---
summary: "Format output overhaul (renderRecord helper); election ZIP support; calendar/disbursement sort defaults; error sanitization fix."
breaking: false
security: false
---

# 0.3.0 — 2026-04-04

## Changed

- **Format output overhaul:** All tool `format()` functions now use a shared `renderRecord()` helper instead of bespoke field-by-field rendering — text output shows raw field names (`total_receipts:`) instead of human-readable labels (`Receipts:`).
- Prompt descriptions switched from `+` string concatenation to template literals.
- Contribution aggregates now default to `sort: '-total', sort_hide_null: true` for more useful ordering.
- Disbursement aggregates likewise default to descending-total sort.
- Legal search `type` description warns that `admin_fines` is slow without a query or respondent filter.
- Elections tool relaxes state/district requirements when a ZIP code is provided; summary mode rejects ZIP lookups with an explicit error.
- `enrichStatusError()` now sanitizes the error message before pattern-matching HTTP status codes (avoids double-sanitization).

## Added

- `renderRecord()` in `utils/format-helpers.ts` — generic key/value renderer with skip-set for header fields.
- `searchElectionsByZip()` service method using the `/elections/search/` endpoint which accepts ZIP parameters.
- Candidate resource handler validates candidate ID format before API call.
- `FETCH_TIMEOUT` recognized as transient error for retry logic.

## Fixed

- `enrichStatusError()` was sanitizing twice in the hint branch; now sanitizes once upfront.