available for 
public viewing on the Commission's Web site and in the Commission's 
Public Records Office. Accordingly, commenters should not provide in 
their comments any information that they do not wish to make public, 
such as a home street address, personal email address, date of birth, 
phone number, social security number, or driver's license number, or 
any information that is restricted from disclosure, such as trade 
secrets or commercial or financial information that is privileged or 
confidential.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Neven F. Stipanovic, Acting 
Assistant General Counsel, or Ms. Jessica Selinkoff, Attorney, 999 E 
Street NW., Washington, DC 20463, (202) 694-1650 or (800) 424-9530.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Federal Election Commission is proposing 
to revise its regulations at 11 CFR chapter I to address electronic 
transactions, such as contributions made using credit cards, by text 
messages, or through internet-based payment processors. The Commission 
is also proposing regulatory revisions to facilitate electronic 
accounting, recordkeeping, reporting, and redesignation by political 
committees. Additionally, as a retrospective assessment of Commission 
regulations,\1\ the proposed revisions would eliminate or update 
references to outmoded technologies and would enable interested parties 
to communicate electronically with the Commission for certain purposes.
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    \1\ See generally, Jeffrey S. Lubbers, A Guide to Federal Agency 
Rulemaking 355-361 (5th ed. 2012) (summarizing ``lookback'' efforts 
designed to update or remove outdated or ineffective regulations); 
Adoption of Recommendations, 79 FR 75114, 75114-17 (Dec. 17, 2014) 
(Administrative Conference of the United States framework for 
agencies' retrospective reviews of their regulations); Special 
Committee to Review the Government in the Sunshine Act, 60 FR 43108, 
43109-10 (Aug. 18, 1995) (recognizing agencies' ``need to review 
regulations already adopted to ensure that they remain current, 
effective and appropriate'').
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A. Rulemaking History

    On May 2, 2013, the Commission published in the Federal Register an 
Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (``ANPRM'').\2\ In the ANPRM, the 
Commission solicited comment on topics such as whether and how it 
should revise its regulations to reflect technological advances, 
whether industry standards in processing electronic transactions would 
be relevant to any such revisions, and how political committees and 
other persons engage in electronic transactions and recordkeeping.
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    \2\ Technological Modernization, 78 FR 25635 (May 2, 2013).
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    The Commission received three substantive comments in response to 
the ANPRM.\3\ Two commenters stated that the Commission should update 
its regulations by replacing technology-specific references with 
broader criteria that are less likely to grow stale as technology 
develops. One commenter suggested that the Commission could continue 
its current practice of using advisory opinions to address specific 
technologies. The commenters also provided comments regarding specific 
regulations, as discussed in more detail below.
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    \3\ The Internal Revenue Service also submitted comments 
indicating that it sees no conflict between this rulemaking and the 
Internal Revenue Code or Treasury regulations. See 52 U.S.C. 
30111(f).
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    After reviewing these comments and engaging in additional 
deliberation, the Commission is now proposing the changes described in 
this document. The Commission seeks comment on these proposals.

B. The Growing Use of Electronic Transactions, Records, and 
Communications

    Electronic financial transactions are commonplace. According to the 
most recent triennial study conducted by the Federal Reserve System, 
``payments have become increasingly card-based,'' ``fewer checks enter 
the banking system as paper at all,'' and the ``number of noncash 
payments in the United States increased at a compound annual rate . . . 
of 4.4 percent'' from 2009 to 2012.\4\ Payments using prepaid cards 
increased at the fastest rate (15.8%) among payment types between 2009 
and 2012.\5\ In 2009, electronic payments--whether made by card (such 
as debit, credit, or prepaid) or through automated clearinghouses--
``collectively exceed[ed] three-quarters of all noncash payments'' in 
the United States.\6\ And electronic financial transactions are 
occurring not only through desktop computers or credit card networks, 
but from consumers' smartphones as well. A 2015 study of smartphone use 
showed that 64% of American adults own smartphones and that 57% of 
these people had used their smartphones in the past year for online 
banking.\7\

[[Page 76417]]

Among 18-29 year old smartphone owners, about 70% had used smartphones 
in the past year for online banking.\8\
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    \4\ Fed. Reserve Sys., 2013 Federal Reserve Payments Study: 
Recent and Long-Term Payment Trends in the United States: 2003-2012, 
at 6-7 (2013) (``2013 Study''), www.frbservices.org/files/communications/pdf/research/2013_payments_study_summary.pdf. The 
2013 Study notes that ``the growth in the number of [credit, debit, 
and prepaid] card payments was driven by the replacement of both 
cash and checks.'' Id. at 10. Moreover, even as more checks are 
being processed electronically, the total number of checks paid in 
2012 was ``less than half the number of checks that were paid in 
2003,'' for a total of only 15% of all payments in 2012. Id. at 8, 
12.
    \5\ Id. at 8.
    \6\ Fed. Reserve Sys., 2010 Federal Reserve Payments Study: 
Noncash Payment Trends in the United States: 2006-2009, at 4 (2011), 
www.frbservices.org/files/communications/pdf/press/2010_payments_study.pdf (showing similar trends from 2006-2009).
    \7\ Pew Research Ctr., U.S. Smartphone Use in 2015, at 2, 5 
(2015), available at www.pewinternet.org/files/2015/03/PI_Smartphones_0401151.pdf.
    \8\ Id. at 5-6.
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    Consistent with general payment trends, people are increasingly 
using cards and electronic methods to contribute to political 
committees. A series of studies by the Pew Research Center of the 
internet and elections from 2006 to 2012 shows that online political 
contributions have become more common since 2008 (although most 
contributions are still made in person, over the phone, or by mail).\9\ 
Among adults who donated to presidential candidates in the 2012 
election, 50% donated ``online or via email.'' \10\ As of September 
2012--only a few months after the Commission had approved the use of 
text messaging to make contributions--10% of those who made 
contributions to presidential candidates did so by ``text message from 
their cell phone or using a cell phone app.'' \11\
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    \9\ Aaron Smith, Pew Research Ctr. Internet and Am. Life 
Project, Civic Engagement in the Digital Age 24 (2013), 
www.pewinternet.org/files/old-media//Files/Reports/2013/PIP_CivicEngagementintheDigitalAge.pdf (finding that, of 16% of 
Americans who had made political contribution in 2012, 23% had done 
so only over internet, while 60% had done so only offline); see also 
Aaron Smith, Pew Research Ctr. Internet and Am. Life Project, The 
Internet and Campaign 2010, at 21 (2011), www.pewinternet.org/~/
media//Files/Reports/2011/Internet%20and%20Campaign%202010.pdf 
(finding that online contributions increased from three percent in 
2006 mid-term elections to four percent in 2010); Aaron Smith, Pew 
Internet and Am. Life Project, The Internet's Role in Campaign 2008, 
at 38-39 (2009), www.pewinternet.org/~/media//Files/Reports/2009/
The_Internets_Role_in_Campaign_2008.pdf (showing that nine percent 
made online contributions).
    \10\ Aaron Smith & Maeve Duggan, Pew Research Ctr. Internet and 
Am. Life Project, Presidential Campaign Donations in the Digital Age 
2 (2012), www.pewinternet.org/~/media/Files/Reports/2012/
PIP_State_of_the_2012_race_donations.pdf (finding that 67% 
contributed in person, over telephone, or through mail); see also 
Republican Nat'l Comm., Growth & Opportunity Project 58 (2013), 
http://goproject.gop.com/rnc_growth_opportunity_book_2013.pdf 
(noting that, in 2012, ``email raised more than twice the percentage 
of total funds it raised in 2008'').
    \11\ Smith & Duggan, supra note 10, at 2.
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    Coinciding with the increased use of electronic payments is the 
regular use of electronic records, including transactional records, and 
electronic communications. A Government Accounting Office report on the 
U.S. Postal Service in 2013 found that the postal service faces 
significant decreases in mail volume--the volume of first-class mail 
has declined 33 percent since 2001 and the volume of standard mail 
(primarily advertising) has declined 23 percent since 2007--``as online 
communication and e-commerce expand.'' \12\ The report noted that 
``many businesses and consumers have moved to electronic payments over 
the past decade in lieu of using the mail to pay bills,'' with fewer 
than 50% of all bills paid by paper mail in 2010.\13\
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    \12\ See U.S. Gov't Accountability Office, GAO-13-562T, U.S. 
Postal Service: Urgent Action Needed to Achieve Financial 
Sustainability 2-3 (2013), www.gao.gov/assets/660/653841.pdf. But 
see Lisa Rein, Federal Government Still Depends Heavily on Snail 
Mail, Wash. Post, June 5, 2011, www.washingtonpost.com/politics/federal-government-still-depends-heavily-on-snail-mail/2011/06/05/AGIA8hJH_story.html (describing increase in government use of first-
class mail); Republican Nat'l Comm., Growth & Opportunity Project 59 
(2013) (noting continuing relevance of direct mail in political 
fundraising as it ``raised twice as much as the web'' for Republican 
Party in 2012 presidential election).
    \13\ See U.S. Gov't Accountability Office, supra note 12, at 3 
(attributing decrease in paper mail to increase in ``competition 
from electronic alternatives'').
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    The public is moving from paper to electronic methods in terms of 
obtaining government information as well. A 2015 study showed that 40% 
of smartphone owners had looked up government services or information 
from their phones in the past year.\14\ At the same time, the federal 
government has also been transitioning to electronic records 
management. A 2011 Presidential Memorandum directed towards records 
management reform noted that ``[d]ecades of technological advances have 
transformed agency operations, creating challenges and opportunities 
for agency records management. Greater reliance on electronic 
communication and systems has radically increased the volume and 
diversity of information that agencies must manage.'' \15\ Indeed, a 
bipartisan congressional group noted in 2014 that the ``acceptance of 
electronic documents has become a cornerstone of internet commerce and 
is vital to our country's economy'' and urged federal government 
adoption of tools, such as electronic signatures, which ``have reduced 
paper burdens for consumers and streamlined business operations 
throughout the United States, providing remarkable consumer gains in 
terms of convenience, ease of use, transaction speed and reduced 
costs.'' \16\
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    \14\ Pew Research Ctr., U.S. Smartphone Use in 2015, at 5 
(2015), www.pewinternet.org/files/2015/03/PI_Smartphones_0401151.pdf.
    \15\ Presidential Memorandum, Managing Government Records, 76 FR 
75423, 75423 (Dec. 1, 2011); see also Office of Mgmt. & Budget & 
Nat'l Archives and Records Admin., M-12-18, Managing Government 
Records Directive (2012), www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/memoranda/2012/m-12-18.pdf (setting goals and steps for federal 
agencies to eliminate paper and use electronic recordkeeping).
    \16\ Julian Hattem, Lawmakers Want More E-signatures, The Hill, 
July 14, 2014, http://www.thehill.com/policy/technology/212170-lawmakers-want-more-e-signatures.
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    In recent years, the Commission has recognized this trend towards 
electronic records and communication by establishing nonregulatory 
procedures for the public to electronically submit Freedom of 
Information Act (``FOIA'') requests, comments on rulemakings, and 
comments on draft advisory opinions.\17\
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    \17\ See, e.g., FEC, Freedom of Information Act, www.fec.gov/press/foia.shtml#search=FOIA (last visited Oct. 5, 2016); FEC, 
Procedures Regarding Draft Advisory Opinions, www.fec.gov/law/draftaos.shtml (last visited Oct. 5, 2016); FEC, Submit Comments on 
Ongoing Rulemakings, sers.fec.gov/fosers (last visited Oct. 4, 
2016).
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    The statutes that the Commission is charged with implementing--the 
Presidential Election Campaign Fund Act, 26 U.S.C. 9001-13, and the 
Presidential Primary Matching Payment Account Act, 26 U.S.C. 9031-42 
(collectively, the ``Funding Acts''), and the Federal Election Campaign 
Act, 52 U.S.C. 30101-46 (``FECA'')--largely predate this technological 
evolution, as do many of the Commission's regulations. For example, 
these statutes and regulations generally contemplate contributions and 
disbursements being made only by cash, check, or ``draft,'' without 
taking into account electronic transactions, records, or 
communications. Thus, to implement FECA and the Funding Acts in a 
manner that accounts for the increased use of and reliance on newer 
technologies, the Commission is considering updates to its regulations, 
as described below.

C. Proposed General Definitions

    Many of the Commission's current regulations do not account for 
technological developments in the creation, maintenance, and submission 
of electronic documentation, particularly in the context of electronic 
transactions. The Commission therefore proposes to revise its 
regulations to encompass electronic documents and transactions. 
Specifically, the Commission proposes to add new general definitions to 
11 CFR part 100--for the terms ``record,'' ``written, writing, and a 
writing,'' and ``signature and signed''--and to revise the existing 
definition of ``file, filed, and filing'' at 11 CFR 100.19. The 
Commission intends each of these definitions to apply to all 
regulations implementing FECA and the Funding Acts in 11 CFR chapter 1, 
subchapters A-F (parts 100 through 300 and 9000 through 9042).\18\

[[Page 76418]]

These new and revised definitions are designed to be broad enough to 
encompass both traditional (paper) and electronic documents and 
flexible enough to remain relevant as new forms of electronic 
documentation emerge in the future.
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    \18\ See 11 CFR 9001.1 (applying definitions in part 100 to 
public finance regulations unless expressly stated otherwise), 
9031.1 (same). The proposed part 100 definitions would not apply to 
the administrative regulations in parts 1-8 (such as those 
implementing the Privacy Act or FOIA), which generally have their 
own definition sections because they implement different statutes 
than the regulations in the remainder of 11 CFR chapter 1.
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1. New Definition of ``Record''--Proposed 11 CFR 100.34

    FECA requires each political committee to ``keep an account of'' 
its contributions and disbursements and to maintain and preserve 
certain records.\19\ The Funding Acts similarly require that certain 
records be kept, and furnished to the Commission on request.\20\ The 
Commission's regulations implementing these requirements refer to 
``record(s)'' almost 150 times, but few such references that include 
definitions or specific examples refer to electronic documentation.\21\ 
The Commission has therefore received numerous requests for guidance 
regarding how its recordkeeping provisions apply to electronic 
records.\22\
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    \19\ See 52 U.S.C. 30102(c), (d), (h)(2), (i); see also 52 
U.S.C. 30104(i)(8)(A)(ii) (including in definition of ``bundled 
contribution'' contributions received and credited through 
``records,'' among other methods).
    \20\ See 26 U.S.C. 9003(a)(2), 9012(d)(1)(B), 9033(a)(2), 
9042(c)(1)(B); see also 26 U.S.C. 9009(b) (authorizing Commission to 
require keeping and submission of records), 9039(b) (same).
    \21\ See, e.g., 11 CFR 102.9(b)(2) (requiring records such as 
canceled checks, receipts, and carbon copies for disbursements over 
$200), 102.9(d) (addressing best efforts to obtain ``receipts, 
invoices, and cancelled checks''); but see 11 CFR 102.9(a)(4) 
(requiring photocopy of each check or written instrument or digital 
image of each check or written instrument), 104.22(a)(6)(ii)(A) 
(defining ``record'' for lobbyist bundling purposes to include 
electronic records).
    \22\ See, e.g., Advisory Opinion 1995-09 (NewtWatch PAC) 
(approving proposal to maintain records supporting electronic fund 
transfers); Advisory Opinion 1993-04 (Christopher Cox Congressional 
Committee); Advisory Opinion 1994-40 (Alliance for American 
Leadership); see also FEC, Campaign Guide: Congressional Candidates 
and Committees 76 (2014), www.fec.gov/pdf/candgui.pdf (describing 
recordkeeping for credit card disbursements).
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    The Commission now proposes to add a general definition of 
``record'' at 11 CFR 100.34 that would expressly include both paper and 
electronic records. Proposed 11 CFR 100.34 has two components.
    First, Sec.  100.34(a) would define ``record'' broadly, as 
``information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored 
in an electronic or other medium from which the information can be 
retrieved and reviewed in visual or aural form.'' The definition draws 
on several sources that describe a variety of paper and electronic 
records. These sources include Black's Law Dictionary,\23\ the Federal 
Rules of Evidence,\24\ Federal Rules of Civil Procedure,\25\ the 
Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (also known 
as the E-Sign Act),\26\ and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act 
(``UETA'').\27\ The proposed definition uses the term ``information'' 
(as do the Black's Law Dictionary, E-Sign Act, and UETA definitions of 
``record'') rather than more specific examples of the forms in which 
information may be presented (such as memoranda, reports, and other 
examples used in the Federal Rules of Evidence and Federal Rules of 
Civil Procedure definitions of ``record''). By proposing to use this 
broader term, the Commission intends the definition to be flexible 
enough to encompass any new forms of memorializing information that may 
arise as new documentation technologies emerge.
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    \23\ See Record, Black's Law Dictionary (10th ed. 2014) 
(``record'' is ``[i]nformation that is inscribed on a tangible 
medium or that, having been stored in an electronic or other medium, 
is retrievable in perceivable form'' (citing UCC 1-201(b)(31)).
    \24\ See Fed. R. Evid. 101(b)(4) (``record'' includes ``a 
memorandum, report, or data compilation''), 1001(b) (`` `recording' 
consists of letters, words, numbers, or their equivalent recorded in 
any manner''), 1001(d) (``original'' recording is ``recording itself 
or any counterpart intended to have the same effect by the person 
who executed or issued it. For electronically stored information, 
`original' means any printout -- or other output readable by sight 
-- if it accurately reflects the information.'').
    \25\ See Fed. R. Civ. P. 34(a)(1)(A) (party may serve discovery 
of ``any designated documents or electronically stored information--
including writings, drawings, graphics, charts, photographs, sound 
recordings, images, and other data or data compilation--stored in 
any medium from which information can be obtained directly or, if 
necessary, after translation by the responding party into a 
reasonably usable form'').
    \26\ See 15 U.S.C. 7006(9) (``record'' is ``information that is 
inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or 
other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form''), 7006(4) 
(``electronic record'' is record ``created, generated, sent, 
communicated, received, or stored by electronic means'').
    \27\ See Unif. Elec. Transactions Act 2(7) (Nat'l Conference of 
Comm'rs on Unif. State Laws 1999), www.uniformlaws.org/shared/docs/electronic%20transactions/ueta_final_99.pdf (``electronic record'' 
is ``record created, generated, sent, communicated, received, or 
stored by electronic means''), 2(13) (``record'' is ``information 
that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an 
electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable 
form''); see also id. at 2(5) (`` `Electronic' means relating to 
technology having electrical, digital, magnetic, wireless, optical, 
electromagnetic, or similar capabilities''). The UETA is a model law 
developed by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform 
State Laws. It has been adopted in 47 states and the District of 
Columbia.
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    Similarly, the Commission intends the definition of ``record'' to 
be flexible with respect to the media in which information may be 
memorialized. Thus, the Commission proposes to include in the 
definition information that is ``inscribed on a tangible medium'' or 
``stored in an electronic or other medium.'' Similar language is used 
in the Black's Law Dictionary, E-Sign Act, UETA, and Federal Rules of 
Civil Procedure definitions of ``record.'' By including information 
stored in electronic ``or other'' media, the Commission intends the 
definition of ``record'' to be broad and flexible enough to address any 
new forms of media on which information may be stored as technology 
develops.
    The Commission proposes to require any information stored on 
``electronic or other'' (non-tangible) media to be retrievable and 
reviewable in visual or aural form. Most of the source definitions 
noted above similarly require information to be both retrievable and 
perceivable. The Commission proposes to require information to be 
retrievable in ``visual or aural'' form so that the Commission can 
review the record and, when appropriate, make it available to the 
public. In essence, therefore, the Commission intends the definition to 
enable any person to comply with the Commission's recordkeeping 
regulations through the use of tangible or intangible media, so long as 
the information stored in such records can be retrieved and reviewed.
    The Commission seeks comment on the proposed definition of 
``record.'' Is it too narrow or too broad? Would the proposed 
definition benefit from providing specific examples of ``records''? If 
so, what examples should the Commission add?
    Second, proposed 11 CFR 100.34(b) requires any person who provides 
an electronic (or otherwise non-tangible) record to the Commission to 
provide the equipment and software needed to retrieve and review the 
information in the record, upon request by, and at no cost to, the 
Commission. The proposed regulation specifies that the Commission may 
request such equipment and software when the Commission is unable to 
review the record using the Commission's existing equipment and 
software. A comparable requirement currently appears in 11 CFR 
102.9(a)(4)(ii) for political committees that maintain digital images 
of checks or written instruments for contributions exceeding $50 and in 
11 CFR 9036.2(b)(1)(vi) for publicly funded candidates submitting 
certain digital images. If the Commission adopts proposed Sec.  
100.34(b), it would remove

[[Page 76419]]

the separate requirements in 11 CFR 102.9(a)(4)(ii) and 
9036.2(b)(1)(vi).\28\
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    \28\ The Commission does not propose to remove or amend general 
requirements in the Funding Act regulations that political 
committees and other persons provide documentation (including user 
guides, technical manuals, formats, and layouts) and personnel, as 
necessary, to explain the capabilities of software produced to the 
Commission. See, e.g., 11 CFR 9003.1(b)(4), 9003.6(c), 9033.1(b)(5), 
9033.12(c). These more extensive requirements remain necessary in 
the context of the mandatory audits of committees that receive 
public funds.
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    In conjunction with the proposed definition, the Commission 
proposes to make conforming amendments to a number of regulations.
    First, the Commission proposes to make conforming changes by 
replacing references to ``copy,'' ``journal,'' ``document,'' or 
``documentation'' with references to ``record'' in the following 
provisions: 11 CFR 100.82(e)(1)(i) (recordkeeping for bank loans), 
100.82(e)(2)(ii) (same), 100.93(j)(1) through (3) (recordkeeping 
requirement for travel by aircraft and other conveyances), 
100.142(e)(1)(i) (recordkeeping for bank loans), 100.142(e)(2)(ii) 
(same), 102.9(b)(2)(i)(B) and (b)(2)(ii) (recordkeeping for 
disbursements), 102.9(f) (recordkeeping requirements for designations, 
redesignations, attributions, and dates of contributions), 102.11 
(written journal of disbursements from petty cash funds), 104.10(a)(4) 
(recordkeeping requirement in support of allocation), 104.10(b)(5) 
(same), 104.14(b)(4)(iv) and (v) (recordkeeping requirement for loan 
repayments), 104.17(a)(4) (recordkeeping requirement in support of 
allocation), 104.17(b)(4) (same), 106.2(a)(1) (same), 106.2(b)(2)(ii) 
(same), 106.2(b)(2)(v) (same), 110.1(l)(1) (recordkeeping for 
designations of contributions), 110.1(l)(4)(i) (recordkeeping for date 
contribution made, redesignation, and reattribution), 110.1(l)(6) 
(same), 111.4(d)(4) (enforcement complaints), 111.12(a) and (b) 
(subpoenas duces tecum in the enforcement process),\29\ 111.15(c) 
(agreements regarding production of documents), 111.35(e) (submissions 
challenging administrative fines), 111.36(b) through (e) (same), 
114.8(d)(2) and (3) (trade association solicitation approvals), 
9003.1(b)(2) through (5) (conditions for public funding eligibility), 
9003.5 (recordkeeping for disbursements), 9003.5(b), (b)(1)(ii)(A) and 
(B), (b)(1)(iii) and (iv), (b)(4), and (c) (same), 9003.6(c) 
(production of computer information), 9004.7(b)(5)(iv) and (v) 
(recordkeeping for payments for accommodations and travel), 
9004.9(d)(1)(i) and (e) (determining assets of publicly funded 
committees), 9007.1(b)(1)(iv) and (c)(2) (audits of publicly funded 
committees), 9033.1(b)(2) through (6) (conditions for public funding 
eligibility), 9033.2(c) (matching fund submissions), 9033.11 
(recordkeeping for disbursements), 9033.11(b), (b)(1)(ii)(A) and (B), 
(b)(1)(iii) and (iv), (b)(4), and (c) (same), 9033.12(c) (production of 
computer information), 9034.2(c)(1)(iii) (recordkeeping for attribution 
of contributions), 9034.5(c)(1) and (d) (reporting debts), 
9034.7(b)(5)(iv) and (v) (same), 9034.8(b)(4) (joint fundraising 
recordkeeping), 9035.1(c)(3) (publicly funded committee expenditure 
limitation compliance), 9036.1(b)(3), (4), and (7) (matching fund 
submissions), 9036.2(b)(1)(vi) and (vii) (same), 9036.3(b), (b)(4), and 
(d) (same), 9036.4(b)(4) (same), 9036.5(c)(1) (matching fund 
resubmissions), 9038.1(b)(1)(iv) and (c)(2) (audits of publicly funded 
committees), 9038.2(b)(3) (matching fund repayments), 9039.2(a)(3) and 
(b) (continuing review of publicly funded committees), and 
9039.3(b)(2)(vi) (subpoenas). The Commission proposes to refer to the 
defined term ``record'' in these provisions to increase consistency in 
the regulatory terminology. Moreover, by changing these provisions' 
references from ``copy,'' ``document,'' and ``journal'' to ``record,'' 
the Commission intends to avoid the implication that these provisions 
are intended to refer only to paper materials or to mean something 
other than what is meant by ``record.'' The Commission seeks comment on 
whether these proposed conforming amendments will enhance the clarity 
of the amended regulations. In addition, are there other Commission 
regulations that should be revised to incorporate the defined term 
``record'' in lieu of another term? \30\
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    \29\ The proposed revisions to 11 CFR 111.12(a) and 111.15(c) 
would render these provisions consistent with the equivalent 
provisions of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which were 
amended in 2006 to explicitly include ``electronically stored 
information'' within the scope of material subject to document 
requests and subpoenas. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 34(a)(1)(A), 
45(a)(1)(A)(iii).
    \30\ The Commission is also proposing to replace the term 
``document'' in certain regulations with ``writing,'' as discussed 
below. The Commission is not proposing to revise the terms ``copy,'' 
``documentation,'' and ``document'' when they are used as terms of 
art or as verbs or when they intentionally refer to paper. See, 
e.g., 11 CFR 100.134(e)(1)-(3) (``organizational documents'' of 
membership organizations), 102.9(b)(2) (specifying how disbursements 
``shall be documented''), 4.1(j) (including ``paper copy'' in 
definition of ``duplication'' under FOIA).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Second, the Commission proposes to replace the regulatory 
requirements that a committee receiving a check or other written 
instrument designated for a specific election must retain ``a full-size 
photocopy of the check or written instrument.'' 11 CFR 110.1(l)(1) and 
(l)(4)(ii); see also 11 CFR 9036.1(b)(5) and (6) (referring to records 
that include ``full-size photocopy'' of contribution checks). 
Recognizing that such records may reasonably be retained in forms other 
than ``a full-size photocopy,'' the Commission proposes to amend 11 CFR 
110.1(l)(1) and (l)(4)(ii) and 9036.1(b)(5) and (6) to require 
maintenance or submission, as appropriate, of a ``record'' that 
contains a complete image of that instrument. Are there other 
Commission regulations that similarly incorporate unnecessarily narrow 
record formats and should be expanded to include electronic records?
    The Commission does not propose to revise the references to ``full-
size photocopies'' in 11 CFR 9036.1(b)(3) because that section already 
provides two procedures for submission of records: one for paper 
records and another for digital records. The Commission welcomes 
comment on whether it should simplify Sec.  9036.1(b)(3) to provide 
only one procedure applicable to all records.
    Finally, the Commission proposes to make conforming revisions to 
two provisions that describe the administrative record in public 
finance matters. The Commission proposes to add ``records'' to the 
lists of materials that comprise the administrative record for final 
determinations in Sec. Sec.  9007.7(a) and 9038.7(a).
    What additional conforming amendments should the Commission make in 
conjunction with the proposed definition of ``record''? For example, 
the Commission defines ``records'' for purposes of the lobbyist 
bundling rule in 11 CFR 104.22(a)(6)(ii)(A) as ``written evidence 
(including writings, charts, computer files, tables, spreadsheets, 
databases, or other data or data compilations stored in any medium from 
which information can be obtained) that the reporting committee or 
candidate involved attributes to a lobbyist/registrant.'' Should the 
Commission amend this or other provisions in light of the proposed 
definition of ``record''?

2. New Definitions of ``Writing'' and ``Written''--Proposed 11 CFR 
100.35

    FECA requires certain reports, statements, and other materials to 
be ``written'' or ``in writing.'' \31\ The

[[Page 76420]]

Funding Acts have similar ``writing'' and ``written'' requirements.\32\ 
In the Commission's regulations, the terms ``written'' and ``writing'' 
(or forms of these words) appear more than 200 times, usually without 
definition or example.\33\ The Commission has, however, interpreted at 
least one of these regulations to encompass certain categories of 
electronic documents.\34\
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    \31\ See, e.g., 52 U.S.C. 30101(8)(B)(vii)(II) (instrument for 
loans), 30101(9)(A)(ii) (contract to make expenditure), 30102(e)(1) 
(designation of committee), 30103(d)(1) (termination statement), 
30104(a)(6)(A) (48-hour notice), 30108(a) (advisory opinion requests 
and advisory opinions), 30109(a)(1) (enforcement complaints), 
30109(a)(12)(A) (confidentiality waiver), 30118(b)(4)(B) (semiannual 
solicitations); see also 52 U.S.C. 30107(a)(1) (Commission authority 
to require reports), 30124(a) (fraudulent misrepresentation).
    \32\ See, e.g., 26 U.S.C. 9002(1) (authorization of committee), 
9003(a) (agreement for eligibility for payment), 9032(1) 
(authorization of committee), 9032(9) (person authorized to incur 
expense), 9033(a) (agreement for eligibility for payment), 9034(a) 
(written instrument as contribution); see also 26 U.S.C. 9009(b) 
(Commission's authority to require the keeping and submission of 
records), 9039(b) (same).
    \33\ See, e.g., 11 CFR 102.7(c) (treasurer's authorization), 
109.33(a) (assignments), 110.1(b) (redesignation of contribution), 
9003.3(a)(1)(i)(C) (designations to GELAC), 9007.2(c) (disputing 
determinations).
    \34\ See, e.g., Electronic Contributor Redesignations, 76 FR 
16233 (Mar. 23, 2011) (noting internet-based redesignation method 
that Commission found to be ``in writing and be signed by the 
contributor'' as required by 11 CFR 110.1(b)(5) and 110.2(b)(5)).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    To clarify that ``written'' material or material ``in writing'' can 
be either tangible or electronic, the Commission is proposing to add a 
new general definition at 11 CFR 100.35.\35\ The proposed definition 
would essentially replicate Rule 1001(a) of the Federal Rules of 
Evidence by defining the terms ``written,'' ``in writing,'' and ``a 
writing'' to mean ``consisting of letters, words, numbers, or their 
equivalent set down in any medium or form, including paper, email or 
other electronic message, computer file, or digital storage device.'' 
\36\ In this proposed definition, the Commission intends ``writing'' 
and ``written'' to be broad enough to encompass not only letters and 
words, but also their equivalent--such as images or graphics (e.g., 
emojis) used in lieu of text--that may arise as new forms of electronic 
writing emerge in the future.\37\ As in the definition of ``record,'' 
the Commission proposes that ``writing'' may be set down in any medium 
or form, including electronic. The examples in the proposed definition 
are drawn from examples in the Black's Law Dictionary definition of 
``writing'' and include those media that the Commission believes are 
most likely to be used by political committees. However, the examples 
are intended to be illustrative and not an exhaustive list.
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    \35\ Some Commission regulations that require a document to be 
``in writing'' or ``written'' also require the document to be 
signed. The Commission is proposing a new definition of ``signed,'' 
below.
    \36\ See Fed. R. Evid. 1001(a) (`` `writing' consists of 
letters, words, numbers, or their equivalent set down in any 
form''). The Federal Rules of Evidence separately clarify that ``a 
reference to any kind of written material or any other medium 
includes electronically stored information.'' Fed. R. Evid. 
101(b)(6).
    \37\ See Elahe Izadi, The Word of the Year Is Not Actually a 
Word. It's this Emoji: [heart emoji], Wash. Post, Dec. 29, 2014, 
www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-intersect/wp/2014/12/29/the-word-of-the-year-is-not-actually-a-word-its-this-emoji (noting that 2014's 
annual survey resulted in graphic symbol as most frequently used 
English ``word'' on internet).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Commission seeks comment on the proposed definition. Is the 
definition broad enough to encompass writings in various media, while 
also specific enough to provide meaningful guidance? Is any part of the 
definition unnecessary or potentially problematic? Are the examples of 
``medi[a] and form[s]'' helpful? Would the proposed definition benefit 
from different or additional examples? Should the Commission 
specifically require that a writing be reviewable \38\ and/or 
reproducible,\39\ or would that requirement be adequately encompassed 
by the proposed definition of ``record,'' as discussed above?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \38\ See Writing, Black's Law Dictionary (10th ed. 2014) 
(defining ``writing'' as any ``intentional recording of words . . . 
that may be viewed or heard with or without mechanical aids. This 
includes hard-copy documents, electronic documents on computer 
media, audio and videotapes, emails, and any other media on which 
words can be recorded.'').
    \39\ See 15 U.S.C. 7001(e) (providing that if statute or 
regulation requires certain records to ``be in writing, the legal 
effect, validity, or enforceability of an electronic record of such 
. . . record may be denied if such electronic record is not in a 
form that is capable of being retained and accurately reproduced for 
later reference'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In conjunction with the proposed definition, the Commission 
proposes to make conforming changes to a number of regulations, as 
described below.
    First, the Commission proposes to amend three regulations that 
refer to ``electronic mail'' as a ``written method'' of notification by 
which a political committee may notify a contributor that the committee 
has redesignated or reattributed a contribution. See 11 CFR 
110.1(b)(5)(ii)(B)(6) (notification of redesignation), 
110.1(b)(5)(ii)(C)(7) (same), 110.1(k)(3)(ii)(B)(3) (notification of 
reattribution). These references to ``electronic mail'' will be 
redundant if the Commission adopts the proposed new definition of 
``written.'' Furthermore, the continued inclusion of these references 
might cause confusion regarding whether other Commission regulations 
that address ``written'' material without specifically mentioning 
``electronic mail'' implicitly exclude email. To avoid such redundancy 
and confusion, the Commission proposes to remove these three references 
to electronic mail.
    Second, the Commission proposes to make conforming changes 
regarding notifications, reports, and other communications that, under 
existing regulations, must be made by ``letter.'' In light of the 
proposed broad definition of ``writing,'' and to avoid an implication 
that the communications described in those provisions must be on paper, 
the Commission proposes to replace each reference to ``letter'' with 
``writing'' in the following provisions: 11 CFR 100.3(a)(3) (candidate 
disavowal), 110.6(c)(1)(v) (conduit reporting), 111.9(a) and (b) 
(Commission notification of reason to believe finding), 111.17(a) and 
(b) (Commission notification of probable cause finding), 111.18(d) 
(respondent notification of desire to negotiate conciliation), 
111.37(a) and (b) (Commission notification of administrative fine 
determination), 111.40(a) (same), 116.8(b) (creditor notification of 
intent to forgive debt), 9003.1(a)(1) (candidate agreement to comply 
with public funding conditions), 9032.2(d) (candidate disavowal), 
9033.1(b)(8) (submission of information changes by publicly funded 
candidates), and 9033.5(a)(2) (publicly funded candidate notice of 
inactivity).
    Similarly, the Commission proposes to revise several references to 
``letters'' or ``mailings'' by replacing them with references to the 
type of information contained therein, such as ``certification,'' 
``report,'' ``notice,'' or ``agreement.'' For example, 11 CFR 9003.2(d) 
currently states: ``Major party candidates shall submit the 
certifications required under 11 CFR 9003.2 in a letter which shall be 
signed and submitted within 14 days after receiving the party's 
nomination for election,'' and the provision makes several additional 
references to ``such letter.'' The Commission proposes to revise Sec.  
9003.2(d) to read: ``Major party candidates shall sign and submit the 
certifications required under 11 CFR 9003.2 within 14 days after 
receiving the party's nomination for election,'' and to replace further 
references to ``such letter'' with the phrase ``such certification.'' 
The Commission proposes to similarly replace each reference to 
``letter'' or ``mailing'' in the following provisions: 11 CFR 
110.6(c)(1)(ii) (conduit reporting), 111.6(a) (response to complaint in 
enforcement action), 111.23(a) and (b) (respondent notification of 
legal representation), 114.8 (trade

[[Page 76421]]

association's solicitation), 116.8(b) (creditor notification of intent 
to forgive debt), 200.3(a)(2) (Commission solicitation of comments from 
Commissioner of Internal Revenue on rulemaking petition), 200.3(a)(3) 
(Commission notification to rulemaking petitioner), 200.4(b) (same), 
201.3(b)(1) (candidate submissions under public funding rules), 
201.3(b)(2)(i) (Commission notifications under public funding rules), 
9003.1(a)(2) (candidate agreement to comply with public funding 
conditions), 9033.1(a)(1) (candidate agreement to comply with public 
funding conditions), and 9033.2(a)(1) (publicly funded candidate 
certification).
    The Commission is also proposing to revise some uses of ``letter'' 
in regulations to which the proposed definition of ``writing'' would 
not apply. See supra note 18. Specifically, the Commission proposes the 
following revisions to its public disclosure and Rehabilitation Act 
regulations: (1) Replace ``Letter requests'' with ``Requests'' in 11 
CFR 5.4(a)(5) (describing types of public disclosure records); (2) 
replace the reference to ``a letter containing'' certain Rehabilitation 
Act notifications with a requirement for the notifications to be ``in 
writing,'' 11 CFR 6.170(g); and (3) conform Sec.  6.170(h) to the 
forgoing change by replacing that section's reference to ``the letter'' 
required by Sec.  6.170(g) with ``the notification.''
    Third, the Commission is proposing to replace the terms ``written 
document'' and ``written documentation'' with ``writing'' in 11 CFR 
100.29(b)(6)(ii)(A) and 9034.2(c)(1)(i).
    Finally, the Commission proposes conforming changes to account for 
the fact that the new general definition of ``written'' may create 
confusion when applied to the use of that term in 11 CFR 300.64(c)(3). 
Section 300.64(c)(3) provides that certain ``written'' material must 
satisfy the disclaimer requirements of 11 CFR 110.11(c)(2). Section 
110.11, however, sets forth requirements such as font size and display 
type--requirements that, both on their face and under the explicit 
terms of the regulation, apply only to ``printed'' material.\40\ See 11 
CFR 110.11(c)(2). Thus, to avoid suggesting that the proposed new 
definition of ``written'' would alter the substantive application of 
Sec.  300.64, the Commission proposes to conform that section to Sec.  
110.11 by replacing the word ``written'' with ``printed'' in Sec.  
300.64(c)(3)(ii) and (iii) and removing the word ``written'' from Sec.  
300.64(c)(3)(v).
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    \40\ Most issues concerning the disclaimer requirements for 
electronic communications, such as the treatment of electronic 
materials as ``printed,'' are outside the scope of this rulemaking. 
They may be addressed in a separate rulemaking. See Internet 
Communication Disclaimers, 76 FR 63567 (Oct. 13, 2011); see also 
infra note 106. To review and comment on documents on that subject, 
visit www.fec.gov/fosers, reference REG 2011-02.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Commission seeks comment on the conforming changes proposed 
above.\41\ Should the Commission make additional conforming amendments 
if it adopts the new definition?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \41\ The Commission is not proposing to make conforming changes 
to the regulations regarding publicly funded nominating conventions, 
11 CFR part 9008, because these regulations may be the subject of a 
separate rulemaking. See Press Release, FEC Issues Interim Reporting 
Guidance for National Party Committee Accounts, (Feb. 13, 2015), 
www.fec.gov/press/press2015/news_releases/20150213release.shtml; see 
also Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015, 
Public Law 113-235, 128 Stat. 2130, 2772 (2014) (amending FECA with 
respect to national party convention funding); Gabriella Miller Kids 
First Research Act, Public Law 113-94, 128 Stat. 1085 (2014) 
(amending Funding Acts with respect to national party convention 
funding). To review and comment on documents on that subject, visit 
http://www.fec.gov/fosers, reference REG 2014-10.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Commission also seeks comment on whether any existing 
regulatory references to ``written,'' ``in writing,'' or ``a writing'' 
should be excluded from the proposed new definition. For example, 
several Commission regulations use the term ``written instrument'' to 
mean a check, money order, or negotiable instrument. The Commission 
believes that ``written instrument'' is generally understood to be a 
term of art, such that it would not be affected by a new definition of 
``written,'' but should the new definition of ``written'' nonetheless 
expressly exclude the term ``written instrument''? \42\ Are there other 
uses of ``written'' in the Commission's regulations that should be 
excluded or defined separately from the proposed new general 
definition?
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    \42\ See 11 CFR 102.9(a)(4)(i)-(ii), 104.8(d)(1), 
110.1(k)(3)(ii)(B)(1), 110.1(l)(1), 110.1(l)(4)(ii), 110.6(c)(1)(v), 
110.20(a)(5)(iii), 9034.2(a)(1), 9034.2(a)(4), 9034.2(b), 9034.2(c), 
9034.3(c), 9034.9(c)(7)(iv), 9036.1(b)(3), 9036.2(b)(1)(vi), 
9036.3(b)(1)-(3), 9036.3(c)(3), 9036.5(c)(1).
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3. New Definition of ``Signature'' and ``Electronic Signature''--
Proposed 11 CFR 100.36

    FECA and the Funding Acts require certain documents to be 
signed,\43\ sworn, notarized, submitted under oath, or certified under 
penalty of perjury.\44\ In Commission regulations, the terms ``sign,'' 
``signed,'' and ``signature'' (and variants thereof) appear more than 
50 times. Only some of these references provide for electronic 
signatures,\45\ although the Commission has interpreted at least one of 
the regulations that does not so provide to nonetheless allow certain 
electronic signatures.\46\ Similarly, only some of the Commission 
regulations requiring certification under penalty of perjury provide 
for electronic certifications.\47\
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    \43\ See 52 U.S.C. 30109(a)(1) (enforcement complaints), 
30109(a)(4)(B)(ii) (conciliation agreements); see also 52 U.S.C. 
30104(a)(1) (reports), 30104(a)(11)(C) (requiring Commission to 
provide method other than signature for verification of 
electronically filed reports), 30104(d)(3) (same).
    \44\ See 52 U.S.C. 30104(b)(6)(B)(iii) (independent expenditure 
reports), 30104(c)(2)(B) (same), 30104(f)(2) (electioneering 
communication reports), 30107(a)(1) (reports and answers), 
30109(a)(1) (enforcement complaints), 26 U.S.C. 9003(b)-(c) (payment 
eligibility), 9004(d) (personal fund expenditures); see also 52 
U.S.C. 30104(a)(11)(C) (requiring Commission to provide method for 
perjury certifications for electronically filed reports), 
30104(d)(3) (same).
    \45\ See, e.g., 11 CFR 104.18(g) (providing for electronic 
signatures for reports), 111.4(b)(2) (complaints), 111.23(a) 
(designation of counsel), 300.37(d) (certifications by certain tax-
exempt organizations), 9034.2(c) (allowing for alternative 
signatures for contributors over the internet).
    \46\ See, e.g., Electronic Contributor Redesignations, 76 FR 
16233; see also Advisory Opinion 2013-12 (Service Employees 
International Union COPE) at 3-4 (discussing Commission's history of 
approving ``authorizations in a form other than the traditional 
written signature, where the use of technology would not compromise 
the intent of the [FECA] or Commission regulations'').
    \47\ Compare 11 CFR 104.4(d)(2) (electronic certification under 
penalty of perjury for reporting), 104.18(g) (same), and 
109.10(e)(2)(ii) (same), with 11 CFR 111.4(b)-(c) (notarization 
requirement for complaints), and 111.11 (sworn answers). See also 11 
CFR 100.93(a)(3)(iv)(A) (aircraft operator certificated by Federal 
Aviation Administration or foreign authority), 100.93(g)(3) 
(certification from aircraft service provider), 102.2(a)(3) 
(certification by committee of multicandidate committee criteria), 
104.3(b)(3)(vii)(B) (committee's certification, under penalty of 
perjury, in independent expenditure report), 104.3(d)(1)(v) 
(certification from lending institution concerning loans to 
political committee), 300.11(d) (signed written certification by 
501(c) organization), 300.37(d) (same).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    To clarify that the regulatory signature requirements may generally 
be met electronically, the Commission is proposing to add a general 
definition of ``signature'' at 11 CFR 100.36. The proposed definition 
contains three paragraphs.
    Proposed paragraph (a) defines ``signature'' as ``an individual's 
name or mark on a writing or record that identifies the individual and 
authenticates the writing or record.'' This definition draws on legal 
and other dictionary definitions of ``signature.'' \48\

[[Page 76422]]

It also incorporates the terms ``writing'' and ``record,'' as opposed 
to the source dictionaries' use of the term ``document,'' to be 
consistent with the new definitions of those terms in proposed 11 CFR 
100.34 and 100.35, discussed above. Unlike at least one source 
definition,\49\ the definition of ``signature'' proposed here does not 
incorporate a subjective ``intent'' element, i.e., a requirement that a 
signature be affixed by the signer with a certain intention; rather, 
the Commission proposes an objective definition with which compliance 
can be initially determined on the face of the signed writing or 
record. The Commission seeks comment on this proposed definition of 
``signature.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \48\ See Signature, Black's Law Dictionary (10th ed. 2014) 
(defining ``signature'' as any ``name, mark, or writing used with 
the intention of authenticating a document'' (citing U.C.C. 1-
201(37) and 3-401(b) and Restatement (Second) of Contracts 134 
(1979))); Signature, Oxford English Dictionary Online, www.oed.com 
(subscription required) (``A person's name written (esp. in a 
distinctive way) so as to authenticate a document, authorize a 
transaction, or identify oneself as the writer or sender of a 
letter. Also: a distinctive mark or cross serving this purpose.'') 
(last visited Oct. 4, 2016); Signature, Random House Dictionary of 
the English Language, Unabridged (2nd ed. 1987) (defining 
``signature'' as ``a person's name, or a mark representing it, as 
signed personally or by a deputy, as in subscribing a letter or 
other document'').
    \49\ See Signature, Black's Law Dictionary (10th ed. 2014).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Proposed Sec.  100.36(a) also provides that, unless otherwise 
specified, the definition of ``signature'' includes an ``electronic 
signature.'' Paragraph (b) of proposed 11 CFR 100.36 in turn defines an 
``electronic signature'' as ``an electronic word, image, symbol, or 
process that an individual attaches to or associates with a writing or 
record to identify the individual and authenticate the writing or 
record.'' This definition is drawn from several sources, including 
Black's Law Dictionary,\50\ the E-Sign Act,\51\ UETA,\52\ and the 
Commission's interpretive rule concerning electronic redesignations of 
contributions.\53\ Proposed Sec.  100.36(b) follows all of the source 
definitions of ``electronic signature'' in using the terms ``symbol'' 
and ``process,'' as well as in requiring that the electronic signature 
be attached to or associated with a writing or record. The Commission 
also proposes to include ``word'' and ``image'' as methods of 
electronic signature, based on the examples in Black's Law Dictionary, 
to make clear that a writing or record can be signed by these means 
(such as by inserting a digital image of a person's handwritten 
signature). And as with proposed Sec.  100.36(a), proposed Sec.  
100.36(b) incorporates the terms ``writing'' and ``record'' to be 
consistent with the new definitions in proposed 11 CFR 100.34 and 
100.35. The Commission thus intends the proposed definition to be 
flexible enough to encompass forms that electronic signatures may take 
as new technologies emerge.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \50\ This dictionary defines an ``electronic signature'' as an 
``electronic symbol, sound, or process that is either attached to or 
logically associated with a document (such as a contract or other 
record) and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign 
the document.'' Electronic Signature, Black's Law Dictionary (10th 
ed. 2014). The dictionary provides as examples ``a typed name at the 
end of an email, a digital image of a handwritten signature, and the 
click of an `I accept' button on an e-commerce site.'' Id.
    \51\ See 15 U.S.C. 7006(5) (defining ``electronic signature'' as 
``an electronic sound, symbol, or process, attached to or logically 
associated with a . . . record and executed or adopted by a person 
with the intent to sign the record'').
    \52\ See UETA 2(8) (defining ``electronic signature'' as ``an 
electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to or logically 
associated with a record and executed or adopted by a person with 
the intent to sign the record'').
    \53\ See Electronic Contributor Redesignations, 76 FR 16233.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The proposed definition intentionally differs from the source 
definitions in certain respects. For example, the proposed definition 
does not include ``sound'' as a form of electronic signature because 
the Commission's current and anticipated reporting technologies would 
not enable it to receive and make public audio signatures. Further, the 
Commission does not propose to distinguish between an ``electronic 
signature'' and a ``digital signature.'' Black's Law Dictionary defines 
the latter as having a heightened level of security, integrity, and 
authenticity compared to an electronic signature,\54\ but because the 
Commission utilizes other methods to ensure a heightened level of 
authenticity when required (such as notarization requirements, as 
discussed below), the Commission does not believe that the proposed 
definition of ``signature'' should differentiate between digital and 
electronic signatures.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \54\ See Digital Signature, Black's Law Dictionary (10th ed. 
2014) (defining ``digital signature'' as ``secure, digital code 
attached to an electronically transmitted message that uniquely 
identifies and authenticates the sender''), Electronic Signature, 
Black's Law Dictionary (10th ed. 2014) (stating that ``electronic 
signature does not suggest or require the use of encryption, 
authentication, or identification measures'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Proposed paragraph (b) lists as examples of electronic signatures 
``a digital image of a handwritten signature'' and ``a secure, digital 
code attached to an electronically transmitted message that uniquely 
identifies and authenticates the sender.'' These examples are drawn 
from the definition of ``digital signature'' and examples of 
``electronic signature'' in Black's Law Dictionary; the Commission 
believes them to be the forms of electronic signature most likely to be 
used by political committees. However, the examples are intended to be 
illustrative only and not an exhaustive list. Are these examples 
helpful? Should other examples be included in the regulation?
    As noted above, the proposed regulation would provide that 
electronic signatures are valid signatures ``unless otherwise 
specified.'' This language is intended to provide the Commission with 
flexibility to require more specific forms of electronic signatures, or 
even to prohibit electronic signatures, in certain circumstances. The 
Commission believes that preserving such flexibility is important 
because, as new technologies develop, some forms of electronic 
signatures may arise that are unreliable or otherwise not suitable for 
authenticating records. Are there Commission regulations for which the 
Commission should now require more specific forms of electronic 
signature in order to safeguard the integrity and authenticity of the 
signature?
    In light of the proposed new definition of ``signature,'' the 
Commission also proposes conforming changes to regulations that 
currently have more specific signature requirements. For example, 11 
CFR 104.4(d)(2) and 109.10(e)(2)(ii) currently specify that an 
independent expenditure report must be verified by one of two methods: 
By ``handwritten signature'' on reports filed on paper, or by ``typing 
the treasurer's name'' on reports filed by electronic mail. The 
Commission proposes to revise these provisions to allow electronically 
filed independent expenditure reports to be verified by ``electronic 
signature'' (which might include, but would not be limited to, typing 
the treasurer's name on the reports). The Commission also proposes to 
revise the electronic signature requirement at 11 CFR 9034.2(c), which 
defines ``signature'' for matchable presidential primary election 
payments made by credit or debit card, and to make other changes to 
that section as described further below. See infra Section (E)(3).
    Paragraph (c) of proposed 11 CFR 100.36 provides that a ``writing 
or record may be sworn, made under oath, or otherwise certified or 
verified under penalty of perjury, by electronic signature.'' This 
proposal tracks the corresponding provision of the E-Sign Act, which 
provides that a legal requirement for a signature to be ``acknowledged, 
verified, or made under oath'' is ``satisfied if the electronic 
signature of the person authorized to perform those acts . . . is 
attached to or logically associated with the signature or record.'' 15 
U.S.C. 7001(g).\55\ The

[[Page 76423]]

Commission seeks comment on whether this proposal provides sufficient 
safeguards of integrity and authenticity for material that must be 
sworn or otherwise verified. Should the Commission require additional 
safeguards? For example, in a recent interpretive rule, the Commission 
noted that a political committee could check a contributor's electronic 
authorization against existing committee records to assure ``the 
contributor's identity and intent comparable to that of a written 
signature.'' \56\ Should all electronic oaths and certifications 
require some form of external verifiability (such as by reference to 
existing committee records as contemplated in the interpretive rule)? 
If so, how?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \55\ See also UETA sec. 11 (providing that notarization, 
acknowledgment, verification, or oath requirement is ``satisfied if 
the electronic signature of the person authorized to perform those 
acts . . . is attached to or logically associated with the signature 
or record'').
    \56\ See Electronic Contributor Redesignations, 76 FR at 16233.
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    Finally, proposed paragraph (c) also states that ``[a] writing or 
record may be notarized electronically pursuant to applicable State 
law.'' A number of states currently allow for electronic 
notarization.\57\ Is there any reason why the Commission should not 
accept documents notarized electronically pursuant to state law?
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    \57\ The National Association of Secretaries of State issued a 
study in 2011 that examined electronic notarization as used in 16 
states. See Nat'l Assoc. of Secs. of State, Issues and Trends in 
State Notary Regulation: NASS Report on State Notarization Policies 
and Practice 10-11 (2011); see also Electronic Notarization, Notary 
Pub. Adm'rs, www.npa-section.com/electronicnotarization.html (last 
updated July 2016) (showing 23 states authorizing electronic 
notarization); Lisa Prevost, The E-Notary Public Is Slow to Catch 
On, N.Y. Times, May 22, 2015, www.nytimes.com/2015/05/24/realestate/the-e-notary-public-is-slow-to-catch-on.html (discussing remote 
electronic notarization).
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4. Revised Definition of ``File, Filed, or Filing''--Proposed 11 CFR 
100.19(g)

    The Commission proposes to revise the definition of ``file, filed, 
or filing'' at 11 CFR 100.19 so that interested parties can more easily 
communicate electronically with the Commission. The Commission also 
proposes to make conforming amendments throughout 11 CFR chapter I.
    Section 100.19 currently defines ``file, filed or filing'' to 
include certain forms of electronic submission, but only in the context 
of documents that must be filed with the Commission or the Secretary of 
the Senate under 11 CFR parts 101, 102, 104, 105, 107, 108, and 109. As 
such, the current rule addresses the filing of reports and statements 
only regarding independent expenditures, electioneering communications, 
and the organization, contributions, and disbursements of political 
committees. But, as described in more detail below, the Commission's 
regulations also require or provide for the submission of numerous 
other documents to the Commission. Many of these current regulations 
regarding sending documents to the Commission specifically include the 
Commission's mailing address (999 E Street, NW., Washington, DC 
20463).\58\ As such, the regulations suggest that the submissions must 
be made physically (such as by mail or hand-delivery), rather than 
electronically.
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    \58\ See, e.g., 11 CFR 1.3(b) (Privacy Act requests), 111.4(a) 
(complaints), 111.15(a) (motions to quash or modify subpoena), 
112.1(e) (advisory opinion requests), 112.3(d) (comments on advisory 
opinion requests).
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    To provide the Commission with greater flexibility to accept 
documents electronically, the Commission proposes to add new paragraph 
(g) to 11 CFR 100.19. Under new paragraph (g), a document other than 
those already covered by paragraphs (a) through (f) may be filed with 
the Commission ``in person or by mail, including priority mail or 
express mail, or overnight delivery service, [at the Commission's 
street address], or by any alternative means, including electronic, 
that the Commission may prescribe.'' The Commission intends to use this 
proposed change to adopt such procedures for receiving electronic 
submissions--such as through online forms \59\ or email \60\--as the 
Commission determines to be appropriate for the various categories of 
affected documents.
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    \59\ See, e.g., FEC, Searchable Electronic Rulemaking System--
Basic Search, sers.fec.gov/fosers (release date June 14, 2013) (web 
portal for commenting on rulemakings).
    \60\ See, e.g., FEC, Procedures Regarding Draft Advisory 
Opinions, www.fec.gov/law/draftaos.shtml (establishing email address 
for comments on draft advisory opinions) (last visited Oct. 5, 
2016).
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    The Commission also proposes to revise the introductory paragraph 
of 11 CFR 100.19 to explicitly note the scope of new paragraph (g). 
This proposed change is not intended to have any effect on the existing 
rules with respect to documents governed by paragraphs (a) through (f).
    Similarly, the Commission proposes to make conforming amendments by 
replacing the Commission's street address in a number of regulations 
that refer to submissions to the Commission--or to a particular 
Commission officer, such as the Chief FOIA Officer--with references to 
``filing'' and Sec.  100.19(g), as appropriate, and by removing the 
Commission's street address from the definition of ``Commission.'' \61\ 
These regulations are 11 CFR 1.3(b) (Privacy Act requests), 1.4(a) 
(same), 2.2(a) (Sunshine Act), 4.5(a)(4)(i) (FOIA requests), 
4.5(a)(4)(iv) (same), 4.7(b)(1) (same), 4.8(c) (FOIA appeals), 11 CFR 
5.5(a) (Public Disclosure records requests), 5.5(c) (public disclosure 
requests via FOIA), 6.103(b) (Rehabilitation Act), 6.170(d)(3) 
(Rehabilitation Act complaints), 6.170(i) (Rehabilitation Act appeals), 
7.2(a) (standards of conduct), 100.9 (definition of ``Commission''), 
102.2(a)(1) (statements of organization), 111.4(a) (enforcement 
complaints), 111.15(a) (motions to quash or modify subpoena), 111.16(c) 
(probable cause briefs), 112.1(e) (advisory opinion requests), 112.3(d) 
(advisory opinion comments), 200.2(b)(5) (petitions for rulemaking), 
9002.3 (definition of ``Commission''), and 9032.3 (same).
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    \61\ Because the definitions in part 100 of the Commission's 
regulations generally do not apply to parts 1-8 of the regulations, 
the proposed references to ``filing'' in parts 1-8 would explicitly 
incorporate by reference new 11 CFR 100.19(g).
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    For the same reasons, the Commission also proposes to amend other 
regulatory requirements relating to communications by mail:
     Sections 4.5(a)(4)(i) and 4.8(b) currently require that 
certain information be included ``on the envelope'' in which a FOIA 
request or appeal is sent to the Commission. As revised, these 
regulations would state that such information must be clearly indicated 
on the ``envelope or subject line, or in a similarly prominent 
location'' of the communication.
     Section 112.4(g) currently provides that an advisory 
opinion must be ``sent by mail, or personally delivered'' by the 
Commission to the person who requested it. As revised, the provision 
would require only that the advisory opinion ``be provided'' by the 
Commission to the requestor, so as to encompass electronic transmission 
of the advisory opinion.
     Section 102.6(c)(2) currently provides that a solicitation 
of contributions to a separate segregated fund may be included ``in'' a 
bill for membership dues. Because such bills are now sometimes 
delivered electronically, rather than in paper form, the Commission 
proposes to change ``in'' to ``with.'' The substantive requirements for 
soliciting contributions to a separate segregated fund would not 
change.\62\
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    \62\ The twice-annual solicitation of employees outside of the 
restricted class may be conducted only by mail sent to the 
employee's residence. See 52 U.S.C. 30118(b)(4)(B); 11 CFR 114.6(c). 
Thus, the proposed change to 11 CFR 102.6(c)(2), which would allow 
for solicitations by means other than mail, would not apply to these 
twice-yearly solicitations.
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     In Sec.  114.1(g), which provides a non-exhaustive list of 
the manner in which

[[Page 76424]]

a solicitation may be made, the Commission proposes to add ``emails'' 
to the existing list of ``mailings, oral requests . . . , and hand 
distribution of pamphlets'' to recognize that solicitations may be made 
electronically.\63\
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    \63\ The Commission does not propose to add an electronic 
reference to the non-exhaustive list at 11 CFR 114.1(f) of the 
manner in which a solicited contribution may be received because the 
list already includes payroll deduction, which may be accomplished 
electronically.
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     In Sec.  116.9(a)(2), which describes what constitutes a 
political committee's reasonable diligence in attempting to locate a 
creditor, the Commission proposes to add email as a valid means of 
attempting to contact the creditor.
     Sections 9003.1(b)(7) and 9033.1(b)(8) currently require 
submission of the ``name and mailing address'' of the person entitled 
to receive public fund payments on behalf of a candidate. The 
Commission proposes to require the person's email address, as well.
    To allow for electronic filing, notice, and service of documents 
and records in the Commission's enforcement process, the Commission 
proposes several revisions to part 111 of its regulations. First, the 
Commission proposes to remove or limit requirements to file multiple 
copies of documents where multiple copies are no longer necessary. In 
11 CFR 111.4(a), the Commission proposes to clarify that the 
requirement for a complainant to file three copies of a complaint 
applies to non-electronic filings only. In 11 CFR 111.15(a) and 
111.16(c), the Commission proposes to delete the provisions that state 
that a respondent ``should . . . if possible'' file multiple copies of 
a motion or brief.
    Second, the Commission proposes to revise the following regulations 
that currently refer to ``enclos[ing]'' a copy of a document: 11 CFR 
111.5(a) (notification to respondent of complaint), 111.5(b) (same), 
and 111.16(b) (notification to respondent of probable cause 
recommendation). As revised, the regulations would provide that the 
Commission shall ``provide'' a copy of the relevant document.
    Third, the Commission proposes to revise 11 CFR 111.13(c) and (d), 
which govern the service of subpoenas, orders, and notifications, to 
add explicit electronic service options. The regulations currently 
allow for service by a number of means, including by mail, in person, 
and ``by any other method whereby actual notice is given.'' The 
Commission proposes to revise this last clause to read ``by any other 
method, including electronically, whereby actual notice is given.'' 
\64\
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    \64\ The Commission does not propose to make any corresponding 
changes to 11 CFR 111.2(c)--which adds three days to each service 
period under part 111 for ``any paper'' served ``by mail''--because 
electronic submissions are essentially immediate and therefore do 
not require extensions to account for delivery time.
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    Finally, at 11 CFR 111.23(a)(1), the Commission proposes to add 
``email address'' to the list of information about respondent's counsel 
that must be provided to the Commission.
    The Commission intends all of these proposed revisions to simplify 
and modernize the process by which it interacts with respondents and 
complainants during the enforcement process by providing options for 
electronic communications. Would these proposed revisions increase 
efficiency as intended? Would they create any additional burdens?
    What other regulations would be implicated by the proposed revision 
to the definition of ``file, filed, or filing'' at 11 CFR 100.19? 
Should the Commission consider revising additional regulations to 
provide explicitly for electronic communications or for ``filing'' 
pursuant to the proposed definition?

D. Electronic Contributions

    The Commission is proposing to revise its regulations to address 
electronic contributions. These revisions fall into three general 
categories that correspond to three stages in the electronic flow of 
funds from a contributor to a political committee: (1) When the 
contributor authorizes the transaction; (2) when the entity processing 
the payment (the ``payment processor'') \65\ transfers the contribution 
to the recipient political committee; and (3) when the recipient 
political committee deposits the funds into its campaign depository. 
The Commission seeks comment on the proposed changes, especially in 
light of the standards and practices that vendors and payment 
processors use to process payments made by check, credit card, debit 
card, prepaid card, and other payment methods. The Commission is also 
seeking comment addressing the proposed rules in light of the methods 
by which vendors and payment processors verify a payor's identity, 
attribute payments, and collect, maintain, and transmit transaction 
records.\66\ The Commission is particularly interested in the 
perspectives of operators and users of established and emerging 
electronic payment platforms--such as PayPal, Venmo, BitPay, Square, 
and other electronic wallet, swipe P2P, mobile app, and social media 
payment platforms--as to the operation of these proposed rules on those 
platforms.\67\ The Commission also seeks comment on the proposed rules 
in light of how these practices and standards might change as new 
technologies emerge.
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    \65\ Payment processors include, for example, such entities as 
First Data, PayPal, BitPay, m-Qube, and other commercial entities 
that process and transmit traditional, online, or text-message 
payments in the ordinary course of business.
    \66\ See, e.g., Online Person-to-Person (P2P), Account-to-
Account Payments and Electronic Cash, Fed. Fin. Inst. Examination 
Council, ithandbook.ffiec.gov/it-booklets/retail-payment-systems/payment-instruments,-clearing,-and-settlement/card-based-electronic-payments/online-person-to-person-(p2p),-account-to-account-(a2a)-
payments-and-electronic-cash.aspx (last visited Oct. 6, 2016).
    \67\ See, e.g., Vindu Goel, Facebook Announces a Payments 
Feature for Its Messenger App, N.Y. Times, Mar. 17, 2015, 
www.nytimes.com/2015/03/18/technology/facebook-announces-a-payments-feature-for-its-messenger-app.html; Mike Isaac, As Apple Pay 
Arrives, Witnessing the Next Step in Money. Maybe., N.Y. Times, Oct. 
20, 2014, www.nytimes.com/2014/10/21/technology/as-apple-pay-arrives-witnessing-the-next-step-in-money-maybe.html; Vindu Goel, 
Twitter Begins Testing a `Buy' Button for Instant Purchases by Its 
Users, N.Y. Times, Sept. 8, 2014, nytimes.com/2014/09/09/technology/twitter-begins-testing-buy-button-for-posts.html; Heather Kelly, 
Twitter and Amex to Let You Pay with a Hashtag, CNN (Feb. 12, 2013, 
4:15 p.m.), www.cnn.com/2013/02/11/tech/social-media/twitter-hashtag-purchases; see also www.chirpify.com (last visited Oct. 5, 
2016); but see Brian X. Chen, Few Consumers Are Buying Premise of 
Mobile Wallets, N.Y. Times, Apr. 27, 2014, www.nytimes.com/2014/04/28/technology/few-consumers-are-buying-premise-of-mobile-wallets.html (describing growth of mobile payment platforms as well 
as obstacles to wide public use).
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1. When a Contributor Authorizes a Transaction: Contribution is 
``Made'' and ``Received''

    For purposes of the contribution limits, Commission regulations 
specify that a contribution is made ``when the contributor relinquishes 
control over the contribution''; control is relinquished when the 
contribution ``is delivered by the contributor to the candidate, to the 
political committee, or to an agent of the political committee.'' 11 
CFR 110.1(b)(6); see also 11 CFR 110.2(b)(6). The regulations further 
specify that a contribution that is mailed is considered to be made on 
the date of the postmark. Id.
    Although the regulations are silent as to when electronic 
contributions are ``made,'' the Commission has addressed the issue of 
when credit card contributions are made in several advisory opinions. 
See Advisory Opinion 2012-07 (Feinstein for Senate); Advisory Opinion 
2008-08 (Zucker); Advisory Opinion 1991-01 (Deloitte & Touche PAC); 
Advisory Opinion 1990-14 (AT&T). Generally, the Commission has 
concluded that a credit card

[[Page 76425]]

contribution is made ``when the credit card or credit card number is 
presented, because at that point `[t]he contributor is strictly 
obligated by the card agreement to make payment of the credit card bill 
and incurs substantial penalties with possible collection fees and 
cancellation of future credit privileges for nonpayment.' '' Advisory 
Opinion 2008-08 (Zucker) at 3 (quoting Advisory Opinion 1990-14 
(AT&T)); see also Advisory Opinion 2012-07 (Feinstein for Senate) at 5. 
The Commission proposes to revise 11 CFR 110.1(b)(6) and 110.2(b)(6) by 
adding a description of when electronic contributions--credit card or 
otherwise--are considered to be ``made.'' As revised, the regulations 
would build on the Commission's conclusions in the above-referenced 
advisory opinions by providing that a contribution made in an 
electronic transaction ``is considered to be made when the contributor 
authorizes the transaction.'' Does this description provide sufficient 
guidance? Should the regulations provide examples of specific types of 
``electronic transactions,'' such as the physical presentation of a 
debit card; the entry of a credit or prepaid card number in an online 
form, in person, or by telephone; the transfer of a bitcoin; or the 
sending of a text message? Are such examples necessary to distinguish 
between electronic and non-electronic transactions? Would examples tied 
to specific technologies be limiting or risk becoming rapidly obsolete? 
The Commission is not proposing to specify how the new regulation would 
apply to electronic payments made long after they are authorized, such 
as those pursuant to recurring monthly payment authorizations.\68\ 
Should the revised regulation address this scenario?
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    \68\ For example, Advisory Opinion 1991-01 (Deloitte & Touche 
PAC) concerned a political committee's proposal to obtain 
contributors' credit card authorizations several months before 
charging their credit cards for contributions. The Commission 
concluded that, ``[i]n view of the contributor's ability to revoke 
the authorization'' during this time period, each contributor would 
be deemed to relinquish control over a contribution, and thus to 
make the contribution, when the credit card was charged, rather than 
when the authorization occurred. Advisory Opinion 1991-01 (Deloitte 
& Touche PAC) at 4.
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    Like the existing regulations regarding when a contribution is 
``made,'' the regulations concerning when a contribution is 
``received'' focus on possession. The regulations provide that the 
``date of receipt'' of a contribution is the date a person ``obtains 
possession of the contribution.'' 11 CFR 102.8(a); see also 11 CFR 
102.8(b)(2) (same description of ``receipt'').\69\
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    \69\ See also 11 CFR 102.17(c)(3)(iii) (providing that political 
committee receives contribution through joint fundraising committee 
on date contribution is received by committee's joint fundraising 
representative), 9034.8(c)(4)(iii) (same).
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    In the context of credit card contributions, the Commission has 
stated that a contribution is received when the contributor's 
authorization to charge the credit card is received. ``Inasmuch as such 
authorizations may be presented to [the recipient's] bank in order to 
credit [the recipient's] account, the receipt of such an authorization 
is the equivalent of the receipt of a check that may be deposited and, 
thus, the date this occurs is the date upon which [the recipient] 
obtains possession of the contribution.'' Advisory Opinion 1990-04 
(American Veterinary Medical Association PAC) at 2-3.\70\ Because a 
commercial payment processor or the recipient political committee may 
receive the contributor's authorization before obtaining actual 
possession of the contributor's funds, the Commission proposes to 
revise 11 CFR 102.8(a) and (b)(2) to explicitly provide that the date 
of receipt is the date that a person either obtains possession of a 
contribution ``or, for a contribution made in an electronic transaction 
in which the receipt of authorization precedes the receipt of funds, 
obtains the contributor's authorization of the transaction.'' Does this 
proposed language provide sufficient guidance? Should it include 
specific examples to show when a contribution is received in different 
types of electronic transactions, such as when a debit card is 
physically presented, a credit card number is entered in an online form 
or given over the telephone, or a text message is sent?
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    \70\ See also Advisory Opinion 2012-35 (Global Transaction 
Services Group) (determining that contributions made by credit or 
debit card are received as of date credit or debit card holder 
authorizes card to be charged with contribution); Advisory Opinion 
2012-17 (Red Blue T et al.) at 6 (``m-Qube I'') (``Under m-Qube's 
proposed factoring arrangement, which is similar to how credit card 
contributions are handled, the Commission considers the 
contributions to be received at the time of the opt-in, as opposed 
to when the bill is paid.''); FEC, Campaign Guide: Congressional 
Candidates and Committees 23, 74 (2014), www.fec.gov/pdf/candgui.pdf.
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2. Commercial Payment Processors: Revisions to the Conduit and 
Forwarding Rules

    Many contributions are first received not by the ultimate recipient 
political committees, but by commercial entities that process the 
payments. In several recent advisory opinions, the Commission has 
addressed the application of its regulations to the receipt of 
contributions via commercial entities that process contributions 
electronically--including entities that process contributions made by 
text message \71\ or via web-based platforms.\72\ The Commission 
proposes to revise its forwarding regulations at 11 CFR 102.8 and its 
earmarking regulations at 11 CFR 110.6 to codify some of the 
conclusions of these advisory opinions.
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    \71\ See, e.g., Advisory Opinion 2012-30 (Revolution Messaging); 
Advisory Opinion 2012-28 (CTIA--The Wireless Association) (``CTIA 
II''); Advisory Opinion 2012-26 (Cooper for Congress et al.) (``m-
Qube II''); Advisory Opinion 2012-17 (m-Qube I); Advisory Opinion 
2010-23 (CTIA--The Wireless Association) (``CTIA I'').
    \72\ See, e.g., Advisory Opinion 2014-07 (Crowdpac); Advisory 
Opinion 2012-35 (Global Transaction Services Group); Advisory 
Opinion 2012-22 (skimmerhat); Advisory Opinion 2012-09 (Points for 
Politics); Advisory Opinion 2011-19 (GivingSphere); Advisory Opinion 
2011-06 (Democracy Engine et al.); Advisory Opinion 2007-04 
(Atlatl); Advisory Opinion 2006-08 (Brooks).
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a. Proposed Revisions To Forwarding Rule, 11 CFR 102.8
    Section 102.8 implements FECA's requirement that ``[e]very person 
who receives a contribution'' for a political committee must forward 
the contribution and information about the contributor to the recipient 
political committee within either 10 or 30 days, depending on whether 
the recipient is an authorized or unauthorized committee and the amount 
of the contribution. 52 U.S.C. 30102(b)(2). Under the proposed 
revisions to the definition of ``receipt,'' discussed above, this 
forwarding requirement would be triggered when a commercial payment 
processor receives a contributor's authorization to make a 
contribution, even if the payment processor has not yet received the 
contributor's funds.
    Because this scenario occurs frequently in modern electronic 
transactions,\73\ the Commission proposes to add a new paragraph (d) to 
11 CFR 102.8 to make clear that payment processors must satisfy FECA's 
forwarding requirement within 10 or 30 days of receiving a 
contributor's authorization of a contribution, even if the processor 
has not yet received the contributor's funds. Under proposed

[[Page 76426]]

paragraph (d), a payment processor will satisfy the forwarding 
requirements of 52 U.S.C. 30102(b) if it transmits funds and 
contributor information to a recipient political committee within 10 or 
30 days, as applicable, of the contributor's authorization of the 
transaction. To ensure that a payment processor does not make 
contributions to candidates and committees by transmitting the funds, 
the payment processor must meet this forwarding requirement in its 
ordinary course of business. See, e.g., 11 CFR 116.3; Advisory Opinion 
2012-26 (m-Qube II); Advisory Opinion 2012-31 (AT&T).
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    \73\ For example, when a credit card holder uses a credit card 
to purchase goods or services from a merchant, the merchant often 
receives payment for the goods and services before the credit card 
holder is even billed. See Visa, https://usa.visa.com/run-your-business/accept-visa-payments.html (follow ``Learn how Visa 
transactions work'' hyperlink and click play arrow) (last visited 
Oct. 5, 2016); What We Do, Mastercard, www.mastercard.com/us/company/en/whatwedo/processing_behind_transaction.html (last visited 
Oct. 6, 2016). Similarly, in certain text message transactions, 
payment processors transmit funds to merchants before the mobile 
phone users pay bills with associated charges. See Advisory Opinion 
2010-23 (CTIA I); Advisory Opinion 2012-17 (m-Qube I).
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    The proposal would thus reflect how modern transactions are 
conducted and ensures that FECA's forwarding requirement is satisfied 
when contributors and political committees make and receive 
contributions electronically.\74\ See Advisory Opinion 2012-35 (Global 
Transaction Services Group) at 4 (approving proposal where processor 
transmitted contributions to political committees within ten days); 
Advisory Opinion 2010-23 (CTIA I) at 6-7 (rejecting proposal to process 
contributions by text message because, in part, contributions would not 
be forwarded to recipient committees within timeframe required by 52 
U.S.C. 30102(b) and 11 CFR 102.8).
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    \74\ In Advisory Opinion 2012-17 (m-Qube I), the Commission 
approved a proposal to process contributions made by text message, 
even though the processor would provide funds to the recipient 
political committees before the contributors had paid their mobile 
phone bills. Id. at 10. The Commission explained that the 
transmitted funds were extensions of credit in the ordinary course 
of business, ``not contributions that [the processor] received and 
forwarded.'' Id. at 7, 10. And because the forwarding requirements 
of 52 U.S.C. 30102(b) and 11 CFR 102.8 are triggered only upon the 
receipt of a contribution--not when a vendor extends credit--the 
payments ``do not implicate the forwarding requirements.'' Id. at 
10. The Commission's rationale in that advisory opinion applied the 
existing regulations, which the Commission here proposes to revise.
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    Should the Commission adopt this approach? Is it consistent with 
how electronic transactions are conducted? The Commission is not 
proposing regulatory language to define ``ordinary course of business'' 
but expects that the term would be construed consistently with the 
definition of the same term in 11 CFR 116.3(c), which looks to the 
vendor's past practices, as well as industry custom, to determine 
whether the vendor acted in the ordinary course of business. Should the 
Commission revise the proposed rule to reflect this expectation?
b. Proposed Revisions to Earmarking Rule, 11 CFR 110.6
    FECA provides that, for purposes of the contribution limitations, 
``all contributions made by a person, either directly or indirectly . . 
., including contributions which are in any way earmarked or otherwise 
directed through an intermediary or conduit to such candidate, shall be 
treated as contributions from such person to such candidate.'' \75\ 52 
U.S.C. 30116(a)(8). The Commission defines ``earmarked'' to mean ``a 
designation, instruction, or encumbrance, whether direct or indirect, 
express or implied, oral or written, which results in all or any part 
of a contribution . . . being made to . . . a clearly identified 
candidate.'' 11 CFR 110.6(b)(1).
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    \75\ Thus, earmarked contributions are ``subject to the original 
contributors' limits on contributions to the candidate.'' Affiliated 
Committees, Transfers, Prohibited Contributions, Annual Contribution 
Limitations and Earmarked Contributions, 54 FR 34098, 34105 (Aug. 
17, 1989).
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    Whether a person is a ``conduit or intermediary'' turns on whether 
the person ``receives and forwards an earmarked contribution to a 
candidate.'' 11 CFR 110.6(b)(2). Persons prohibited from making 
contributions and expenditures, however, are also prohibited from being 
conduits or intermediaries. 11 CFR 110.6(b)(2)(ii). Thus, because FECA 
prohibits corporations from making contributions to candidate 
committees, see 52 U.S.C. 30118, a corporation generally may not 
receive and forward earmarked contributions.
    The Commission's regulations provide for certain exceptions to this 
rule, see 11 CFR 110.6(b)(2)(i), but these exceptions do not squarely 
apply to the kinds of payment processors that the Commission has 
addressed in its recent advisory opinions regarding electronic 
contributions. In some of these opinions, the Commission concluded that 
the transactions were permissible because the corporations that 
processed the contributions were acting as commercial vendors to the 
political committee.\76\ In other opinions, the Commission approved the 
transactions under the rationale that the corporations were providing 
services to the contributors.\77\ And in Advisory Opinion 2012-22 
(skimmerhat), the Commission determined expressly that a for-profit 
corporation that processed customers' contributions to candidates via 
the corporation's Web site was not a conduit. Id. at 5-6. The 
Commission explained that ``certain electronic transactional services . 
. . do not run afoul of the prohibition on corporations acting as a 
conduit or intermediary for earmarked contributions because certain 
electronic transactional services are so essential to the flow of 
modern commerce that they are akin to `delivery services, bill-paying 
services, or check writing services.' '' Id. at 10 (citing Advisory 
Opinion 2011-06 (Democracy Engine)); see also Advisory Opinion 2014-07 
(Crowdpac) (approving commercial processor's transmission of 
contributions to candidates); ActBlue, Comment at 5, sers.fec.gov/fosers/showpdf.htm?docid=297360 (stating that without electronic 
payment processors, ``committees would not be able to raise campaign 
funds on the Internet or by credit card at all'').
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    \76\ See Advisory Opinion 2007-04 (Atlatl); Advisory Opinion 
2004-19 (DollarVote.org); see also Advisory Opinion 2012-09 (Points 
for Politics).
    \77\ See Advisory Opinion 2011-19 (GivingSphere); Advisory 
Opinion 2011-06 (Democracy Engine); Advisory Opinion 2006-08 
(Brooks).
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    The Commission now proposes to revise Sec.  110.6 to clarify the 
regulatory status of electronic payment processors and bring the rule 
into line with the role of ``certain electronic transactional services 
[that] are so essential to the flow of modern commerce.'' Advisory 
Opinion 2012-22 (skimmerhat) at 10. The Commission proposes to do so by 
exempting commercial payment processors from the definition of 
``conduit or intermediary'' in a proposed new paragraph (F) of 11 CFR 
110.6(b)(2)(i). The Commission is proposing two alternative versions of 
new paragraph (F). Alternative A of proposed paragraph 
110.6(b)(2)(i)(F) would provide that a commercial payment processor is 
any person whose usual and normal business is to process payments and 
who processes payments to candidates and authorized committees in the 
ordinary course of business without exercising direction or control 
over the choice of the recipient candidate or authorized committee. 
Alternative B of proposed Sec.  110.6(b)(2)(i)(F) would differ only in 
that Alternative B would not expressly state that a commercial payment 
processor operates without exercising direction or control over the 
choice of the recipient candidate or authorized committee.
    The Commission seeks comment on the alternatives. Specifically, 
does Alternative A accurately reflect and codify Commission 
determinations made in approving prior advisory opinions regarding 
commercial payment processors? See, e.g., Advisory Opinion 2014-07 
(Crowdpac) at 4. Does Alternative B accurately reflect and codify 
Commission determinations that, for example, ``where a commercial 
vendor provides contribution processing

[[Page 76427]]

services to contributors, the contributions made through the platform . 
. . are . . . direct contributions to the candidate . . . made via a 
commercial processing service'' and not earmarked contributions through 
a conduit or intermediary? Advisory Opinion 2016-08 (eBundler.com) at 
8. Would the reference to ``direction or control'' in Alternative A be 
clear in light of the use of that term at Sec.  110.6(d)? Would the 
omission of ``direction or control'' in Alternative B be clear in light 
of Commission determinations made in advisory opinions?
    The Commission anticipates that specific applications of the 
exemption, regardless of which Alternative is selected, will be 
informed by its prior advisory opinions and refined through future 
advisory opinions. The proposed term ``commercial payment processors'' 
would not distinguish between persons who process contributions as a 
service to contributors and those who process contributions as a 
service to candidates and authorized committees. Thus, the term would 
encompass processors that transmit funds from wireless service 
providers to recipient committees, as well as online payment systems 
such as PayPal and Square, and the requestors in the advisory opinions 
in which the Commission has approved electronic payment processing.\78\ 
The Commission anticipates, however, that the distinction will remain 
relevant to determine whether fees associated with contributions made 
through commercial payment processors are considered part of the 
contributed amount. As the Commission has explained in several advisory 
opinions, where a contributor's payment of a fee would ``relieve the 
recipient political committee[ ] of a financial burden [it] would 
otherwise have had to pay,'' the fee would be considered a 
contribution. See, e.g., Advisory Opinion 2015-15 (WeSupportThat.com) 
at 5 (quoting Advisory Opinion 2014-07 (Crowdpac) and Advisory Opinion 
2011-06 (Democracy Engine)).
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    \78\ Because the proposed clarification also does not turn on 
the incorporation status of a payment processor, a limited liability 
company that opts to be treated like a partnership for tax purposes 
could process contributions to candidates in the ordinary course of 
business without being considered a conduit or intermediary. See 
Advisory Opinion 2012-09 (Points for Politics).
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    The Commission intends the proposed revision to 11 CFR 
110.6(b)(2)(i) to clarify and codify its existing guidance on the 
issue, and thus to encourage the use of evolving and emerging 
technological innovations to process contributions electronically. Does 
the proposal provide sufficient guidance and clarity to the regulated 
community as to which persons are not considered conduits and 
intermediaries? Should the Commission bring Sec.  110.6 in line with 
the flow of modern commerce by revising the definition of ``earmarked'' 
at 11 CFR 110.6(b)(1) rather than revising the definition of ``conduit 
or intermediary'' at 11 CFR 110.6(b)(2)? For example, should the 
Commission clarify that the definition of earmark does not generally 
include a contributor's authorization to initiate an electronic 
transaction? Additionally, is existing guidance sufficient with respect 
to how political committees should report contributions received via 
commercial payment processors?
    Furthermore, in addition to concluding that commercial payment 
processors are not conduits under 11 CFR 110.6, the Commission has also 
determined that where a commercial payment processor provides its 
services to its customers, as opposed to the political committees that 
receive the customers' contributions, the processor itself would not 
make contributions to the recipient political committees. See, e.g., 
Advisory Opinion 2015-15 (WeSupportThat.com) at 4 (``Identifying 
candidates whose activities are of interest to its users, and 
processing users' contributions to those candidates, are services that 
the requestor may permissibly provide to its users.''); Advisory 
Opinion 2014-07 (Crowdpac) at 6 (``Accordingly, Crowdpac's proposal to 
match users with candidates and utilize the . . . platform to process 
and forward users' contributions to candidates would not result in 
impermissible contributions by Crowdpac to federal candidate 
committees.''). The Commission seeks comment as to whether it should 
promulgate regulatory language that codifies these determinations, and 
if so, where in its regulations.

3. When a Political Committee Deposits the Contribution: Campaign 
Depositories, Merchant Accounts, Recordkeeping, and Internet-Based 
Alternative Mediums of Exchange

    Once a political committee has received a contribution, it must 
deposit that receipt in an account at a campaign depository within ten 
days. 52 U.S.C. 30102(h)(1); 11 CFR 103.3(a). The campaign depository 
must be a state bank, federally chartered depository institution, or 
depository institution with accounts insured by certain federal 
agencies. See 52 U.S.C. 30102(h)(1); 11 CFR 103.2; see also 11 CFR 
102.2(a)(1)(vi) (disclosure of campaign depositories).
    The Commission is proposing to revise several regulations to 
address issues related to the deposit into campaign depositories of 
contributions made electronically. First, the Commission proposes to 
revise 11 CFR 103.3(a) to clarify the campaign depository requirements 
with respect to joint merchant accounts. Second, the Commission 
proposes to revise 11 CFR 102.9(a)(4) and 9036.1(b)(4) to address 
recordkeeping related to the electronic transfer of contributions from 
a payment processor to a political committee's campaign depository. 
Finally, the Commission is considering whether to revise 11 CFR 
103.3(a) and 102.10 to address how the requirements for deposits to and 
disbursements from campaign depositories apply to contributions of 
internet-based alternative mediums of exchange, such as bitcoin.
a. Proposed Changes Regarding Campaign Depositories for Joint Merchant 
Accounts--11 CFR 103.3
    Many political committees and payment processors use merchant 
accounts to process contributions. As one commenter noted in response 
to the ANPRM: ``In order to accept credit card contributions, the 
committee must have a merchant account with the payment processor which 
is connected to the Web site on the contribution end and to a specific 
bank account on the processing end.'' ActBlue, Comment at 2, 
sers.fec.gov/fosers/showpdf.htm?docid=297360. The commenter 
characterized the merchant account system that is used for payment 
transfers as ``nothing but an accounting tool which operates purely as 
a pass-through.'' Id. at 4.
    Merchant accounts operated and controlled by a payment processor 
may contain contributions for several different political committees. 
See Advisory Opinion 1995-34 (Politechs) n.6 (describing processing of 
contributions for multiple committees through one merchant account). 
The Commission has indicated that a political committee receiving funds 
through one of these merchant accounts should report and treat the 
merchant account as a campaign depository account. Id.; see also 
Advisory Opinion 1999-22 (Aristotle Publishing) (approving proposal 
under which recipient political committees would report payment 
processor's FDIC-insured merchant account through which their 
contributions flowed as campaign depository accounts); Advisory Opinion 
2012-07 (Feinstein

[[Page 76428]]

for Senate) at 5 n.9 (reaffirming that ``joint merchant account'' of 
type described in Advisory Opinion 1999-22 (Aristotle Publishing) is 
campaign depository).
    The Commission is now reconsidering its earlier requirement that 
political committees should report the joint merchant accounts through 
which their contributions flow as their own campaign depository 
accounts. The Commission is not convinced of the disclosure or 
compliance value of reporting a third party's pass-through account, 
which the recipient political committee does not own, operate, or 
control, as the committee's own account. See ActBlue, Comment at 4, 
sers.fec.gov/fosers/showpdf.htm?docid=297360 (noting that merchant 
accounts are standard aspect of credit card processing and arguing that 
therefore ``there is no need to treat merchant accounts as campaign 
depositories which must be registered with the Commission'').
    The Commission proposes to amend 11 CFR 103.3(a), which governs the 
deposit of receipts in campaign depositories, to provide that 
contributions deposited in the ordinary course of business in the 
merchant account of a person whose usual and normal business involves 
the electronic processing and transmission of payments are not 
``receipts'' of the recipient political committee, but are, instead, 
contributions to be forwarded by the processor under 11 CFR 102.8.\79\ 
Together with the revisions to Sec.  102.8 discussed above, this 
proposed amendment would ensure that electronic payments passing 
through merchant accounts comply with the FECA's forwarding 
requirements, while also adapting the campaign-depository rule to 
account for the ways in which electronic payments differ from the cash 
and check contributions that predominated when those requirements were 
enacted.
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    \79\ For ease of reading, the Commission also proposes to divide 
Sec.  103.3(a) into two subparts to address the two distinct issues 
(receipts and disbursements) addressed therein.
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    This proposed change is not intended to apply to merchant accounts 
over which a recipient political committee exercises control. Should 
the Commission make this limitation explicit, or does the reference to 
a payment processor's ``ordinary course of business'' suffice? 
Alternatively, should the Commission update its campaign-depository 
rules by revising 11 CFR 103.2, which defines the term ``campaign 
depository,'' instead of 11 CFR 103.3(a)? Under either approach, should 
the Commission expressly supersede Advisory Opinion 1995-34 
(Politechs), Advisory Opinion 1999-22 (Aristotle Publishing), and 
Advisory Opinion 2012-07 (Feinstein for Senate), to the extent that 
these advisory opinions can be read as requiring political committees 
to treat joint merchant accounts as their own campaign depository 
accounts?
b. Proposed Changes to Recordkeeping--11 CFR 102.9(a)(4) and 
9036.1(b)(4)
    As noted above, FECA and Commission regulations require any person 
who receives a contribution for or on behalf of a political committee 
to forward the contribution and information about the contributor to 
the political committee within a certain period of time. 52 U.S.C. 
30102(b)(2); 11 CFR 102.8(a). The Commission has seen, through its 
auditing function, that committees often receive contributions 
separately from contributors' information; that is, payment processors 
often forward contributions as an aggregated amount but forward 
information about each individual contributor separately. Because of 
this, marrying individual contributor information with the recipient 
political committee's records of receipts and deposits can be a 
challenge when committees are audited.
    To address these challenges, the Commission proposes to revise 11 
CFR 102.9(a)(4). Section 102.9(a)(4) currently requires political 
committees to maintain, for each contribution that they receive in 
excess of $50, either (i) a full-size photocopy of the check or written 
instrument, or (ii) a digital image of the check or written instrument. 
As revised, paragraphs (4)(i) and (4)(ii) would be replaced with a new 
paragraph (4), which would require political committees to maintain a 
``record'' of each contribution received. For checks or written 
instruments in excess of $50, the revised rule would still require 
treasurers to maintain an image of the instrument. For all 
contributions, the revised rule would add a requirement that a record 
of the receipt must include sufficient information associating that 
contribution with its deposit in the political committee's campaign 
depository, such as a batch number. The revised rule would also remove 
the requirement that committees provide the Commission with the 
electronic means to read such records because that requirement would 
appear in the proposed new definition of ``record'' discussed above.
    The Commission proposes a similar revision to the recordkeeping 
provision at 11 CFR 9036.1(b)(4), which applies to bank documentation 
of deposits of publicly matched contributions. Section 9036.1(b)(4) 
requires a candidate to submit ``bank documentation, such as bank-
validated deposit slips or unvalidated deposit slips accompanied by the 
relevant bank statements, which indicate that the contributions were 
deposited into a designated campaign depository.'' The Commission 
proposes to add, after ``relevant bank statements,'' language that 
would apply to electronic deposits: ``or, for deposits made 
electronically, information associating contributions to their deposit 
in the designated campaign depository, such as a batch number.''
    The Commission invites comment on whether the proposed rule 
provides sufficient guidance to enable information about specific 
contributions and contributors to be matched to political committees' 
aggregated receipt and deposit of contributions. If so, is the proposed 
rule flexible enough to accommodate evolving methods of electronic 
transfers? The Commission is also interested in comment addressing 
whether the specificity required of records of checks and written 
instruments is still necessary in light of the new definition of 
``record,'' discussed above.
c. Contributions of Internet-Based Alternative Mediums of Exchange--11 
CFR 102.10 and 103.3
    The Commission is considering whether to revise its rules regarding 
the receipt of contributions in the form of bitcoin and other internet-
based alternative mediums of exchange that cannot currently be 
deposited in campaign depositories. In Advisory Opinion 2014-02 (Make 
Your Laws PAC), the Commission determined that a political committee 
could accept $100 worth of bitcoin contributions per contributor per 
election. Bitcoin is a privately issued alternative medium of exchange 
that exists ``only as a long string of numbers and letters in a user's 
computer file.'' \80\ Users receive transfers of bitcoin into their 
online bitcoin ``wallets'' (essentially, encrypted computer files) and 
can transfer bitcoin from those ``wallets'' to other users, to 
merchants to purchase goods or services, or to exchanges to convert 
into government-issued currency.\81\ At this

[[Page 76429]]

time, the Commission is aware of no institution that meets the 
statutory criteria of a campaign depository, see 52 U.S.C. 30102(h), 
and that maintains bitcoin wallet ``accounts'' for its customers. The 
Commission seeks comment as to whether the unique nature of bitcoin and 
other internet-based alternative mediums of exchange pose any potential 
challenges under FECA, such as achieving meaningful disclosure, which 
necessitates regulatory amendment.
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    \80\ U.S. Gov't Accountability Office, GAO-13-516, Virtual 
Economies and Currencies 5 (2013), www.gao.gov/assets/660/654620.pdf.
    \81\ Id.; see also Francois R. Velde, Fed. Reserve Bank of Chi., 
No. 317, Bitcoin: A Primer 2 (2013), www.chicagofed.org/digital_assets/publications/chicago_fed_letter/2013/cfldecember2013_317.pdf (describing bitcoin wallet).
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    Current Commission regulations establish procedures for political 
committees to receive and report in-kind contributions of ``stocks, 
bonds, art objects, and other similar items to be liquidated.'' 11 CFR 
104.13(b). Under this provision, political committees may accept such 
items as in-kind contributions and hold them as investments outside of 
their campaign depositories until later sale, without being subject to 
the 10-day deposit requirement. See Advisory Opinion 2000-30 (pac.com) 
at 8 (citing Advisory Opinion 1989-06 (Friends of Sherwood Boehlert) 
and Advisory Opinion 1980-125 (Cogswell for Senate Committee 1980)).
    The Commission is interested in comment on whether the inability to 
deposit bitcoin and other alternative mediums of exchange in a campaign 
depository necessitates treating contributions of such alternative 
mediums of exchange as in-kind contributions rather than contributions 
of money. Should the Commission revise 11 CFR 103.3 to clarify that all 
receipts by a political committee must be deposited in campaign 
depositories, except for in-kind contributions that cannot be 
deposited? The Commission seeks comment on how best to reconcile an 
interpretation allowing in-kind contributions to not be deposited in a 
campaign depository with FECA's requirement that ``all receipts . . . 
shall be deposited'' in an account at a campaign depository. See 52 
U.S.C. 30102(h)(1).
    Related to the question of whether in-kind receipts must be 
deposited in a campaign depository is the question of how to interpret 
the statutory requirement that all disbursements be made from a 
campaign depository. The Commission has reached differing conclusions 
in advisory opinions on whether in-kind contributions received and held 
outside of a campaign depository may be disbursed from outside of that 
depository or whether they must first be liquidated and deposited in a 
campaign depository prior to disbursement.\82\ Should the Commission 
revise 11 CFR 102.10 to specify that a disbursement need not be made 
from a campaign depository if the asset being disbursed was not 
required to be deposited into a campaign depository? The Commission 
seeks comment on how best to reconcile an interpretation allowing the 
disbursement of assets held outside campaign depositories with the 
statutory requirement that ``[n]o disbursements may be made . . . 
except by check drawn'' on an account at a campaign depository. See 52 
U.S.C. 30102(h)(1).
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    \82\ Compare Advisory Opinion 1982-08 (Barter PAC) (allowing 
disbursement of ``credit units'' in that form), with Advisory 
Opinion 2000-30 (pac.com) (requiring liquidation and deposit prior 
to disbursement).
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E. Other Considerations in Electronic Contributions and Disbursements

    The Commission is considering revisions to other regulations to 
modernize requirements concerning the receipt of ``currency'' and 
``cash''; the receipt, disbursement, and transfer of funds; the records 
of contributions eligible for public matching funds; and the 
designation and attribution of contributions in light of electronic 
transactions and records.

1. ``Currency'' and ``Cash''--11 CFR 110.4

    The term ``contribution'' includes gifts, advances, and deposits of 
``money'' by any person for the purpose of influencing a federal 
election.\83\ The term ``money'' includes ``currency of the United 
States or of any foreign nation,'' as well as checks, money orders, and 
any other negotiable instrument payable on demand.\84\
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    \83\ 52 U.S.C. 30101(8)(A)(i); 11 CFR 100.52(a); see also 52 
U.S.C. 30101(9)(A)(i); 11 CFR 100.111(a) (corresponding provisions 
for the term ``expenditure'').
    \84\ 11 CFR 100.52(c); see also 11 CFR 100.111(d) (corresponding 
provision for expenditures).
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    The legislative history of FECA indicates that Congress was 
particularly concerned about the role of cash in federal elections. As 
one legislator noted, ``cash offers too facile a medium for unethical 
and illegal activities''; its ``untraceability'' and ``easy 
transferability'' were of particular concern. 120 Cong. Rec. H7832 
(daily ed. Aug. 7, 1974) (statement of Rep. Boland). Thus, Congress 
limited contributions of currency to $100. 52 U.S.C. 30123.\85\ 
Commission regulations also prohibit the use in federal elections of 
any portion of an anonymous ``cash'' contribution that exceeds $50.\86\
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    \85\ See also 11 CFR 110.4(c) (also referring to such 
contributions as ``cash''), 9034.3(j) (disallowing matching funds 
for contributions of currency of United States or foreign country).
    \86\ 11 CFR 110.4(c)(3); see also 52 U.S.C. 30102(c)(2) 
(requiring name and address of contributors for contributions over 
$50).
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    Some non-cash electronic payment methods--particularly prepaid 
cards and internet-based alternative mediums of exchange--have 
characteristics very similar to cash. Like currency, prepaid cards and 
some internet-based alternative mediums of exchange are easily 
transferable and relatively untraceable. They are not associated with a 
depository institution and thus are not subject to those institutions' 
``know-your-customer'' obligations under federal law.\87\ All that a 
person needs to acquire and use prepaid cards in amounts within FECA's 
contribution limits is sufficient cash to purchase the cards. 
Similarly, ``all that is needed to complete a [bitcoin] transaction is 
a bitcoin address, which does not contain any personal identifying 
information.'' \88\
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    \87\ See, e.g., 31 CFR 1020.220(a) (setting forth customer 
identification programs for banks, credit unions, and other 
depository institutions, including through records of customer names 
and addresses).
    \88\ U.S. Gov't Accountability Office, GAO-13-516, Virtual 
Economies and Currencies 8 (2013), available at gao.gov/assets/660/654620.pdf.
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    Because prepaid cards present the same concerns as those noted by 
Congress when it limited contributions of currency to $100, the 
Commission proposes to update its rules to apply the limitations on 
contributions of cash or currency at 11 CFR 110.4(c) to contributions 
made by prepaid cards. To accomplish this, the Commission proposes to 
add paragraph (c)(4) to 11 CFR 110.4 to clarify that a ``cash 
contribution'' includes a contribution (1) of currency of the United 
States or any foreign country, or (2) made using a prepaid card. The 
Commission also proposes to make a conforming change to 11 CFR 
110.4(c)(1) by updating the current prohibition on making contributions 
aggregating more than $100 in ``currency of the United States, or of 
any foreign country'' to apply to any ``cash contribution,'' as 
provided in proposed 11 CFR 110.4(c)(4).
    The Commission intends the term ``prepaid card'' to mean a card, 
payment code, or device that is not linked to the contributor's 
checking, savings, or other depository account but is instead purchased 
or loaded on a prepaid basis and honored, upon presentation, by 
merchants for goods or services, or at automated teller machines, as 
provided in federal electronic transfer consumer rights protection 
laws. See 15 U.S.C. 1693l-1(a)(2)(A). The Commission seeks comment on 
whether it should define

[[Page 76430]]

the term ``prepaid card'' in the regulations themselves or whether it 
should otherwise update its rules for cash contributions to apply to 
prepaid cards.
    The Commission also seeks comment on any compliance challenges that 
might result from the proposed rule if adopted. In particular, one 
commenter noted in response to the ANPRM that a political committee 
that receives a contribution from a prepaid card ``is unlikely to know 
that . . . a prepaid card'' has been used to make the payment because 
``a prepaid card is treated the same as any other payment card'' in the 
payment processing.\89\ The Commission understands, however, that 
prepaid card issuers are able to exclude certain categories of 
merchants from receiving payments made by prepaid cards.\90\ Could 
political committees, as a category of merchants,\91\ use this or 
another mechanism (such as partial authorization) to decline 
contributions made by prepaid cards either entirely or in excess of 
$100? Should the Commission create a safe harbor for committees that 
take certain steps to limit or exclude prepaid card contributions, 
whether by requiring contributor affirmations, by arranging with 
prepaid card issuers not to authorize prepaid card contributions to 
them exceeding $100, or by some other means?
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    \89\ See ActBlue, Comment at 6, sers.fec.gov/fosers/showpdf.htm?docid=297360.
    \90\ See, e.g., Visa, Visa Core Rules and Visa Product and 
Service Rules 209 (2015), https://usa.visa.com/dam/VCOM/download/about-visa/15-April-2015-Visa-Rules-Public.pdf (indicating that 
selective authorization may be based on criteria including merchant 
category classification).
    \91\ See Visa, Visa Merchant Category Classification (MCC) Code 
Directory, www.dm.usda.gov/procurement/card/card_x/mcc.pdf (noting 
MCC code of 8651 for political organizations) (last visited Oct. 6, 
2016).
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    Although internet-based alternative mediums of exchange such as 
bitcoin are not currency of the United States or of any foreign 
country, as noted above, they have characteristics very similar to cash 
(e.g., easily transferrable and relatively untraceable). Other 
government entities and courts have grappled with whether internet-
based alternative mediums of exchange such as bitcoin are ``money,'' 
and whether and how such alternative mediums of exchange should be 
subject to law in other contexts.\92\ Should the Commission revise its 
regulations to treat contributions of bitcoin and other internet-based 
alternative mediums of exchange as cash contributions or, as discussed 
above, as in-kind contributions? If the Commission should revise its 
regulations to address internet-based alternative mediums of exchange, 
should the Commission treat contributions of internet-based alternative 
mediums of exchange in the same manner as it proposes to treat cash 
cards?
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    \92\ See, e.g., SEC v. Shavers, No. 4:13-CV-416, 2013 WL 
4028182, at *2 (E.D. Tex. Aug. 6, 2013); Craig K. Elwell et al., 
Cong. Research Serv., R43339, Bitcoin: Questions, Answers, and 
Analysis of Legal Issues (2015), www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R43339.pdf 
(providing overview of federal, state, and international legal 
issues); Fin. Crimes Enforcement Network, U.S. Dep't of the 
Treasury, FIN-2013-G001, Application of FinCEN's Regulations to 
Persons Administering, Exchanging, or Using Virtual Currencies 
(2013), www.fincen.gov/statutes_regs/guidance/pdf/FIN-2013-G001.pdf.
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2. Updating References to Contributions and Disbursements by Check

a. Committee Disbursements by Electronic Transfer
    FECA requires each political committee to maintain at least one 
checking account and to make all disbursements (other than from petty 
cash) ``by check.'' 52 U.S.C. 30102(h)(1). The Commission has 
implemented this requirement in regulations that require all 
disbursements (other than petty cash disbursements) to be made ``by 
check or similar draft drawn on'' a campaign depository account. 11 CFR 
102.10; see also 11 CFR 103.3(a) (same). The Commission has further 
interpreted the term ``similar draft'' to include certain forms of 
electronic disbursement.\93\ Consistent with these prior 
interpretations and in light of the increasing use of electronic 
transactions in the campaign finance arena, the Commission proposes to 
revise 11 CFR 102.10 and 103.3(a) to provide that disbursements may be 
made by ``check or similar draft, including electronic transfer'' from 
a campaign depository; to revise 11 CFR 110.1(b)(3)(i)(A) to enable 
political committees to refund contributions by ``committee check or 
similar draft, including electronic transfer''; and to revise 11 CFR 
110.6(c)(1)(iv)(C) to require conduits and intermediaries to report 
earmarked contributions that are forwarded by electronic transfer, in 
addition to reporting earmarked contributions forwarded in cash or by 
the contributor's or conduit's check. The Commission intends these 
revisions to be consistent with the Commission's prior interpretations 
of the terms ``check'' or ``similar draft'' and seeks comment on the 
proposed revisions.
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    \93\ See, e.g., Advisory Opinion 1993-04 (Christopher Cox 
Congressional Committee) (approving ``computer driven billpayer 
service'' that disbursed funds by electronic transfer); Advisory 
Opinion 1982-25 (Barbara Sigmund for Congress Committee) (concluding 
that wire transfer qualifies as ``similar draft'').
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b. Recordkeeping for Disbursements by Electronic Transfer
    In light of the proposed regulatory revisions for disbursements by 
electronic transfer, and because checks may now be processed 
electronically without the creation of a canceled check,\94\ the 
Commission proposes to revise the recordkeeping requirements for 
political committee disbursements. Section 102.9(b) describes the 
records that political committees must keep of their disbursements. The 
Commission proposes to revise 11 CFR 102.9(b)(2), (b)(2)(i)(B), and 
(b)(2)(ii), which currently require committees to keep a ``cancelled 
check'' to a payee or recipient (among other records of disbursements) 
to provide that a record of disbursement may consist of a ``canceled 
check or record of electronic transfer'' to the payee or recipient. The 
Commission also proposes to remove 11 CFR 102.9(b)(2)(iii), which 
requires political committees to document disbursements made by share 
drafts or checks drawn on credit union accounts, because this provision 
would no longer be necessary in light of proposed changes to the 
recordkeeping provisions in other parts of Sec.  102.9.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \94\ See Susan Johnston Taylor, How to Deposit Checks With Your 
Smartphone, U.S. News and World Report, Oct. 9, 2012, http://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2012/10/09/how-to-deposit-checks-with-your-smartphone.
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    Sections 9003.5(b) and 9033.11(b) contain the disbursement 
documentation requirements for publicly financed candidates. The 
Commission proposes to revise 11 CFR 9003.5(b)(1), 9003.5(b)(1)(iv), 
9003.5(b)(2)(ii), 9033.11(b)(1), 9033.11(b)(1)(iv), and 
9033.11(b)(2)(ii) to provide explicitly that a record of disbursement 
may consist of a ``record of electronic transfer to the payee,'' in 
addition to canceled checks negotiated by the payee. The Commission 
seeks comment on these proposed changes.
c. Electronic Funds Transfers Related to Separate Segregated Fund 
Administration
    The Commission intends to make similar revisions to two regulations 
relating to contributions by ``check'' to a separate segregated fund 
(``SSF''). First, the Commission proposes revising 11 CFR 102.6(c)(3), 
which provides that a contributor may ``write a check'' representing 
both a contribution to an SSF and a payment of dues or other fees 
``drawn on the contributor's personal checking account or on a non-
repayable

[[Page 76431]]

corporate drawing account of the individual contributor.'' 11 CFR 
102.6(c)(3). In Advisory Opinion 1990-04 (American Veterinary Medical 
Association PAC), the Commission interpreted this provision as allowing 
a combined payment by credit card. Consistent with the approach in that 
advisory opinion, and because of the increasing use of electronic 
payments, the Commission proposes to revise 11 CFR 102.6(c)(3) to 
enable contributors to make combined payments to an SSF by credit card 
or electronic payment, as well as by check. The combined payment would 
still have to be made from the contributor's personal account, 
irrespective of whether made by check or electronically, or through a 
payroll-deduction plan.\95\ As proposed, the rule would retain the 
reference to ``a non-repayable corporate drawing account of the 
individual,'' because the Commission wants to retain the clarification 
that such accounts are, for purposes of 11 CFR 102.6(c)(3), ``personal 
accounts.''
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    \95\ See 11 CFR 102.6(c)(3) (describing combined payments under 
payroll deduction plan).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Second, the Commission proposes to revise 11 CFR 114.6(d)(2)(iii), 
which requires the custodian of an SSF to forward to the SSF funds from 
certain separate accounts ``by check drawn on'' such accounts. 
Consistent with the proposed revisions concerning disbursements from 
campaign depositories, the Commission proposes to revise 11 CFR 
114.6(d)(2)(iii) to allow such funds to be forwarded ``by check or 
similar draft, including electronic transfer.''
d. Electronic Transfers of Earmarked Contributions
    The Commission seeks comment on whether it should revise 11 CFR 
110.6(c)(1)(v) to address a conduit or intermediary's electronic 
forwarding of an earmarked contribution. Section 110.6(c)(1)(v) sets 
forth the mechanisms for reporting two categories of earmarked 
contributions: those that pass through a conduit or intermediary's 
account, and those that the conduit or intermediary forwards to a 
committee ``in the form of a contributor's check or other written 
instrument'' without first depositing them in the conduit's or 
intermediary's account. The regulation thus does not currently address 
earmarked contributions that the conduit or intermediary forwards 
electronically without those funds first passing through the conduit or 
intermediary's account. Do such transactions occur? If so, then how 
should the Commission amend 11 CFR 110.6(c)(1)(v) to address reporting 
requirements for them?

3. Electronic Contributions to Publicly Funded Committees

    The Funding Acts allow public fund matching only for contributions 
``made by a written instrument which identifies the person making the 
contribution by full name and mailing address.'' 26 U.S.C. 9034(a). The 
Commission proposes to revise 11 CFR 9034.2, which currently defines 
``written instrument'' in this context to include contributions by 
credit and debit card--but not when made over the telephone--to a 
participant in the primary matching fund program.\96\ Section 9034.2(b) 
allows a political committee to receive matching funds for 
contributions by credit card made over the internet only if the 
electronic record of that transaction includes ``the name of the 
cardholder and the card number, which can be maintained electronically 
and reproduced in a written form.'' And Sec.  9034.2(c) requires the 
contribution to also contain the contributor's ``signature,'' which is 
defined for these purposes to be ``either an actual signature . . . or 
in the case of such a contribution made over the Internet, the full 
name and card number of the cardholder who is the donor, entered and 
transmitted by the cardholder.''
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    \96\ See 11 CFR 9034.2(c)(8) (permitting matching of credit and 
debit card contributions by written instrument as set forth in 11 
CFR 9034.2(b) and (c), but not credit or debit card contributions 
made orally).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Comments received on the ANPRM urged the Commission to bring the 
requirement that committees maintain the full card number of 
contributors in line with payment industry security standards.\97\ 
Payment industry standards limit the storage and retention of payment 
card information in order to safeguard consumers and the payment system 
from fraud. Visa, Comment at 2, sers.fec.gov/fosers/showpdf.htm?docid=297361. Specifically, entities may not store the 
three-digit code printed on the back of payment cards and must render 
unreadable (by truncation, hashing, or encryption) the card number and 
expiration date where that information is stored.\98\
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    \97\ See ActBlue, Comment at 2, sers.fec.gov/fosers/showpdf.htm?docid=297360; Perkins Coie, Comment at 2, sers.fec.gov/fosers/showpdf.htm?docid=297359; Visa, Comment at 1-3, sers.fec.gov/fosers/showpdf.htm?docid=297361.
    \98\ Id. at 2-3; see also Michael J. de la Merced, The Credit 
Card of Tomorrow: Software, Not Plastic, N.Y. Times, Apr. 1, 2014, 
http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2014/04/01/the-credit-card-of-tomorrow-software-not-plastic (discussing tokenization and credit card 
security measures).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Because Sec.  9034.2(b) and (c) require publicly funded candidates 
to retain the card number for each contribution by credit or debit 
card, some committees have historically viewed these regulations as 
inconsistent with payment industry security practices and requirements. 
Accordingly, and in recognition of the security risks that are 
attendant upon storing credit card numbers, the Commission proposes to 
revise 11 CFR 9034.2(b) and (c) by removing the requirements that the 
recipient must retain contributors' debit and credit card numbers to be 
eligible for matching funds. All of the regulation's other requirements 
would remain in effect, including the requirements that the recipient 
collect the full name and mailing address of each contributor and 
maintain a ``record that can be reproduced on paper'' of each 
electronic contribution. Would Sec.  9034.2, as revised, provide the 
necessary level of assurance that a credit or debit card contribution 
made over the internet is eligible for matching funds?
    Should the Commission also revise 11 CFR 9034.2(c)(8)(i), which 
prohibits public fund matching of credit and debit card contributions 
``where the cardholder's name and card number are given . . . only 
orally''? When Sec.  9034.2(c) was first adopted, the Commission 
explained the exclusion of credit card ``signatures'' made over the 
telephone as consistent with the ``written instrument'' limitation on 
the definition of ``contribution'' in 26 U.S.C. 9034(a).\99\ Could an 
electronic record of a credit or debit card contribution authorized 
orally--such as an audio recording of the authorization--constitute a 
``written instrument'' under the Funding Acts, 26 U.S.C. 9034(a)? Cf. 
Advisory Opinion 2013-12 (Service Employees International Union COPE) 
(noting that ``a telephone-based authorization system that included 
computer-based (and retrievable) records'' could ``incorporate[ ] 
procedural safeguards and recordkeeping mechanisms equivalent to . . . 
a handwritten signature on a paper document'' (internal quotations 
omitted)). If so, should the Commission revise 11 CFR 9034.2 to permit 
public fund matching of these credit and debit card contributions?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \99\ See Matching Credit Card and Debit Card Contributions in 
Presidential Campaigns, 64 FR 32394, 32395-96 (June 17, 1999).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Finally, the Commission proposes to revise 11 CFR 
9036.2(b)(1)(iii), which requires committees to provide the Commission 
with a list of contribution ``checks returned unpaid'' (i.e., 
``bounced''). The Commission proposes

[[Page 76432]]

to add a parallel provision for the electronic equivalent of bounced 
checks by requiring committees to provide a list of ``credit or debit 
card or other electronic payment chargebacks.'' The Commission is not 
proposing to add a similar provision regarding chargebacks to 11 CFR 
9036.1(b)(7), which concerns a committee's initial submission for 
matching funds, because 11 CFR 9036.1(b)(4) already requires such 
initial submissions to include validation for each deposited 
contribution.
    The Commission seeks comment on the foregoing proposals to update 
its public financing regulations to account for electronic 
transactions.

4. Designation, Redesignation, and Attribution of Contributions

    The Commission is proposing to revise several provisions concerning 
the written designation of contributions for particular elections and 
the attribution of contributions to particular contributors.
    First, the Commission proposes to revise 11 CFR 110.1(b)(4), 
110.2(b)(4), and 9003.3(a)(1)(vi), which define when contributions are 
``designated in writing.'' Each of these rules now allows a 
contribution to be designated for a particular election (or account, in 
the case of 11 CFR 9003.3(a)(1)(vi)) \100\ if it is made: (1) By a 
check, money order, or negotiable instrument which clearly indicates it 
is made with respect to that election or account; or (2) with an 
accompanying writing signed by the contributor which clearly indicates 
it is made with respect to that election or account. To ensure that 
these regulations apply uniformly to electronic and non-electronic 
transactions, the Commission proposes to remove the reference to a 
``check, money order, or other negotiable instrument'' from 11 CFR 
110.1(b)(4)(i), 110.2(b)(4)(i), and 9003.3(a)(1)(vi)(A).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \100\ Section 9003.3(a) concerns contributions to a publicly 
funded presidential candidate's general election legal and 
accounting (``GELAC'') account.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Similarly, the Commission proposes to revise 11 CFR 110.1(k)(1) and 
9034.2(c), which govern attribution of joint contributions. Section 
110.1(k)(1) provides that any contribution made by more than one 
person, other than a contribution by a partnership, ``shall include the 
signature of each contributor on the check, money order, or other 
negotiable instrument or in a separate writing.'' Because many 
contributions are made electronically rather than ``by check, money 
order, or other negotiable instrument,'' the Commission proposes to 
remove that reference to how a contribution is made from 11 CFR 
110.1(k)(1). The proposed regulation would require instead that any 
joint contribution be ``indicated by the signature of each contributor 
in writing,'' without reference to a particular written instrument.
    In the matching-funds context, Sec.  9034.2(c) details the manners 
in which joint contributions may be attributed, depending on the type 
of written instrument by which the contribution is made. The Commission 
proposes to add to this section a provision governing the attribution 
of matchable contributions made by credit and debit cards. 
Specifically, proposed Sec.  9034.2(c)(8)(iii) would parallel the joint 
attribution principles that apply to contributions by check, see 11 CFR 
9034.2(c)(1)(ii), by providing that, ``to be attributed to more than 
one person, a signed written statement must accompany the credit or 
debit card contribution indicating that the contribution was made from 
each individual's personal funds in the amount so attributed.''

F. Updating Other Technologically Outmoded References

    The Commission is proposing to update its regulations to reflect 
technological advances and to remove certain references to outmoded 
technologies. These revisions are not intended to affect the substance 
of any of the revised regulations.

1. Telegrams, Telephones, Typewriters, Audio Tapes, and Facsimiles

    Under 11 CFR 104.6, membership organizations and corporations that 
spend more than $2,000 per election on express advocacy communications 
to their members or restricted class must file reports with the 
Commission that identify, among other things, the type of 
communication, ``such as direct mail, telephone or telegram.'' 11 CFR 
104.6(c)(1). The Commission proposes to remove the reference to 
``telegram'' in 11 CFR 104.6(c)(1) because telegrams are obsolete and 
therefore not useful to include in the regulation's illustrative, non-
exhaustive list of types of communications.\101\
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    \101\ See Shivam Vij, India to End State-Run Telegram Service. 
Stop., Christian Sci. Monitor, June 14, 2013, www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-South-Central/2013/0614/India-to-send-world-s-last-telegram.-Stop (describing one person's ``spirited defense of the 
obsolete technology in the age of the smartphone'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For the same reason, the Commission also proposes to replace the 
reference to ``typewriters'' with ``computers'' in 11 CFR 114.9(d) 
(requiring reimbursement for use of labor organization or corporate 
facilities in connection with federal elections) and to remove the 
references to ``typewriters'' (without substituting a new term) in 11 
CFR 9004.6(a) (identifying certain expenditures that are qualified 
campaign expenses) and 9034.6(a) (same). The Commission intends the 
word ``computer'' in these contexts to include not only PCs, but also 
tablets, smartphones, and similar devices. The Commission welcomes 
comment on whether alternative terms may more clearly encompass all of 
these computing devices.
    Similarly, the Commission proposes to add ``internet service'' to 
five non-exhaustive illustrative lists that currently include 
``telephone service'': 11 CFR 106.2(b)(2)(iii)(D) (defining ``overhead 
expenditures'' to include utilities and ``telephone service base 
charges''); 11 CFR 9004.6(a) and (b) (describing publicly financed 
candidates' provision of ``facilities'' to the media, including 
``telephone service''); and 11 CFR 9034.6(a) and (b) (same).
    Because most recording is now digital rather than on magnetic tape, 
the Commission proposes to replace all regulatory references to 
``tapes,'' as in, for example, ``audio tapes,'' with references to 
``recordings'': 11 CFR 200.6(a)(5) (including ``transcripts or audio 
tapes'' of Commission hearings in administrative record); 11 CFR 
9007.7(b)(2) (same); 11 CFR 9038.7(b)(2) (same).
    The Commission proposes to revise 11 CFR 108.6(b), which requires 
state officers to preserve certain reports concerning federal 
elections, by replacing the phrase ``in facsimile copy by microfilm or 
otherwise'' with ``by copy.'' The Commission is not, however, currently 
proposing to remove all references to ``facsimile'' from its 
regulations. For example, certain uses of ``facsimile'' in the 
regulations are grounded in the use of the word in FECA, such as the 
definition of ``mass mailing'' in 11 CFR 100.27, which is drawn from 
FECA's definition of ``mass mailing'' as including ``a mailing by . . . 
facsimile.'' 52 U.S.C. 30101(23). The Commission welcomes suggestions 
regarding whether any technological or conforming revisions are 
necessary in the definition of ``mass mailing'' in 11 CFR 100.27 or the 
separate definition of the same term at 11 CFR 106.2(b)(2)(ii).
    The regulations use a similar term, ``direct mail,'' in reference 
to a nominating convention delegate's activity. This term is defined at 
11 CFR 110.14(f)(4) to include ``any mailing(s) made from lists that 
were not developed by the delegate.'' See also 11 CFR 110.14(i)(4) 
(parallel provision for delegate committees). Should the

[[Page 76433]]

definitions of ``direct mail'' be revised to explicitly account for 
electronic mailings or mailing lists?

2. Microfilm and Obsolete Computer References

    The Commission proposes to remove most references to ``microfilm,'' 
``computer tape,'' ``magnetic tape,'' and similar terms from the 
regulations because these technologies are, for most purposes, 
obsolete. These references are largely found in the rules implementing 
the Funding Acts, FOIA, the Privacy Act, and the Commission's Public 
Disclosure Division. Specifically, the Commission proposes to make the 
following revisions, none of which is intended to be substantive:
     Remove the references to ``microform,'' ``computer tape or 
microfilm,'' ``computerized,'' and ``Computerized Magnetic Media 
Requirements'' in 11 CFR 4.1(j) (presenting non-exhaustive list of 
forms of FOIA copies), 4.9(c)(5) (FOIA fees), 9007.1(b)(1) (public 
finance audits), 9036.2(b)(1)(vi) (public fund submission procedures), 
and 9038.1(b)(1) (audit procedures);
     replace references to ``machine readable documentation,'' 
``magnetic tape or disk,'' ``computer disk,'' ``magnetic tapes or 
magnetic diskettes,'' and ``computerized magnetic media'' with 
``digital storage device'' in 11 CFR 4.1(j) (non-exhaustive list of 
forms of FOIA copies), 4.9(a)(3) (FOIA fees), 9003.1(b)(4) (public fund 
eligibility conditions), 9003.6(a) (same), 9033.1(b)(5) (same), 
9033.12(a) (same), and 9036.1(b)(2) (same);
     replace references to a ``microfilmed copy'' and 
``photocopy'' with ``copy'' in 11 CFR 105.5(a) and (b);
     delete 11 CFR 9003.6(b) and 9033.12(b), which concern the 
organization of computer information according to technical 
specifications of a computer system the Commission no longer uses;
     replace ``computers'' with ``computers or other electronic 
devices'' in 11 CFR 9004.6(a)(1) and 9034.6(a)(1); and
     replace ``either solely in magnetic media from or in both 
printed and magnetic media forms'' with ``in printed or digital form or 
a combination of printed and digital forms'' in 11 CFR 
9036.2(b)(1)(ii).
    The Commission also proposes to revise and simplify the fee 
structures at 11 CFR 4.9 and 5.6, which concern fees for FOIA and 
Public Disclosure. Specifically, the Commission proposes to remove 11 
CFR 4.9(a)(2) (imposing $25 per hour computer access FOIA fee); revise 
11 CFR 4.9(c)(4) and 5.6(a) to reduce the fee for document 
certification; remove from 11 CFR 4.9(c)(4) and 5.6(a) the fees for 
``microfilm reader-printer'' and ``microfilm-paper'' copies, ``reels of 
microfilm,'' publications, computer tapes and indexes, professional 
research time, and transcripts;\102\ remove the specified staff charges 
from Sec.  4.9(c)(4) and add a provision to charge the ``direct 
costs,'' including staff and digital storage devices on which records 
are produced; remove from 11 CFR 5.6(a) the fees for professional 
``research time/photocopying time''; remove 11 CFR 5.6(b), which 
establishes fees for providing Commission publications; and remove from 
11 CFR 5.6(c) the reference to use of a contractor for microfilm and 
computer tape duplication. The Commission also proposes to make a 
conforming revision to 11 CFR 112.2(b) by including a reference to the 
Commission's Web site in conjunction with an existing reference to the 
Public Disclosure Division. The Commission welcomes comment on the 
proposed revisions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \102\ The Commission is not proposing to change regulatory 
references to microfilm that relate to older Commission records that 
are unavailable in other forms. See, e.g., 11 CFR 5.6(a)(1) 
(establishing fee for making paper copies from microfilm).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Commission seeks comment on two parallel provisions concerning 
accommodations for the hearing impaired in television commercials 
prepared and distributed by publicly financed candidates. The Funding 
Acts require such candidates to certify that any television 
advertisement ``contains or is accompanied by closed captioning of the 
oral content of the commercial to be broadcast in line 21 of the 
vertical blanking interval, or is capable of being viewed by deaf and 
hearing impaired individuals via any comparable successor technology to 
line 21 of the vertical blanking interval.'' 26 U.S.C. 9003(e). 
Commission regulations implement this requirement essentially verbatim 
at 11 CFR 9003.1(b)(10) and 9033.1(b)(12). Is there a ``successor 
technology'' that the Commission should now recognize in these 
provisions? Are there other technologies that might not apply to 
traditional broadcast television but are used for cable, satellite, or 
internet-based television (e.g., Hulu or Netflix)?
    Finally, the Commission seeks comment on other regulatory 
references to specific technologies: ``computer column codes [and] the 
extent of computer tabulations'' of polling data, 11 CFR 106.4(e)(1); 
software that is ``provided or approved by the Commission,'' see 11 CFR 
102.5(a)(3)(ii), 106.7(b), 300.30(c)(3)(ii); and ``programming . . . 
computers'' to address envelopes or labels, 11 CFR 114.5(k)(2). Are 
these provisions outdated, such that they should be revised?

3. Web Sites

    The Commission is considering whether to revise certain regulatory 
references to ``Web sites'' to accommodate newer technologies--such as 
mobile applications (``apps'') on smartphones and tablets, smart TV, 
interactive gaming dashboards, e-book readers, and wearable network-
enabled devices such as smartwatches or headsets--that have taken many 
of the same roles and characteristics that the Commission previously 
ascribed to Web sites.
    First, the Commission proposes to update the definition of ``public 
communication'' in 11 CFR 100.26, which currently refers to 
communications placed for fee on another person's ``Web site.'' \103\ 
When the Commission defined ``public communication'' in 2006 to include 
paid internet advertisements on Web sites, it analogized such 
advertisements to the other forms of mass communication enumerated in 
FECA's definition of ``public communication''--such as television, 
radio, and newspapers--because ``each lends itself to distribution of 
content through an entity ordinarily owned or controlled by another 
person.'' Internet Communications, 71 FR 18589, 18594 (Apr. 12, 2006); 
52 U.S.C. 30101(22). The Commission focused on Web sites because that 
was the predominant means of paid internet advertising in 2006.\104\ 
The proposed revision would update Sec.  100.26 to refer to an 
``internet-enabled device or application,'' thereby reflecting 
subsequent changes in internet technology \105\ and rendering

[[Page 76434]]

the regulatory text more adaptable to the development of as-yet unknown 
future technologies.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \103\ The definition of ``public communication'' is relevant to 
the application of certain disclaimer requirements, 11 CFR 
110.11(a), coordination rules, 11 CFR 109.21(c), and financing 
limitations, e.g., 11 CFR 100.24(b)(3), 300.32(a)(1)-(2), 300.71.
    \104\ Even in the 2006 rulemaking, the Commission stated, albeit 
in a different context, that the ``terms `Web site' and `any 
Internet or electronic publication' are meant to encompass a wide 
range of existing and developing technology, such as Web sites, 
`podcasts,' etc.'' Internet Communications, 71 FR at 18608 n.52 
(citing 2005 testimony enumerating variety of ``Internet 
communication technologies,'' including instant messaging, 
``Internet Relay Chat,'' social networking software, and widgets).
    \105\ See Amy Schatz, In Hot Pursuit of the Digital Voter, Wall 
St. J., Mar. 23, 2012, www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303812904577299820064048072 (showing screenshots of 
2012 presidential committee advertisements on Hulu and noting 
another campaign's purchase of advertisements on Pandora internet 
radio); Tanzina Vega, The Next Political Battleground: Your Phone, 
CNN, May 29, 2015, www.cnn.com/2015/05/29/politics/2016-presidential-campaigns-mobile-technology (noting that ``voters 
should expect more political ads as they scroll through their phones 
next year--much as they'll be bombarded with ads on television,'' 
including ads using geolocation to ``target[] potential voters who 
may have downloaded the candidate's app''). Indeed, a recent study 
has shown that 19% of Americans access the internet exclusively or 
mostly through their smartphones as opposed to desktop or laptop 
computers. See Pew Research Ctr., U.S. Smartphone Use in 2015, at 3 
(2015), www.pewinternet.org/files/2015/03/PI_Smartphones_0401151.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Commission seeks comment on this proposal. Is there any basis 
in law or fact to distinguish between paid Web site advertising and 
other paid internet advertising for purposes of the definition of 
``public communication''? Is the term ``internet-enabled device or 
application'' sufficiently clear and technically accurate, or is there 
a better way to refer to the various media through which paid internet 
communications can be sent and received? Would providing examples of 
such paid media be helpful?
    Second, the Commission proposes to update the disclaimer provision 
in 11 CFR 110.11, which currently refers to political committees' 
``Internet Web sites'' that are available to the general public. 11 CFR 
110.11(a)(1).\106\ When the Commission revised the disclaimer 
requirements in 2002 to apply to political committees' Web sites, it 
noted ``the widespread use of this technology in modern campaigning, 
and the relatively nonintrusive nature of disclaimer requirements.'' 
Disclaimers, Fraudulent Solicitation, Civil Penalties, and Personal Use 
of Campaign Funds, 67 FR 76962, 76964 (Dec. 13, 2002). Disclaimers on 
political committee Web sites, the Commission stated, ``will assure, 
for example, that a Web site created and paid for by an individual will 
not have to include a disclaimer'' while the ``use of . . . Web sites 
to conduct campaign activity will have to provide the public notice of 
who is responsible.'' Id. As noted in the discussion of ``public 
communication'' above, the Commission used the term ``Web site'' here 
because that was the predominant means of public ``campaign activity'' 
on the internet at the time. To update the now-outdated terminology in 
this provision, the Commission proposes to revise it to refer to 
political committees' ``Web sites and internet applications.'' The 
Commission welcomes comment on this proposal, including on whether 
there are terms other than ``Web sites'' and ``applications'' that may 
be better able to adapt to changing technological platforms of 
political committees. Is there a legal or factual basis for 
distinguishing between political committees' public Web sites and their 
public apps for purposes of FECA's disclaimer provisions? Do political 
committees have other devices or platforms for disseminating internet 
content comparable to Web sites and apps in modern campaigning?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \106\ Issues concerning the substantive disclaimer requirements 
for electronic communications, such as modifications of or 
exemptions from disclaimer requirements for certain internet 
communications, are outside the scope of this rulemaking. They may 
be addressed in a separate rulemaking. See Internet Communication 
Disclaimers, 76 FR 63567; see also supra note 40. To review and 
comment on documents on that subject, visit http://www.fec.gov/fosers, reference REG 2011-02.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Third, the Commission is proposing to update the definition of 
``federal election activity'' to exclude de minimis costs incurred by a 
state, district, or local party committee for certain activities 
associated with apps. 11 CFR 100.24. Currently, the definition of 
``federal election activity'' excludes de minimis costs associated with 
posting certain general voting information on the ``Web site'' of a 
state, district, or local party committee or association of state or 
local candidates. 11 CFR 100.24(c)(7)(i) through (iii). When the 
Commission adopted these exclusions in 2010, it recognized the 
``administrative complexities'' that state, district, and local party 
committees and associations of state and local candidates would face in 
tracking the ``nominal, incidental'' costs of the enumerated 
activities. See Definition of Federal Election Activity, 75 FR 55257, 
55265 (Sept. 10, 2010). The Commission also recognized that many of 
these activities did not involve any costs and, for those that did, the 
costs would be ``so small that--even aggregated over a long period of 
time--they would not result in any meaningful evasion of BCRA's soft 
money restrictions.'' Id. The Commission proposes now to update 11 CFR 
100.24(c)(7) by providing that the de minimis exception also applies to 
the same enumerated activities when conducted via internet apps of 
state, district, and local party committees and associations of state 
and local candidates. The Commission believes that the reasons for 
excluding this activity from the definition of federal election 
activity when conducted on a party committee's Web site--i.e., its de 
minimis incremental cost and the administrative difficulty of 
determining such cost--apply equally to making the specified 
information available on a party committee's app. Is there any 
practical or legal reason to include one in the definition of ``federal 
election activity'' while excluding the other? Is the proposed revision 
sufficiently flexible for the de minimis exception to be applied to 
evolving technologies where appropriate without further textual 
revision?
    Finally, the Commission is proposing to revise references to 
``World Wide Web site,'' ``Web site'' or ``Web site'' to read ``Web 
site'' in 11 CFR 4.4(g), 100.29(b)(6)(i) and (ii), 100.73, 100.94(b), 
100.132, 102.2(a)(1)(vii), 104.22(b)(2)(i) and (ii), 110.1(c)(1)(iii), 
110.2(e)(2), and 110.17(e)(1) and (2); ``Internet Web site'' to read 
``Web site'' in 11 CFR 104.22(a)(6)(ii)(A)(2); ``World Wide Web 
address'' to read ``Web site address'' in 11 CFR 110.11(b)(3); and 
``Web address'' and ``Web page'' to read ``Web site address'' and ``Web 
page'' in 11 CFR 300.2(m)(1)(iii). As with the other terminological 
updates discussed above, none of these proposed revisions is intended 
to effect a substantive change in the regulations. Would the proposed 
revisions modernize the regulatory language in a useful way?

G. Other Electronic Modernization Issues

    In addition to inviting comment, including pertinent data, on the 
issues raised in this document, the Commission welcomes comment and 
data on any technological modernization issues that are not addressed 
in this document and that relate to the Commission's regulations 
implementing FECA, the Funding Acts, or other statutes that the 
Commission is charged with implementing.

Certification of No Effect Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 605(b) (Regulatory 
Flexibility Act)

    The Commission certifies that the attached proposed rules, if 
adopted, would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities. The proposed rules would clarify and update 
existing regulatory language, codify certain existing Commission 
precedent regarding electronic transactions and communications, and 
provide political committees and other entities with more flexibility 
in meeting FECA's recordkeeping and filing requirements. The proposed 
rules would not impose new recordkeeping, reporting, or financial 
obligations on political committees or commercial vendors. The 
Commission therefore certifies that the proposed rules, if adopted, 
would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities.

[[Page 76435]]

List of Subjects

11 CFR Part 1

    Privacy.

11 CFR Part 2

    Sunshine Act.

11 CFR Part 4

    Freedom of information.

11 CFR Part 5

    Archives and records.

11 CFR Part 6

    Civil rights, Individuals with disabilities.

11 CFR Part 7

    Administrative practice and procedure, Conflict of interests.

11 CFR Part 100

    Elections.

11 CFR Part 102

    Political committees and parties, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

11 CFR Part 103

    Banks and banking, Campaign funds, Political committees and 
parties, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

11 CFR Part 104

    Campaign funds, Political committees and parties, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

11 CFR Part 105

    Campaign funds, Political candidates, Political committees and 
parties, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

11 CFR Part 106

    Campaign funds, Political committees and parties, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

11 CFR Part 108

    Elections, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

11 CFR Part 109

    Coordinated and independent expenditures.

11 CFR Part 110

    Campaign funds, Political committees and parties.

11 CFR Part 111

    Administrative practice and procedure, Elections, Law enforcement, 
Penalties.

11 CFR Part 112

    Administrative practice and procedure, Elections.

11 CFR Part 114

    Business and industry, Elections, Labor.

11 CFR Part 116

    Administrative practice and procedure, Business and industry, 
Credit, Elections, Political candidates, Political committees and 
parties.

11 CFR Part 200

    Administrative practice and procedure.

11 CFR Part 201

    Administrative practice and procedure.

11 CFR Part 300

    Campaign funds, Nonprofit organizations, Political committees and 
parties, Political candidates, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

11 CFR Part 9002

    Campaign funds.

11 CFR Part 9003

    Campaign funds, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

11 CFR Part 9004

    Campaign funds.

11 CFR Part 9007

    Administrative practice and procedure, Campaign funds.

11 CFR Part 9032

    Campaign funds.

11 CFR Part 9033

    Campaign funds, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

11 CFR Part 9034

    Campaign funds, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

11 CFR Part 9035

    Campaign funds, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

11 CFR Part 9036

    Administrative practice and procedure, Campaign funds, Reporting 
and recordkeeping requirements.

11 CFR Part 9038

    Administrative practice and procedure, Campaign funds.

11 CFR Part 9039

    Campaign funds, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, the Federal Election 
Commission proposes to amend 11 CFR chapter I as follows:

PART 1--PRIVACY ACT

0
1. The authority citation for part 1 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  5 U.S.C. 552a.


Sec.  1.3  [Amended]

0
2. Amend paragraph (b) of Sec.  1.3 by removing ``request assistance by 
mail or in person from the Chief Privacy Officer, Federal Election 
Commission, 999 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20463 during the hours of 
9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.'' and adding in its place ``request assistance in 
person from the Chief Privacy Officer during the hours of 9 a.m. to 
5:30 p.m. or file a request for assistance, addressed to the Chief 
Privacy Officer, pursuant to 11 CFR 100.19(g).''


Sec.  1.4  [Amended]

0
3. Amend paragraph (a) of Sec.  1.4 by removing ``made at the Federal 
Election Commission, 999 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20463 and to the 
system manager identified in the notice describing the systems of 
records, either in writing or in person'' and adding in its place 
``addressed to the system manager identified in the notice describing 
the systems of records, either in person or by filing the request 
pursuant to 11 CFR 100.19(g)''.

PART 2--SUNSHINE REGULATIONS; MEETINGS

0
4. The authority citation for part 2 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  5 U.S.C. 552b.


Sec.  2.2  [Amended]

0
5. Amend Sec.  2.2(a) by removing ``, 999 E Street NW., Washington, DC 
20463''.

PART 4--PUBLIC RECORDS AND THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

0
6. The authority citation for part 4 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  5 U.S.C. 552, as amended.


Sec.  4.1  [Amended]

0
7. Amend Sec.  4.1(j) as follows:
0
a. Remove ``microform,''; and
0
b. Remove ``machine readable documentation (e.g., magnetic tape or 
disk)'' and add in its place ``digital storage device''.


Sec.  4.4  [Amended]

0
8. Amend Sec.  4.4(g) by removing ``World Wide Web site'' and adding in 
its place ``Web site''.


Sec.  4.5  [Amended]

0
9. Amend Sec.  4.5 as follows:

[[Page 76436]]

0
a. In paragraph (a)(4)(i), remove ``addressed to the Chief FOIA 
Officer, Federal Election Commission, 999 E Street NW., Washington, DC 
20463, and shall indicate clearly on the envelope'' and add in its 
place ``addressed to the Chief FOIA Officer and filed pursuant to 11 
CFR 100.19(g), and shall indicate clearly on the envelope or subject 
line, or in a similarly prominent location,''; and
0
b. In paragraph (a)(4)(iv), remove ``addressed to the Chief FOIA 
Officer, Federal Election Commission, 999 E Street NW., Washington, DC 
20463'' and add in its place ``addressed to the Chief FOIA Officer and 
filed pursuant to 11 CFR 100.19(g)''.


Sec.  4.7  [Amended]

0
10. Amend paragraph (b)(1) of Sec.  4.7 by removing ``addressed to 
Chief FOIA Officer, Federal Election Commission, 999 E Street NW., 
Washington, DC 20463'' and adding in its place ``addressed to the Chief 
FOIA Officer and filed pursuant to 11 CFR 100.19(g)''.


Sec.  4.8  [Amended]

0
11. Amend Sec.  4.8 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (b), remove ``envelope or other cover and at the top of 
the first page'' and add in its place ``envelope or subject line, or in 
a similarly prominent location,''; and
0
b. In paragraph (c), remove ``delivered or addressed to the Chief FOIA 
Officer, Federal Election Commission, 999 E Street NW., Washington, DC 
20463'' and add in its place ``addressed to the Chief FOIA Officer and 
filed pursuant to 11 CFR 100.19(g)''.
0
12. Amend Sec.  4.9 as follows:
0
a. Remove paragraph (a)(2);
0
b. Redesignate paragraphs (a)(3) and (4) as paragraphs (a)(2) and (3), 
respectively;
0
c. In newly redesignated paragraph (a)(2), remove ``computer disks'' 
and add in its place ``digital storage devices''; and
0
d. Revise paragraphs (c)(4) and (5).
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  4.9   Fees.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (4) For a paper photocopy of a record, the fee will be $.07 per 
page, which has been calculated to include staff time. For other forms 
of duplication, including copies produced by computer, the Commission 
will charge the direct costs, including staff time and the actual cost 
of any digital storage device provided. The Commission will charge 
$7.50 for certification of a document. The Commission will not charge a 
fee for ordinary packaging and mailing of records requested. When a 
request for special mailing or delivery services is received the 
Commission will package the records requested. The requestor shall make 
all arrangements for pick-up and delivery of the requested materials. 
The requestor shall pay all costs associated with special mailing or 
delivery services directly to the courier or mail service.
    (5) The Commission will advise the requestor of the identity of any 
private contractor who will perform the duplication services. If fees 
are charged for such services, they shall be made payable to that 
private contractor and shall be forwarded to the Commission.
* * * * *

PART 5--ACCESS TO PUBLIC DISCLOSURE DIVISION DOCUMENTS

0
13. The authority citation for part 5 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  52 U.S.C. 30108(d), 30109(a)(4)(B)(ii), 30111(a); 31 
U.S.C. 9701.


Sec.  5.4  [Amended]

0
14. Amend Sec.  5.4(a)(5) by removing ``Letter requests'' and adding in 
its place ``Requests''.


Sec.  5.5  [Amended]

0
15. Amend Sec.  5.5 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (a), remove ``mail'' and add in its place ``filing a 
request pursuant to 11 CFR 100.19(g)''; and
0
b. In paragraph (c), remove ``addressed to the Chief FOIA Officer, 
Federal Election Commission, 999 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20463'' 
and add in its place ``addressed to the Chief FOIA Officer and filed 
pursuant to 11 CFR 100.19(g)''.
0
16. Amend Sec.  5.6 as follows:
0
a. Revise paragraph (a);
0
b. Remove paragraph (b);
0
c. Redesignate paragraphs (c) and (d) as paragraphs (b) and (c), 
respectively; and
0
d. Revise newly redesignated paragraph (b).
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  5.6  Fees.

    (a) Fees may be charged for copies of records which are furnished 
to a requester under this part and for the staff time spent in locating 
and reproducing such records at the rate of $.05 per page for paper 
copies, including paper copies from microfilm; $4.50 per half hour of 
staff time after the first half hour; and $7.50 for certification of a 
document. Such fees shall not exceed the Commission's direct cost of 
processing requests for those records computed on the basis of the 
actual number of copies produced and the staff time expended in 
fulfilling the particular request.
    (b) In the event the anticipated fees for all pending requests from 
the same requester exceed $25.00, records will not be searched, nor 
copies furnished, until the requester pays, or makes acceptable 
arrangements to pay, the total amount due. If any fee is not precisely 
ascertainable, an estimate will be made by the Commission and the 
requester will be required to forward the fee so estimated. In the 
event any advance payment differs from the actual fee, an appropriate 
adjustment will be made at the time the copies are made available by 
the Commission.
* * * * *

PART 6--ENFORCEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF HANDICAP 
IN PROGRAMS OR ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED BY THE FEDERAL ELECTION 
COMMISSION

0
17. The authority citation for part 6 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  29 U.S.C. 794.


Sec.  6.103  [Amended]

0
18. Amend Sec.  6.103(b) by removing ``, 999 E Street NW., Washington, 
DC 20463''.


Sec.  6.170  [Amended]

0
19. Amend Sec.  6.170 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (d)(3), remove ``filed under this part shall be 
addressed to the Rehabilitation Act Officer, 999 E Street NW., 
Washington, DC 20463'' and add in its place ``under this part shall be 
addressed to the Rehabilitation Act Officer and filed pursuant to 11 
CFR 100.19(g)'';
0
b. In paragraph (g), remove ``in a letter containing'' and add in its 
place ``in writing. This notification will contain'';
0
c. In paragraph (h), remove ``letter'' and add in its place 
``notification''; and
0
d. In paragraph (i), remove ``, Federal Election Commission, 999 E 
Street, NW., Washington, DC 20463'' and add in its place ``and filed 
pursuant to 11 CFR 100.19(g)''.

PART 7--STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

0
20. The authority citation for part 7 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 52 U.S.C. 30106, 30107, and 30111; 5 U.S.C. 7321 et 
seq. and app. 3.


Sec.  7.2  [Amended]

0
21. Amend Sec.  7.2(a) by removing ``, 999 E Street NW., Washington, DC 
20463''.

PART 100--SCOPE AND DEFINITIONS (52 U.S.C. 30101)

0
22. The authority citation for part 100 continues to read as follows:


[[Page 76437]]


    Authority:  52 U.S.C. 30101, 30104, 30111(a)(8), and 30114(c).


Sec.  100.3  [Amended]

0
23. Amend Sec.  100.3(a)(3) by removing ``by letter'' and adding in its 
place ``in writing''.


Sec.  100.9  [Amended]

0
24. Amend Sec.  100.9 by removing ``, 999 E Street NW., Washington, DC 
20463''.
0
25. In Sec.  100.19, revise the introductory paragraph and add 
paragraph (g) to read as follows:


Sec.  100.19  File, filed, or filing (52 U.S.C. 30104(a)).

    With respect to documents required to be filed with the Commission 
or the Secretary of the Senate under 11 CFR parts 101, 102, 104, 105, 
107, 108, and 109, and any modifications or amendments thereto, the 
terms file, filed, and filing mean one of the actions set forth in 
paragraphs (a) through (f) of this section. With respect to documents 
to be filed with the Commission under any other provision of 11 CFR, 
the terms file, filed, and filing mean one of the actions set forth in 
paragraph (g) of this section. For purposes of this section, document 
means any report, statement, notice, designation, request, petition, or 
other writing to be filed with the Commission or the Secretary of the 
Senate.
* * * * *
    (g) A document may be filed in person or by mail, including 
priority mail or express mail, or overnight delivery service, with the 
Federal Election Commission, 999 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20463, or 
by any alternative means, including electronic, that the Commission may 
prescribe.


Sec.  100.24  [Amended]

0
26. Amend Sec.  100.24 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (c)(7)(i), by removing ``Web site'' and ``web page'' 
and adding in their places, ``website or internet application'' 
wherever they appear; and
0
b. In paragraphs (c)(7)(ii) and (iii), by removing ``Web site'' and 
adding in its place ``website or internet application'' wherever it 
appears.


Sec.  100.26  [Amended]

0
27. Amend Sec.  100.26 by removing ``Web site'' and adding in its place 
``website or internet-enabled device or application''.


Sec.  100.29  [Amended]

0
28. Amend Sec.  100.29 as follows:
0
a. In paragraphs (b)(6)(i) and (ii), remove ``Web site'' and add in its 
place ``website'' wherever it appears; and
0
b. In paragraph (b)(6)(ii)(A), remove ``written documentation'' and add 
in its place ``a writing''.
0
29. Add Sec.  100.34 to subpart A to read as follows:


Sec.  100.34  Record.

    (a) A record is information that is inscribed on a tangible medium 
or that is stored in an electronic or other medium from which the 
information can be retrieved and reviewed in visual or aural form.
    (b) Any person who provides to the Commission a record stored in an 
electronic or other non-tangible medium shall, upon request of the 
Commission, provide at no cost to the Commission any equipment and 
software necessary to enable the Commission to retrieve and review the 
information in the record. The Commission may request such equipment 
and software when the Commission cannot retrieve and review the 
information using the Commission's existing equipment and software.
0
30. Add Sec.  100.35 to subpart A to read as follows:


Sec.  100.35  Writing, written.

    Written, in writing, or a writing means consisting of letters, 
words, numbers, or their equivalent set down in any medium or form, 
including paper, email or other electronic message, computer file, or 
digital storage device.
0
31. Add Sec.  100.36 to subpart A to read as follows:


Sec.  100.36  Signature, electronic signature.

    (a) A signature is an individual's name or mark on a writing or 
record that identifies the individual and authenticates the writing or 
record. A signature includes an electronic signature, unless otherwise 
specified.
    (b) An electronic signature is an electronic word, image, symbol, 
or process that an individual attaches to or associates with a writing 
or record to identify the individual and authenticate the writing or 
record. Examples of electronic signatures include a digital image of a 
handwritten signature, or a secure, digital code attached to an 
electronically transmitted message that uniquely identifies and 
authenticates the sender.
    (c) A writing or record may be sworn, made under oath, or otherwise 
certified or verified under penalty of perjury, by electronic 
signature. A writing or record may be notarized electronically pursuant 
to applicable State law.


Sec.  100.73  [Amended]

0
32. Amend the introductory text of Sec.  100.73 by removing ``Web 
site'' and adding in its place ``website''.


Sec.  100.82  [Amended]

0
33. Amend Sec.  100.82(e)(1)(i) and (e)(2)(ii) by removing 
``documentation'' and adding in its place ``records'' wherever it 
appears.


Sec.  100.93  [Amended]

0
34. Amend the introductory text of Sec.  100.93(j)(1), (2), and (3) by 
removing ``documentation'' and adding in its place ``a record'' 
wherever it appears.


Sec.  100.94  [Amended]

0
35. Amend Sec.  100.94(b) by removing ``Web site'' and adding in its 
place ``website'' wherever it appears.


Sec.  100.132  [Amended]

0
36. Amend the introductory text of Sec.  100.132 by removing ``Web 
site'' and adding in its place ``website''.


Sec.  100.142  [Amended]

0
37. Amend Sec.  100.142(e)(1)(i) and (e)(2)(ii) by removing 
``documentation'' and adding in its place ``records'' wherever it 
appears.

PART 102--REGISTRATION, ORGANIZATION, AND RECORDKEEPING BY 
POLITICAL COMMITTEES (52 U.S.C. 30103)

0
38. The authority citation for part 102 continues to read as follows:


    Authority:  52 U.S.C. 30102, 30103, 30104(a)(11), 30111(a)(8), 
and 30120.


Sec.  102.2  [Amended]

0
39. Amend Sec.  102.2 as follows:
0
a. In the introductory text to paragraph (a)(1), remove ``, 999 E 
Street NW., Washington, DC 20463''; and
0
b. In paragraph (a)(1)(vii), remove ``web site'' and add in its place 
``website''.
0
40. Amend Sec.  102.6 as follows:
0
a. In the introductory text of paragraph (c)(2), remove ``fund in a 
bill'' and add in its place ``fund with a bill''; and
0
b. Revise paragraph (c)(3).
    The revision reads as follows:


Sec.  102.6  Transfers of funds; collecting agents.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (3) Combining contributions with other payments. A contributor may 
write a check or authorize a credit card or electronic payment that 
represents both a contribution and payment of dues or other fees. The 
combined payment must be made from the contributor's personal account 
or on a non-repayable corporate drawing account of the individual 
contributor. Under a payroll deduction plan, an employer may make a 
payment on behalf of its employees to a union or its agent that 
represents a combined payment of voluntary contributions to

[[Page 76438]]

the union's separate segregated fund and union dues or other employee 
deductions.
* * * * *
0
41. In Sec.  102.8, revise the last sentence of paragraph (a), revise 
the last sentence of paragraph (b)(2), and add paragraph (d) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  102.8  Receipt of contributions (52 U.S.C. 30102(b)).

    (a) * * * Date of receipt shall be the date such person obtains 
possession of the contribution or, for a contribution made in an 
electronic transaction in which the receipt of authorization precedes 
the receipt of funds, obtains the contributor's authorization of the 
transaction.
    (b) * * *
    (2) * * * Date of receipt shall be the date such person obtains 
possession of the contribution or, for a contribution made in an 
electronic transaction in which the receipt of authorization precedes 
the receipt of funds, obtains the contributor's authorization of the 
transaction.
* * * * *
    (d) Every person whose usual and normal business involves the 
processing and transmission of payments and who processes a 
contribution to a political committee in the ordinary course of its 
business will satisfy the requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b) of 
this section if such person transmits funds and contributor information 
to the recipient political committee within the time periods prescribed 
in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section for forwarding contributions.
0
42. Amend Sec.  102.9 as follows:
0
a. Revise paragraph (a)(4);
0
b. In the introductory text of paragraph (b)(2) and paragraphs 
(b)(2)(i)(B) and (b)(2)(ii), remove ``cancelled check'' and add in its 
place ``canceled check or record of electronic transfer'';
0
c. In paragraph (b)(2)(i)(B), remove ``documentation'' and add in its 
place ``record'';
0
d. In paragraph (b)(2)(ii), remove ``documentation'' and add in its 
place ``a record'';
0
f. Remove paragraph (b)(2)(iii); and
0
g. Revise paragraph (f).
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  102.9  Accounting for contributions and expenditures (52 U.S.C. 
30102(c)).

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (4) In addition to the account to be kept under paragraph (a)(1) of 
this section, for contributions in excess of $50, the treasurer of a 
political committee or an agent authorized by the treasurer shall 
maintain a record of each contribution received. A record of a 
contribution by check or written instrument must contain an image of 
that instrument. A record of the receipt of a contribution must include 
sufficient information to associate that contribution with its deposit 
in the political committee's campaign depository, such as, for example, 
a batch number.
* * * * *
    (f) The treasurer shall maintain the records required by 11 CFR 
110.1(l), concerning designations, redesignations, reattributions, and 
the dates of contributions. If the treasurer does not maintain these 
records, 11 CFR 110.1(l)(5) shall apply.


Sec.  102.10  [Amended]

0
43. Amend Sec.  102.10 by removing ``check or similar draft drawn on'' 
and adding in its place ``check or similar draft, including electronic 
transfer, from''.


Sec.  102.11  [Amended]

0
44. Amend Sec.  102.11 by removing ``journal'' and add in its place 
``record'' wherever it appears.

PART 103--CAMPAIGN DEPOSITORIES (52 U.S.C. 30102(H))

0
45. The authority citation for part 103 continues to read as follows:


    Authority: 52 U.S.C. 30102(h), 30111(a)(8).
0
46. Revise Sec.  103.3(a) to read as follows:


Sec.  103.3  Deposit of receipts and disbursements (52 U.S.C. 
30102(h)(1)).

    (a)(1) All receipts by a political committee shall be deposited in 
account(s) established pursuant to 11 CFR 103.2, except that any 
contribution may be, within 10 days of the treasurer's receipt, 
returned to the contributor without being deposited. The treasurer of 
the committee shall be responsible for making such deposits. All 
deposits shall be made within 10 days of the treasurer's receipt. 
Contributions deposited in the merchant account of a person described 
in 11 CFR 102.8(d) in the ordinary course of that person's business are 
not receipts by the committee, but are, instead, contributions to be 
forwarded by that person under 11 CFR 102.8.
    (2) A committee shall make all disbursements by check or similar 
draft, including electronic transfer, from an account at its designated 
campaign depository, except for expenditures of $100 or less made from 
a petty cash fund maintained pursuant to 11 CFR 102.11. Funds may be 
transferred from the depository for investment purposes, but shall be 
returned to the depository before such funds are used to make 
expenditures.
* * * * *

PART 104--REPORTS BY POLITICAL COMMITTEES AND OTHER PERSONS (52 
U.S.C. 30104)

0
47. The authority citation for part 104 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  52 U.S.C. 30101(1), 30101(8), 30101(9), 30102(i), 
30104, 30111(a)(8) and (b), 30114, 30116, 36 U.S.C. 510.


Sec.  104.4  [Amended]

0
48. Amend Sec.  104.4(d)(2) by removing ``typing the treasurer's name'' 
and adding in its place ``electronic signature''.


Sec.  104.6  [Amended]

0
49. Amend Sec.  104.6(c)(1) by removing ``, telephone or telegram'' and 
adding in its place ``or telephone''.


Sec.  104.10  [Amended]

0
50. Amend Sec.  104.10(a)(4) and (b)(5) by removing ``documents'' and 
adding in its place ``records''.


Sec.  104.14  [Amended]

0
51. Amend Sec.  104.14 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (b)(4)(iv), remove ``documentation'' and add in its 
place ``records''; and
0
b. In paragraph (b)(4)(v), remove ``Documentation for'' and add in its 
place ``Records of''.


Sec.  104.17  [Amended]

0
52. Amend Sec.  104.17(a)(4) and (b)(4) by removing ``documents'' and 
adding in its place ``records'' wherever it appears.


Sec.  104.22  [Amended]

0
53. Amend Sec.  104.22 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (a)(6)(ii)(A)(2), remove ``Internet Web site'' and add 
in its place ``website'';
0
b. In paragraphs (b)(2)(i) and (ii), remove ``Web sites'' and add in 
its place ``websites'' wherever it appears; and
0
c. In paragraph (b)(2)(ii), remove ``Web site'' and add in its place 
``website'' wherever it appears.

PART 105--DOCUMENT FILING (52 U.S.C. 30102(G))

0
54. The authority citation for part 105 continues to read as follows:

     Authority: 52 U.S.C. 30102(g), 30104, 30111(a)(8).


Sec.  105.5  [Amended]

0
55. Amend Sec.  105.5 as follows:
0
a. Remove ``microfilm copies and photocopies'' from the section heading 
and add in its place ``copies'';

[[Page 76439]]

0
b. In paragraph (a), remove ``Either a microfilmed copy or photocopy'' 
and add in its place ``A copy''; and
0
c. In paragraph (b), remove ``microfilm copy and a photocopy'' and add 
in its place ``copy''.

PART 106--ALLOCATIONS OF CANDIDATE AND COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES

0
56. The authority citation for part 106 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  52 U.S.C. 30111(a)(8), 30116(b), 30116(g).


Sec.  106.2  [Amended]

0
57. Amend Sec.  106.2 as follows:
0
a. In paragraphs (a)(1), (b)(2)(ii), and (b)(2)(v), remove 
``documentation'' and add in its place ``records''; and
0
b. In paragraph (b)(2)(iii)(D), remove ``supplies, and telephone'' and 
add in its place ``supplies, internet service, and telephone''.

PART 108--FILING COPIES OF REPORTS AND STATEMENTS WITH STATE 
OFFICERS (52 U.S.C. 30113)

0
58. The authority citation for part 108 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 52 U.S.C. 30104(a)(2), 30111(a)(8), 30113, 30143.


Sec.  108.6  [Amended]

0
59. In Sec.  108.6(b), remove ``in facsimile copy by microfilm or 
otherwise'' and add in its place ``by copy''.

PART 109--COORDINATED AND INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES (52 U.S.C. 
30101(17), 30116(A) AND (D), AND PUBLIC LAW 107-155 SEC. 214(C))

0
60. The authority citation for part 109 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  52 U.S.C. 30101(17), 30104(c), 30111(a)(8), 30116, 
30120; Sec. 214(c), Public Law 107-155, 116 Stat. 81.


Sec.  109.10  [Amended]

0
61. In Sec.  109.10(e)(2)(ii), remove ``typing the treasurer's name'' 
and add in its place ``electronic signature''.

PART 110--CONTRIBUTION AND EXPENDITURE LIMITATIONS AND PROHIBITIONS

0
62. The authority citation for part 110 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  52 U.S.C. 30101(8), 30101(9), 30102(c)(2), 
30104(i)(3), 30111(a)(8), 30116, 30118, 30120, 30121, 30122, 30123, 
30124, and 36 U.S.C. 510.

0
63. Amend Sec.  110.1 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (b)(3)(i)(A), remove ``using a committee check or 
draft'' and add in its place ``using a committee check or similar 
draft, including electronic transfer'';
0
b. In paragraph (b)(4)(i), remove ``is made by check, money order, or 
other negotiable instrument which'';
0
c. In paragraph (b)(5)(ii)(B)(6), remove ``including electronic mail'';
0
d. In paragraph (b)(5)(ii)(C)(7), remove ``, including electronic 
mail'';
0
e. In paragraph (b)(6), add a fifth sentence after ``11 CFR 
110.1(l)(4).'';
0
f. In paragraph (c)(1)(iii), remove ``Web site'' and add, in its place, 
``website'';
0
g. In paragraph (k)(1), remove ``include the signature of each 
contributor on the check, money order, or other negotiable instrument 
or in a separate writing'' and add in its place ``be indicated by the 
signature of each contributor in writing'';
0
h. In paragraph (k)(3)(ii)(B)(3), remove ``including electronic mail'';
0
i. In paragraph (l)(1), remove ``copy'' and ``full-size photocopy of 
the check or written instrument'' and add in their places ``record'' 
and ``record that contains a complete image of that instrument'', 
respectively;
0
j. In paragraph (l)(4)(i), remove ``copy'' and add in its place 
``record'';
0
k. In paragraph (l)(4)(ii), remove ``full-size photocopy of'' and add 
in its place ``record that contains a complete image of''; and
0
l. In paragraph (l)(6), remove ``documentation'' and add in its place 
``a record'' wherever it appears.
    The addition reads as follows:


Sec.  110.1  Contributions by persons other than multicandidate 
political committees (52 U.S.C. 30116(a)(1)).

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (6) * * * A contribution made in an electronic transaction is 
considered to be made when the contributor authorizes the transaction. 
* * *
* * * * *
0
64. Amend Sec.  110.2 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (b)(4)(i), remove ``is made by check, money order, or 
other negotiable instrument which'';
0
b. In paragraph (b)(6), add a fifth sentence after ``11 CFR 
110.1(l)(4).''; and
0
c. In paragraph (e)(2), remove ``Web site'' and add in its place 
``website''.
    The addition reads as follows:


Sec.  110.2  Contributions by multicandidate political committees (52 
U.S.C. 30116(a)(2)).

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (6) * * * A contribution made in an electronic transaction is 
considered to be made when the contributor authorizes the transaction. 
* * *
* * * * *
0
65. Amend Sec.  110.4 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (c)(1), remove ``make contributions to a candidate or 
political committee of currency of the United States, or of any foreign 
country'' and add in its place ``make cash contributions to a candidate 
or political committee''; and
0
b. Add paragraph (c)(4).
    The addition reads as follows:


Sec.  110.4  Contributions in the name of another; cash contributions 
(52 U.S.C. 30122, 30123, 30102(c)(2)).

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (4) For purposes of this section, a cash contribution includes a 
contribution of currency of the United States or of any foreign 
country, and a contribution made by prepaid card.
0
66. Amend Sec.  110.6 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (b)(2)(i)(D), remove ``and'';
0
b. In paragraph (b)(2)(i)(E), remove ``contributions.'' and add in its 
place ``contributions; and'';
0
c. Add paragraph (b)(2)(i)(F);
0
d. In paragraph (c)(1)(ii), remove ``by letter'' and add in its place 
``the report shall be provided in writing'';
0
e. In paragraph (c)(1)(iv)(C), remove ``cash or by the contributor's 
check or by the conduit's check'' and add in its place ``cash, by the 
contributor's check, by the conduit's check, or by electronic 
transfer''; and
0
f. In paragraph (c)(1)(v), remove ``by letter'' and add in its place 
``in writing''.
    The addition reads as follows:

Alternative A


Sec.  110.6  Earmarked contributions (52 U.S.C. 30116(a)(8)).

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (i) * * *
    (F) A commercial payment processor, which is any person whose usual 
and normal business is to process payments and who processes payments 
to candidates and authorized committees in the ordinary course of 
business without exercising direction or control over the choice of the 
recipient candidate or authorized committee.
* * * * *

Alternative B


Sec.  110.6  Earmarked contributions (52 U.S.C. 30116(a)(8)).

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (i) * * *
    (F) A commercial payment processor, which is any person whose usual 
and

[[Page 76440]]

normal business is to process payments and who processes payments to 
candidates and authorized committees in the ordinary course of 
business.
* * * * *


Sec.  110.11  [Amended]

0
67. Amend Sec.  110.11 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (a)(1), remove ``Internet websites'' and add in its 
place ``websites and internet applications''; and
0
b. In paragraph (b)(3), remove ``World Wide Web address'' and add in 
its place ``website address''.


Sec.  110.17  [Amended]

0
68. Amend Sec.  110.17(e)(1) and (2) by removing ``Web site'' and 
adding in its place ``website'' wherever it appears.

PART 111--COMPLIANCE PROCEDURE (52 U.S.C. 30109, 30107(A))

0
69. The authority citation for part 111 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  52 U.S.C. 30102(i), 30109, 30107(a), 30111(a)(8); 28 
U.S.C. 2461 note; 31 U.S.C. 3701, 3711, 3716-3719, and 3720A, as 
amended; 31 CFR parts 285 and 900-904.


Sec.  111.4  [Amended]

0
70. Amend Sec.  111.4 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (a), remove ``to the General Counsel, Federal Election 
Commission, 999 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20463'' and add in its 
place ``addressed to the General Counsel'';
0
b. In paragraph (a), remove ``three (3) copies'' and add in its place 
``three (3) copies of any complaint not filed electronically''; and
0
c. In paragraph (d)(4), remove ``documentation supporting the facts 
alleged if such documentation is'' and add in its place ``records 
supporting the facts alleged if such records are''.


Sec.  111.5  [Amended]

0
71. Amend Sec.  111.5 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (a), remove ``enclose'' and add in its place 
``provide''; and
0
b. In paragraph (b), remove ``enclosed'' and add in its place 
``provided''.


Sec.  111.6  [Amended]

0
72. Amend Sec.  111.6(a) by removing ``a letter or memorandum'' and 
adding in its place ``a written response''.


Sec.  111.9  [Amended]

0
73. Amend Sec.  111.9(a) and (b) by removing ``by letter'' and adding 
in its place ``in writing'' wherever it appears.


Sec.  111.12  [Amended]

0
74. Amend Sec.  111.12 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (a), remove ``documentary or other tangible'' and add 
in its place ``records or other''; and
0
b. In paragraph (b), remove ``documents'' and add in its place 
``records''.


Sec.  111.13  [Amended]

0
75. Amend Sec.  111.13(c) and (d) by removing ``method whereby'' and 
adding in its place ``method, including electronically, whereby'' 
wherever it appears.


Sec.  111.15  [Amended]

0
76. Amend Sec.  111.15 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (a), remove ``, Federal Election Commission, 999 E 
Street NW., Washington, DC 20463. If possible, three (3) copies should 
be submitted''; and
0
b. In paragraph (c), remove ``documents'' and add in its place 
``records''.
0
77. Amend Sec.  111.16 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (b), remove ``enclose'' and add in its place 
``provide'';
0
b. Revise paragraph (c).
    The revision reads as follows:


Sec.  111.16  The probable cause to believe recommendation; briefing 
procedures (52 U.S.C. 30109 (a)(3)).

* * * * *
    (c) Within fifteen (15) days from receipt of the General Counsel's 
brief, respondent may file a brief with the Commission Secretary, 
setting forth respondent's position on the factual and legal issues of 
the case.
* * * * *


Sec.  111.17  [Amended]

0
78. Amend Sec.  111.17(a) and (b) by removing ``by letter'' and adding 
in its place ``in writing'' wherever it appears.


Sec.  111.18  [Amended]

0
79. Amend Sec.  111.18(d) by removing ``by letter'' and adding in its 
place ``in writing''.


Sec.  111.23  [Amended]

0
80. Amend Sec.  111.23 as follows:
0
a. In the introductory text to paragraph (a), remove ``so advise the 
Commission by sending a letter of representation signed by the 
respondent, which letter shall state the following'' and add in its 
place ``give the Commission a written notice of representation signed 
by the respondent, which shall include'';
0
b. In paragraph (a)(1), remove ``address'' and add in its place 
``address, email address''; and
0
c. In paragraph (b), remove ``a letter of representation'' and add in 
its place ``this notice''.


Sec.  111.35  [Amended]

0
81. Amend Sec.  111.35(e) by removing ``documentation'' and adding in 
its place ``records''.


Sec.  111.36  [Amended]

0
82. Amend Sec.  111.36 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (b), remove ``documentation'' and add in its place 
``records'' wherever it appears;
0
b. In paragraphs (c) and (d), remove ``documents'' and add in its place 
``records'' wherever it appears; and
0
c. In paragraph (d), remove ``document(s)'' and add in its place 
``records''.
0
d. In paragraph (e), remove ``documents'' and add in its place 
``records''.


Sec.  111.37  [Amended]

0
83. Amend Sec.  111.37(a) and (b) by removing ``by letter'' and adding 
in its place ``in writing'' wherever it appears.


Sec.  111.40  [Amended]

0
84. Amend Sec.  111.40(a) by removing ``by letter'' and adding in its 
place ``in writing''.

PART 112--ADVISORY OPINIONS (52 U.S.C. 30108)

0
85. The authority citation for part 112 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  52 U.S.C. 30108, 30111(a)(8).


Sec.  112.1  [Amended]

0
86. Amend Sec.  112.1(e) by removing ``sent to the Federal Election 
Commission, Office of General Counsel, 999 E Street NW., Washington, DC 
20463'' and adding in its place ``addressed to the Office of General 
Counsel and filed with the Commission''.


Sec.  112.2  [Amended]

0
87. Amend Sec.  112.2(b) by removing ``and purchase at the Public 
Disclosure Division of the Commission'' and adding in its place ``at 
the Public Disclosure Division of the Commission and on the 
Commission's Web site''.


Sec.  112.3  [Amended]

0
88. Amend Sec.  112.3(d) by removing ``sent to the Federal Election 
Commission, Office of General Counsel, 999 E Street NW., Washington, DC 
20463'' and adding in its place ``filed with the Office of General 
Counsel''.


Sec.  112.4  [Amended]

0
89. Amend Sec.  112.4(g) by removing ``sent by mail, or personally 
delivered'' and adding in its place ``be provided''.

[[Page 76441]]

PART 114--CORPORATE AND LABOR ORGANIZATION ACTIVITY

0
90. The authority citation for part 114 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  52 U.S.C. 30101(8), 30101(9), 30102, 30104, 
30107(a)(8), 30111(a)(8), 30118.


Sec.  114.1  [Amended]

0
91. Amend Sec.  114.1(g) by removing ``mailings, oral requests'' and 
adding in its place ``mailings, emails, oral requests''.


Sec.  114.6  [Amended]

0
92. Amend Sec.  114.6(d)(2)(iii) by removing ``check drawn on that 
account'' and adding in its place ``check or similar draft, including 
electronic transfer''.


Sec.  114.8  [Amended]

0
93. Amend Sec.  114.8 as follows:
0
a. In paragraphs (d)(2) and (3), remove ``copy'' and add in its place 
``record''; and
0
b. In paragraph (d)(3), remove ``mailing'' and add in its place 
``solicitation''.


Sec.  114.9  [Amended]

0
94. Amend Sec.  114.9(d) by removing ``typewriters'' and adding in its 
place ``computers''.

PART 116--DEBTS OWED BY CANDIDATES AND POLITICAL COMMITTEES

0
95. The authority citation for part 116 continues to read as follows:

     Authority:  52 U.S.C. 30103(d), 30104(b)(8), 30111(a)(8), 
30116, 30118, and 30141.


Sec.  116.8  [Amended]

0
96. Amend Sec.  116.8 as follows:
0
a. In the introductory text of paragraph (b), remove ``by letter'' and 
add in its place ``in writing''; and
0
b. In the introductory text of paragraph (b), remove ``The letter'' and 
add in its place ``The notification'' wherever it appears.


Sec.  116.9  [Amended]

0
97. Amend Sec.  116.9(a)(2) by removing ``current address and telephone 
number, and has attempted to contact the creditor by registered or 
certified mail, and either in person or by telephone'' and adding in 
its place ``current address, telephone number, and email address, and 
has attempted to contact the creditor by registered or certified mail, 
and either in person, by telephone, or by email''.

PART 200--PETITIONS FOR RULEMAKING

0
98. The authority citation for part 200 is amended to read as follows:

    Authority:  52 U.S.C. 30107(a)(8), 30111(a)(8); 5 U.S.C. 553(e).


Sec.  200.2  [Amended]

0
99. Amend Sec.  200.2(b)(5) by removing ``addressed and submitted to 
the Federal Election Commission, Office of General Counsel, 999 E 
Street NW., Washington, DC 20463'' and adding in its place ``addressed 
to the Office of General Counsel and filed pursuant to 11 CFR 
100.19(g)''.


Sec.  200.3  [Amended]

0
100. Amend Sec.  200.3 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (a)(2), remove ``Send a letter to the Commissioner of 
Internal Revenue, pursuant to 52 U.S.C. 30111(f), seeking the IRS's'' 
and add in its place ``Pursuant to 52 U.S.C. 30111(f), seek the 
Internal Revenue Service's''; and
0
b. In paragraph (a)(3), remove ``Send a letter to'' and add in its 
place ``Notify''.


Sec.  200.4  [Amended]

0
101. Amend Sec.  200.4(b) by removing ``sending a letter to'' and 
adding in its place ``notifying''.


Sec.  200.6  [Amended]

0
102. Amend Sec.  200.6(a)(5) by removing ``audio tapes'' and adding in 
its place ``audio recordings''.

PART 201--EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS

0
103. The authority citation for part 201 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  52 U.S.C. 30107(a)(8), 30108, 30111(a)(8), and 
30111(b); 26 U.S.C. 9007, 9008, 9009(b), 9038, and 9039(b).


Sec.  201.3  [Amended]

0
104. Amend Sec.  201.3 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (b)(1), remove ``the letter'' and add in its place 
``the agreement'' wherever it appears; and
0
b. In paragraph (b)(2)(i), remove ``letter'' and add in its place 
``notification''.

PART 300--NON-FEDERAL FUNDS

0
105. The authority citation for part 300 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 52 U.S.C. 30104(e), 30111(a)(8), 30116(a), 30125, and 
30143.


Sec.  300.2  [Amended]

0
106. Amend Sec.  300.2 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (m)(1)(iii), remove ``Web address'' and add in its 
place ``Web site address''; and
0
b. In paragraph (m)(1)(iii), remove ``Web page'' and add in its place 
``Web page''.


Sec.  300.64  [Amended]

0
107. Amend Sec.  300.64 as follows:
0
a. In paragraphs (c)(3)(ii) and (iii), remove ``written'' and add in 
its place ``printed'' wherever it appears;
0
b. In paragraph (c)(3)(iii), remove ``non-written'' and add in its 
place ``non-printed''; and
0
c. In paragraph (c)(3)(v), remove all references to ``written''.

PART 9002--DEFINITIONS

0
108. The authority citation for part 9002 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  26 U.S.C. 9002 and 9009(b).


Sec.  9002.3  [Amended]

0
109. Amend Sec.  9002.3 by removing ``, 999 E Street NW., Washington, 
DC 20463''.

PART 9003--ELIGIBILITY FOR PAYMENTS

0
110. The authority citation for part 9003 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  26 U.S.C. 9003 and 9009(b).


Sec.  9003.1  [Amended]

0
111. Amend Sec.  9003.1 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (a)(1), remove ``letter'' and add in its place 
``writing'';
0
b. In paragraph (a)(2), remove ``letter'' and add in its place 
``agreement'' wherever it appears;
0
c. In paragraphs (b)(2) and (3), remove ``documentation'' and add in 
its place ``record'' wherever it appears;
0
d. In paragraph (b)(4), remove ``computerized magnetic media, such as 
magnetic tapes or magnetic diskettes'' and add in its place ``digital 
storage devices'';
0
e. In paragraphs (b)(4) and (5), remove ``documentation'' and add in 
its place ``records'' wherever it appears; and
0
f. In paragraph (b)(7), remove ``name and mailing address'' and add in 
its place ``name, email address, and mailing address''.
0
112. Revise Sec.  9003.2(d) to read as follows:


Sec.  9003.2  Candidate certifications.

* * * * *
    (d) Form. Major party candidates shall sign and submit the 
certifications required under 11 CFR 9003.2 within 14 days after 
receiving the party's nomination for election. Minor and new party 
candidates shall sign and submit such certification within 14 days 
after such candidates have qualified to appear on the general election 
ballot in 10 or more States pursuant to 11 CFR

[[Page 76442]]

9002.2(a)(2). The Commission, upon written request by a minor or new 
party candidate made at any time prior to the date of the general 
election, may extend the deadline for filing such certification, except 
that the deadline shall be a date prior to the day of the general 
election.


Sec.  9003.3  [Amended]

0
113. Amend Sec.  9003.3(a)(1)(vi)(A) by removing ``is made by check, 
money order, or other negotiable instrument which''.
0
114. Amend Sec.  9003.5 as follows:
0
a. Revise the section heading;
0
b. Revise the paragraph heading of paragraph (b);
0
c. In paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2)(ii), remove ``canceled check 
negotiated by the payee'' and add in its place ``canceled check 
negotiated by the payee or a record of electronic transfer to the 
payee'' wherever it appears;
0
d. In paragraphs (b)(1)(ii)(A) and (B), remove ``documents'' and add in 
its place ``records'' wherever it appears;
0
e. In paragraph (b)(1)(iii), remove ``documentation'' and add in its 
place ``record'';
0
f. In paragraphs (b)(1)(iv), (b)(4), and (c), remove ``documentation'' 
and add in its place ``records'' wherever it appears; and
0
g. In paragraph (b)(1)(iv), remove ``canceled check negotiated by the 
payee'' and add in its place ``canceled check negotiated by the payee 
or the record of electronic transfer to the payee''.
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  9003.5  Records of disbursements.

* * * * *
    (b) Records required. * * *
* * * * *


Sec.  9003.6  [Amended]

0
115. Amend Sec.  9003.6 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (a), remove ``computerized magnetic media, such as 
magnetic tapes or magnetic diskettes'' and add in its place ``digital 
storage devices'';
0
b. Remove paragraph (b) and redesignate paragraph (c) as paragraph (b); 
and
0
c. In newly redesignated paragraph (b), remove ``documentation'' and 
add in its place ``records''.

PART 9004--ENTITLEMENT OF ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES TO PAYMENTS; USE OF 
PAYMENTS

0
116. The authority citation for part 9004 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  26 U.S.C. 9004 and 9009(b).


Sec.  9004.6  [Amended]

0
117. Amend Sec.  9004.6 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (a)(1), remove ``telephone service, typewriters, and 
computers'' and add in its place ``telephone and internet service, and 
computers or other electronic devices''; and
0
b. In paragraph (b)(3), remove ``telephone service'' and add in its 
place ``telephone and internet service''.


Sec.  9004.7  [Amended]

0
118. Amend Sec.  9004.7(b)(5)(iv) and (v) by removing ``documentation'' 
and adding in its place ``records'' wherever it appears.


Sec.  9004.9  [Amended]

0
119. Amend Sec.  9004.9(d)(1)(i) and (e) by removing ``documentation'' 
and adding in its place ``records'' wherever it appears.

PART 9007--EXAMINATIONS AND AUDITS; REPAYMENTS

0
120. The authority citation for part 9007 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  26 U.S.C. 9007 and 9009(b).


Sec.  9007.1  [Amended]

0
121. Amend Sec.  9007.1 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (b)(1), remove ``the Commission may request additional 
or updated computerized information'' and add in its place ``the 
Commission may request additional or updated information''; and
0
b. In paragraphs (b)(1)(iv) and (c)(2), remove ``documentation'' and 
add in its place ``records'' wherever it appears.


Sec.  9007.7  [Amended]

0
122. Amend Sec.  9007.7 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (a), remove ``documents'' and add in its place 
``documents, records,'' wherever it appears; and
0
b. In paragraph (b)(2), remove ``tapes'' and add in its place 
``recordings'' wherever it appears.

PART 9032--DEFINITIONS

0
123. The authority citation for part 9032 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  26 U.S.C. 9032 and 9039(b).


Sec.  9032.2  [Amended]

0
124. Amend Sec.  9032.2(d) by removing ``by letter'' and adding in its 
place ``in writing''.


Sec.  9032.3  [Amended]

0
125. Amend Sec.  9032.3 by removing ``, 999 E Street NW., Washington, 
DC 20463''.

PART 9033--ELIGIBILITY FOR PAYMENTS

0
126. The authority citation for part 9033 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  26 U.S.C. 9003(e), 9033 and 9039(b).
0
127. Amend Sec.  9033.1 as follows:
0
a. Revise paragraph (a)(1);
0
b. In paragraphs (b)(2) through (6), remove ``documentation'' and add 
in its place ``records'' wherever it appears;
0
c. In paragraph (b)(5), remove ``computerized magnetic media, such as 
magnetic tapes or magnetic diskettes'' and add in its place ``digital 
storage devices''; and
0
d. Revise paragraph (b)(8).
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  9033.1  Candidate and committee agreements.

    (a) * * *
    (1) A candidate seeking to become eligible to receive Presidential 
primary matching fund payments shall agree in a writing signed by the 
candidate to the Commission that the candidate and the candidate's 
authorized committee(s) will comply with the conditions set forth in 11 
CFR 9033.1(b). The candidate may submit the written agreement required 
by this section at any time after January 1 of the year immediately 
preceding the Presidential election year.
* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (8) The candidate and the candidate's authorized committee(s) will 
submit the name, email address, and mailing address of the person who 
is entitled to receive matching fund payments on behalf of the 
candidate and the name and address of the campaign depository 
designated by the candidate as required by 11 CFR part 103 and 11 CFR 
9037.3. Changes in the information required by this paragraph shall not 
be effective until submitted to the Commission in a writing signed by 
the candidate or the Committee treasurer.
* * * * *


Sec.  9033.2  [Amended]

0
128. Amend Sec.  9033.2 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (a)(1), remove ``letter containing the required 
certifications'' and add in its place ``certifications''; and
0
b. In paragraph (c), remove ``documentation'' and add in its place 
``records''.


Sec.  9033.5  [Amended]

0
129. Amend paragraph (a)(2) of Sec.  9033.5 by removing ``by letter'' 
and adding in its place ``in writing''.
0
130. Amend Sec.  9033.11 as follows:
0
a. Revise the section heading;
0
b. Revise the paragraph heading of paragraph (b);
0
c. In the introductory text to paragraph (b)(1), add ``or a record of

[[Page 76443]]

electronic transfer'' after the words ``canceled check negotiated by 
the payee''.;
0
d. In paragraphs (b)(1)(ii)(A) and (B), remove ``documents'' and add in 
its place ``records'' wherever it appears;
0
e. In the introductory text to paragraph (b)(1)(iii) and paragraph 
(b)(1)(iv), remove ``documentation'' and add in its place ``record'' 
wherever it appears;
0
f. In paragraph (b)(1)(iv), remove ``the payee'' and add in its place 
``the payee or the record of electronic transfer'';
0
g. In paragraph (b)(2)(ii), add ``or a record of electronic transfer'' 
after the words ``canceled check negotiated by the payee'';
    and
0
h. In paragraphs (b)(4) and (c), remove ``documentation'' and add in 
its place ``records'' wherever it appears.
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  9033.11  Records of disbursements.

* * * * *
    (b) Records required. * * *
* * * * *


Sec.  9033.12  [Amended]

0
131. Amend Sec.  9033.12 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (a), remove ``computerized magnetic media, such as 
magnetic tapes or magnetic diskettes'' and add in its place ``digital 
storage devices'';
0
b. Remove paragraph (b) and redesignate paragraph (c) as paragraph (b); 
and
0
c. In newly redesignated paragraph (b), remove ``documentation'' and 
add in its place ``records''.

PART 9034--ENTITLEMENTS

0
132. The authority citation for part 9034 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  26 U.S.C. 9034 and 9039(b).

0
133. Amend Sec.  9034.2 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (b), remove ``and the card number'' from the last 
sentence;
0
b. In the introductory text to paragraph (c), remove ``and card 
number'' from the last sentence;
0
c. In paragraph (c)(1)(i), remove ``written document'' and add in its 
place ``writing'';
0
d. In paragraph (c)(1)(iii), remove ``documentation'' and add in its 
place ``records''; and
0
e. Add paragraph (c)(8)(iii).
    The addition reads as follows:


Sec.  9034.2  Matchable contributions.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (8) * * *
    (iii) To be attributed to more than one person, a signed written 
statement must accompany the credit or debit card contribution 
indicating that the contribution was made from each individual's 
personal funds in the amount so attributed.


Sec.  9034.5  [Amended]

0
134. Amend Sec.  9034.5(c)(1) and (d) by removing ``documentation'' and 
adding in its place ``records'' wherever it appears.


Sec.  9034.6  [Amended]

0
135. Amend Sec.  9034.6 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (a)(1), remove ``telephone service, typewriters, and 
computers'' and add in its place ``telephone and internet service, and 
computers or other electronic devices''; and
0
b. In paragraph (b)(3), remove ``telephone service'' and add in its 
place ``telephone and internet service''.


Sec.  9034.7  [Amended]

0
136. Amend Sec.  9034.7(b)(5)(iv) and (v) by removing ``documentation'' 
and adding in its place ``records'' wherever it appears.


Sec.  9034.8  [Amended]

0
137. Amend Sec.  9034.8(b)(4) by removing ``recordkeeping, reporting 
and documentation'' and adding in its place ``recordkeeping and 
reporting''.

PART 9035--EXPENDITURE LIMITATIONS

0
138. The authority citation for part 9035 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  26 U.S.C. 9035 and 9039(b).


Sec.  9035.1  [Amended]

0
139. Amend Sec.  9035.1(c)(3) by removing ``documentation'' and adding 
in its place ``records''.

PART 9036--REVIEW OF MATCHING FUND SUBMISSIONS AND CERTIFICATION OF 
PAYMENTS BY COMMISSION

0
140. The authority citation for part 9036 continues to read as follows:

     Authority:  26 U.S.C. 9036 and 9039(b).


Sec.  9036.1  [Amended]

0
141. Amend Sec.  9036.1 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (b)(2), remove ``computerized magnetic media, such as 
magnetic tapes or magnetic diskettes'' and add in its place ``digital 
storage devices'';
0
b. In paragraphs (b)(3) and (4), remove ``documentation'' and add in 
its place ``records'' wherever it appears;
0
c. In paragraph (b)(4), add ``, or, for deposits made electronically, 
information associating contributions to their deposit in the 
designated campaign depository, such as a batch number'' after the 
words ``bank statements'';
0
d. In paragraph (b)(5), remove ``full-size photocopy of each unpaid 
check, and copies of'' and add in its place ``record that contains a 
complete image of each unpaid check and''; and
0
e. In paragraph (b)(6), remove ``full-size photocopy'' and add in its 
place ``record that contains a complete image''.
0
f. In paragraph (b)(7), remove ``documentation'' and add in its place 
``records'' wherever it appears;


Sec.  9036.2  [Amended]

0
142. Amend Sec.  9036.2 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (b)(1)(ii), remove ``either solely in magnetic media 
from or in both printed and magnetic media forms'' and add in its place 
``in printed or digital form or a combination of printed and digital 
forms'';
0
b. In paragraph (b)(1)(iii), remove ``checks returned unpaid'' and add 
in its place ``checks returned unpaid or credit or debit card or other 
electronic payment chargebacks'';
0
c. In paragraph (b)(1)(vi), remove ``as specified in the Computerized 
Magnetic Media Requirements'' from the second sentence;
0
d. In paragraph (b)(1)(vi), remove ``shall provide the computer 
equipment and software needed to retrieve and read the digital images, 
if necessary, at no cost to the Commission, and'' from the fourth 
sentence; and
0
e. In paragraphs (b)(1)(vi) and (vii), remove ``documentation'' and add 
in its place ``records'' wherever it appears.


Sec.  9036.3  [Amended]

0
143. Amend the heading, introductory paragraph, and paragraphs (b), 
(b)(4), and (d) of Sec.  9036.3 by removing ``documentation'' and 
adding in its place, ``records'' wherever it appears.


Sec.  9036.4  [Amended]

0
144. Amend Sec.  9036.4(b)(4) by removing ``documentation'' and adding 
in its place ``records''.


Sec.  9036.5  [Amended]

0
145. Amend Sec.  9036.5(c)(1) by removing ``documentation'' and adding 
in its place ``records'' wherever it appears.

PART 9038--EXAMINATIONS AND AUDITS

0
146. The authority citation for part 9038 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  26 U.S.C. 9038 and 9039(b).


Sec.  9038.1  [Amended]

0
147. Amend Sec.  9038.1 as follows:

[[Page 76444]]

0
a. In the introductory text to paragraph (b)(1), remove ``the 
Commission may request additional or updated computerized information'' 
and add in its place ``the Commission may request additional or updated 
information''; and
0
b. In paragraphs (b)(1)(iv) and (c)(2), remove ``documentation'' and 
add in its place ``records'' wherever it appears.


Sec.  9038.2  [Amended]

0
148. Amend Sec.  9038.2(b)(3) by removing ``documentation'' from the 
paragraph heading and adding in its place ``records''.


Sec.  9038.7  [Amended]

0
149. Amend Sec.  9038.7 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (a), remove ``documents'' and add in its place 
``documents, records,'' wherever it appears; and
0
b. In paragraph (b)(2), remove ``tapes'' and add in its place 
``recordings'' wherever it appears.

PART 9039--REVIEW AND INVESTIGATION AUTHORITY

0
150. The authority citation for part 9039 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  26 U.S.C. 9039.


Sec.  9039.2  [Amended]

0
151. Amend Sec.  9039.2 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (a)(3), remove ``documents'' and add in its place 
``documents or records''; and
0
b. In paragraph (b), remove ``documentation'' and add in its place 
``records''.


Sec.  9039.3  [Amended]

0
152. Amend Sec.  9039.3(b)(2)(vi) by removing ``documents'' and adding 
in its place ``records''.

    On behalf of the Commission,
    Dated: October 11, 2016.
Matthew S. Petersen,
Chairman, Federal Election Commission.
[FR Doc. 2016-25102 Filed 11-1-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6715-01-P