An individual may conduct exploratory activities, such as polling and other techniques designed exclusively to assist the individual in making a decision as to whether to seek any state office or offices. The individual may accept contributions, subject to the limits in these Rules, and make expenditures limited to exploratory activities without designating a candidate committee; provided, however, the individual shall keep or cause to be kept all records required of a candidate committee. Provided further, once an individual has accepted or expended more than Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) for exploratory activities for a statewide office or Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) for any other state office, the individual either shall become a candidate and file a Statement of Organization as required by these Rules, or cease all exploratory activities. If the individual becomes a candidate and forms a candidate committee, all contributions received and expenditures made for exploratory activities shall be subject to maximum contribution limits and shall be included in the committee’s first Report of Contributions and Expenditures. No individual may conduct exploratory activities for a state office or offices as provided in this section more than one time between regular general elections for state offices.

Promulgated by Ethics Commission January 10, 2014; effective upon Legislature’s sine die adjournment May 23, 2014; operative January 1, 2015.