Lawmakers Pass Campaign Finance Bill

A campaign finance bill (HB 6580) reintroduced late in the session with significant new language, changes how money will flow through state election campaigns.
This new law brings back a fundraising device for political parties and committees by allowing businesses and individuals to purchase advertising space (i.e. ad books or signs).
A business may spend up to $250 on ad space, and an individual is capped at $50.
However, lobbyists and their immediate families, and current or prospective state contractors are prohibited from buying these ads.
Also addressed were disclosure requirements for issue advertising. The bill exempts disclosure requirements for issue advertising if it is done in one of two ways:

• If it occurs more than 90 days before an election and is for the purpose of influencing legislative, administrative or executive action
• If it occurs during the legislative session and is for the purpose of influencing legislative action