Georgia has committed $7.1 million to replace its current campaign finance reporting system, which has faced widespread criticism for being inefficient. The state awarded the contract to ReFrame Solutions, a Connecticut-based company, to develop a new platform designed to better serve both users and the public.
The existing system, implemented in 2020 by Civix, has been plagued with issues since its launch. Users, including political candidates, public officials, and lobbyists, have reported that it is difficult to navigate, while the public has struggled to access vital information. Earlier this year, a nonprofit group discovered that some last-minute campaign contribution reports were missing from the system, further exposing its flaws.
“Ultimately, the current system is not meeting the state’s needs and the public’s needs,” said David Emadi, the executive secretary of the state ethics commission. After years of underperformance, officials decided that a complete overhaul was necessary.
Georgia requires both candidates and public officials to report campaign donations and financial details, while lobbyists must report their expenditures. This information, made available to the public, is key to maintaining transparency and accountability in the state’s political process.
After spending approximately $1.5 million on the existing system. the new $7.1 million investment includes a decade of maintenance, ensuring the system remains functional long-term. Emadi emphasized the need to balance responsible spending with providing a platform that meets users’ expectations.
The new reporting system is slated to go live by the end of 2025, ahead of the 2026 election cycle.
