The Government of the Student Body debated about an hour Wednesday a bill for updating election procedures.

The bill was already in the bylaws but was brought up to discuss proposed changes. Some of the changes made were in spending and reimbursement procedures.

Many senators had strong feelings about what amount of money candidates for any GSB position should be allowed to spend on their campaigns. The bill — written by Adam Obrecht, agriculture, Mark Nimmer, off campus, and others — passed unanimously.

Under the new regulations, GSB will have $1,500 total to reimburse candidates for all positions. Candidates are eligible, though not guaranteed, to be reimbursed for up to 50 percent of cash expenses. Candidates will not be reimbursed for donations. Write-in candidates are not eligible for reimbursement funds.

There were mixed reactions concerning the amount of spending money that should be allowed for candidates.

Milton McGriff, non-traditional, said he thinks the bill will favor wealthy students.

Others disagreed. “I don’t think it creates an unfair advantage,” said John Hamilton, business.

“I’m in support to having some kind of reimbursement,” said Trish Sandahl, graduate. “I think it is important that everyone be on a level playing field.”

There was also discussion about where candidates should be allowed to purchase supplies for their campaigns.

The bill also states that financial contributions given to a candidate by individuals or organizations are allowed if candidates adhere to restrictions defined in the election code.

Candidates cannot receive contributions from student organizations that are receiving student fee allocations.

The required number of nomination petition signatures for the GSB presidential race was also amended. It will now take 2,000 student signatures to get on the ballot.

It has taken 2,500 in the past.