Local Government Campaign Finance Act Fix Introduced

Liz Gullett

Jan 15, 2016

This week, Senator Dale Zorn (R-Ida) introduced a bill that would provide clarity to the legislative intent of campaign finance reforms that were signed by the Governor earlier this month. After the legislature passed the bill in December, several groups and legislators voiced concerns of the unintended consequences of the legislation. Notably, the new law is viewed as prohibiting local governments, schools, and libraries sixty days prior to an election from providing factual information on ballot proposals. Despite the questions surrounding the language, the Governor signed the bill but called for the legislature to pass a bill providing clarity. The legislation introduced by Senator Zorn would amend the law to allow for public funds to be used for certain communications referencing ballot proposals before voters. The legislation has been referred to the Senate Government Operations Committee for further consideration.

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