Fees & Compliance
Registration and administration fees apply to state candidate committees, political party committees, political action committees, and lobbyists that are registered or are required to register in The Guardian System. The following registration and administration fee schedule was adopted by the Ethics Commission at its June 9, 2023, meeting with an effective date of July 1, 2023.
Schedule of Fees for Registration and Administration
For specific timing and threshold requirements for each committee, see the Ethics rules, Registration Checklists, and/or applicable Guides.
| Committees | Fee |
|---|---|
| Candidate Committees | $125 per committee |
| Political Action Committees | $125 per year |
| State Political Party Committees | $125 per year |
| Local Political Party Committees | $125 per year as needed |
| Lobbyist | $100 |
| Legislative Liaisons | $100 |
| Lobbyist Principals | $125 |
Compliance Fees
The Commission is required to investigate alleged violations of Rules and uses two processes to address potential Rule violations.
1. Administrative Compliance Program: This administrative process is overseen by the Executive Director for matters which do not warrant a formal investigation such as reporting errors, straightforward compliance issues, and late filings. The Director may direct action, including payment of fees no higher than $1,000. Any entity assessed a Compliance Order has the opportunity for a hearing before an administrative law judge to "show good cause" why the Compliance Order should be modified or set aside.
The Director uses a late filing fee schedule to ensure fees are assessed consistently. The fee schedule used since 2015 is as follows:
- All filings, other than Pre-Election Supplemental reports, are subject to the following schedule:
- $100.00/day for the first 6 days; and
- $400.00 for the seventh day
- Pre-Election Supplemental Reports include Continuing Reports of Contributions filed by candidate committees and Reports of Independent Expenditures, Electioneering Communications, and State Question Communications:
- $200 each day for five days
2. Formal Complaints and Investigations Process: This process is typically used for more serious violations of the Rules not appropriate for the administrative process and includes repetitive violations such as repeatedly failing to file reports. This process is overseen by the Commission and may result in action in District Court in Oklahoma and penalties starting at $5,000.
