Bill > HB5038

This bill requires referendum committees to make certain disclosures on political advertisements that expressly advocate for the passage or defeat of a question on the ballot. Specifically, the bill amends existing laws to: 1. Expand the definition of "contribution" and "expenditure" to include those made for the purpose of advocating for or against a ballot question, in addition to advocating for or against a candidate. 2. Require referendum committees, in addition to candidate campaign committees and political committees, to include a disclosure statement on television and radio advertisements that expressly advocate for or against a ballot question. 3. Require print media to retain proof of the identity of persons who submit advertisements advocating for or against a ballot question, if the authorization statement is made by someone other than a candidate, candidate committee, political party committee, or political action committee. The aim of these changes is to increase transparency around political advertising related to ballot referenda, similar to the existing requirements for advertising related to candidate elections.

Government Affairs

https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?202+sum+HB5038&202+sum+HB5038