Making disbursements as a PAC
A nonconnected committee may expend its funds for any lawful purpose consistent with the Act and Commission regulations.
An expenditure is a purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit or gift of money or anything of value to influence a federal election. "Disbursement" is a broader term that covers both expenditures and other kinds of payments (those not made to influence a federal election). All disbursements must be reported by the PAC.
Disbursements must be made by check or similar draft drawn on an account maintained at the committee’s designated depository.
However, the PAC may maintain a petty cash fund for small disbursements. A written record of petty cash disbursements must be kept if a petty cash fund is maintained. Payments from petty cash to one person for any one purchase or transaction may not exceed $100.
Contributions made by a nonconnected PAC
As committees that solicit and accept unlimited contributions from individuals, corporations, labor organizations and other political committees, Super PACs and Hybrid PACs do not make contributions to candidates.
Other types of nonconnected PACs may make contributions to influence federal elections, subject to the Act’s limitations and reporting requirements.
Communications and advertising by nonconnected PACs
All types of nonconnected PACs may make independent expenditures, subject to the Act's reporting requirements.
If a communication is coordinated with a candidate or party, however, it is considered to be an in-kind contribution. Super PACs and Hybrid PACs may not make such contributions.