Bill > H812

This bill amends Massachusetts election laws by updating the definition of "electioneering communication" and adding new disclosure requirements for political text message communications. The updated definition expands the types of communications considered electioneering, including broadcast, cable, mail, print, and text messages that refer to a clearly identified candidate within 90 days of an election. The bill provides several exceptions to this definition, such as communications to fewer than 100 recipients, news stories, editorials, and certain internet communications. Additionally, the bill mandates that any independent expenditure or electioneering communication sent via text message must include a disclosure statement identifying the entity paying for the communication, listing the top 5 contributors (for contributions over $1,000 in the past 12 months), and providing a reference to the official campaign and political finance website. These new requirements aim to increase transparency in political campaigning by ensuring voters have clear information about the sources and funding behind political messages.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H812