(1) The term "leadership political committee maintained by a political

officeholder", as used in 13-37-216 (2) (b) , MCA, means a "political committee" as defined in 13-1-101 (18) , MCA, managed or controlled by an elected official or someone designated by the elected official. The term "elected official" is defined in 5-7-102 (4) , MCA.

(2) A leadership political committee managed by an elected official who is also a candidate is considered to be organized on the candidate's behalf, and contributions to the committee are subject to the aggregate contribution limits established in 13-37-216 (1) , MCA.

(3) A leadership political committee that makes contributions to another candidate, a candidate's committee, or any political committee organized on a candidate's behalf is subject to the aggregate contribution limits established in 13-37-216 (1) , MCA.

(4) A committee established and managed or controlled by an elected official or someone designated by the elected official, which is not a "political committee" as that term is defined in 13-1-101 (18) , MCA, is not a "leadership political committee maintained by a political officeholder." Such a committee may raise money for research, educational, and other purposes, so long as the fund raising and expenditures do not constitute "contributions" or "expenditures" pursuant to the definitions in 13-1-101 , MCA. If the fund raising and expenditures result in contributions or expenditures according to the definitions in 13-1-101, MCA, and the committee is a "political committee" as defined in 13-1-101(18) , MCA, the committee is a "leadership political committee maintained by a political officeholder."

(5) Leadership political committees maintained by a political officeholder are subject to the reporting requirements of Title 13, chapter 37, MCA.

(6) The commissioner shall classify leadership political committees maintained by a political officeholder pursuant to ARM 44.10.327 and 44.10.329 based on the information provided on the statement of organization.