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Bill > H0727


FL H0727

Use of State Resources to Influence Statewide Ballot Initiatives


summary

Introduced
02/19/2025
In Committee
02/26/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

An act relating to use of state resources to influence statewide ballot initiatives; creating s. 100.372, F.S.; providing a short title, legislative intent, and definitions; prohibiting certain entities from producing, disseminating, or funding specified public service announcements during a certain timeframe; providing construction; providing penalties; requiring certain entities to maintain specified records and make such records available to the public; providing an effective date.

AI Summary

This bill creates the "Public Resource Election Neutrality Act," which prohibits state departments and agencies from using public resources to influence statewide ballot initiatives during election periods. The legislation defines key terms such as "public service announcement" as any state-funded communication intended to inform or influence the public, and "statewide ballot initiative" as a proposed constitutional amendment or referendum certified for a general election ballot. During the period between a ballot initiative's certification and the conclusion of the general election, state agencies are banned from producing, disseminating, or funding public service announcements that could be interpreted as supporting or opposing a ballot measure. Exceptions are made for announcements addressing immediate public health, safety, or welfare concerns, or routine governmental communications. Violations can result in penalties such as suspension or removal of individual officials, potential reduction of agency appropriations, and investigation by the Florida Commission on Ethics. The bill also requires state departments and agencies to maintain and publicly disclose records of public service announcements produced in the 12 months preceding a general election, aiming to ensure transparency and prevent the misuse of state resources to sway voter opinions on ballot initiatives.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Indefinitely postponed and withdrawn from consideration (on 05/03/2025)

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