H812 — An Act relative to transparent political campaigning

Summary

An Act relative to transparent political campaigning

Bill Text

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This bill updates the definition of 'Electioneering communication' and requires disclosures for text message communications related to political spending.

• Section 1 of chapter 55 of the General Laws

  ''Electioneering communication'' → ''Electioneering communication'', any broadcast, cable, mail, satellite, print, SMS text message, MMS text message or other text message communication that: (1) refers to a clearly identified candidate; and (2) is publicly distributed within 90 days before an election in which the candidate is seeking election or reelection; provided, however, that ''electioneering communication'' shall not include the following communications: (1) a communication that is disseminated through a means other than a broadcast station, radio station, cable television system or satellite system, newspaper, magazine, periodical, billboard advertisement, SMS text message, MMS text message, other text message or mail; (2) a communication to less than 100 recipients; (3) a news story, commentary, letter to the editor, news release, column, op-ed or editorial broadcast by a television station, radio station, cable television system or satellite system, or printed in a newspaper, magazine, or other periodical in general circulation; (4) expenditures or independent expenditures or contributions that must otherwise be reported under this chapter; (5) a communication from a membership organization exclusively to its members and their families, otherwise known as a membership communication; (6) bonafide candidate debates or forums and advertising or promotion of the same; (7) email communications; and (8) internet communications which are not paid advertisements.

  This change broadens the definition of 'Electioneering communication' to include various forms of communication while specifying exclusions.

• Section 18G of chapter 55 of the General Laws

  An independent expenditure or electioneering communication made by an individual, corporation, group, association, labor union or other entity which is transmitted through SMS text message, MMS text message or other text message shall include within the message a written statement disclosing the identity of the individual, corporation, group, association, labor union or other entity paying for the communication and the words ''Top Contributors'' and a written statement that lists the 5 persons or entities or if fewer than 5 persons or entities, all persons or entities that made the largest contributions to that entity, regardless of the purpose for which the funds were given; provided, however, that only contributions in excess of $1,000 reportable pursuant to this chapter during the 12–month period before the date of the advertisement or communication shall be listed. If no such contribution is received by the entity making an independent expenditure or electioneering communication, the advertisement or communication may exclude the statement. The communication shall also include a written statement, as specified by the director, at the bottom of the communication that directs viewers to the official web address of the office of campaign and political finance. This paragraph shall also apply to communications purchased to influence or affect the vote on a question submitted to the voters.

  This addition mandates disclosure requirements for text message communications related to independent expenditures or electioneering communications.

Sponsors

• Mike Connolly · Primary

Subjects