RNC Votes to Move 2016 Convention to June: IA, NH, SC, FL to Hold First Caucuses/Primaries, in February

States voting between March 1 and 14 will have to award delegates proportionally

The Republican National Committee on Friday passed sweeping rule changes designed to tighten its control over the GOP presidential nominating process and provide the party's 2016 standard-bearer a leg up in the general election.

The new rules will increase the penalties against states that hold their primary or caucus date before the period designated by the RNC and will move the Republican convention from the late summer to early summer, allowing the eventual nominee more time to spend general election funds.