Bill > H858

This bill aims to enhance transparency in political phone calls by defining and regulating push polling, which is a type of telephone campaign that disguises itself as a legitimate survey but actually seeks to spread negative information about political candidates. The bill introduces two new definitions: "bona fide survey and opinion research" (which clarifies that legitimate research does not attempt to influence participants' attitudes) and "push-polling" (which is characterized by making a series of phone calls that ask loaded questions about candidates' character or record, typically with the intent to sway voter opinion). The bill requires that any push-polling call must disclose upfront that it is a paid political advertisement, identify the organization making and paying for the call, provide a valid contact number, and specify which candidate(s) the call supports or opposes. These disclosures must be made clearly and repeated if requested by the call recipient. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in a fine of up to $1,000. The bill applies to elections at various levels, from local offices like town councilor to state-wide positions like Governor, and sets different thresholds for the number of calls that constitute push-polling based on the election's scope.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H858