Section 85318 - [Effective 1/1/2025] Raising contributions before general election(a)(1) A candidate for elective state, county, or city office may raise contributions for a general election before the primary election, and for a special general election before a special primary election, for the same elective state, county, or city office if the candidate sets aside these contributions and uses these contributions for the general election or special general election. If the candidate for elective state, county, or city office is defeated in the primary election or special primary election, or otherwise withdraws from the general election or special general election, the general election or special general election funds shall be refunded to the contributors on a pro rata basis less any expenses associated with the raising and administration of general election or special general election contributions.(2) A candidate who does not file a declaration of candidacy to qualify for a primary election or special primary election is not "defeated in the primary election or special primary election" and does not "otherwise withdraw from the general election or special general election" for the purposes of paragraph (1), and shall not be required to refund contributions pursuant to that paragraph. A candidate who does not file a declaration of candidacy to qualify for a primary election or special primary election may transfer funds to a committee established for the same or a different office subject to the attribution rules provided by subdivision (a) of Section 85306.(3) Notwithstanding Section 85201, candidates for elective state, county, or city office may establish separate campaign contribution accounts for the primary and general elections or special primary and special general elections.(b) This section does not apply in a jurisdiction in which the county or city imposes a limit on contributions pursuant to Section 85702.5.Amended by Stats 2024 ch 125 (SB 948),s 2, eff. 1/1/2025.Added by Stats 2019 ch 556 (AB 571),s 18, eff. 1/1/2020. See Stats 2024 ch 125 (SB 948), s 3.This section is set out more than once due to postponed, multiple, or conflicting amendments.