If enacted, this bill would significantly broaden the ability of residents to initiate legal action regarding the misuse of public resources in elections. Currently, only the Attorney General, county attorney, or a resident of the county where the violation occurred can file a suit. The bill would allow any resident of the respective jurisdiction to file a suit in superior court, thereby expanding access to legal recourse. Additionally, civil penalties collected from these suits would be paid directly to the resident who initiated the action, rather than to the Attorney General or county treasurer, enhancing individual accountability. The bill also introduces an updated definition of "influence an election" and "influencing the outcomes of elections", clarifying that any non-neutral presentation of election-related information constitutes improper use of public resources. It specifies that cities, towns, counties, and school districts cannot use their resources for election influence, except for distributing neutral informational pamphlets about bond elections. The prohibition on using public resources extends to promotional expenditures from the time an election is called through election day, while allowing for impartial government-sponsored forums. Furthermore, the bill increases civil penalties for violations to a minimum of $5,000 and updates definitions related to unlawful use of public resources, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability in election processes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 9-500.14, 11-410, 15-511, 16-192, 35-454, 15-481, 15-491, 15-342
Senate Engrossed Version: 9-500.14, 11-410, 15-511, 16-192, 35-454, 15-481, 15-491, 15-342
House Engrossed Version: 9-500.14, 11-410, 15-511, 16-192, 35-454, 15-481, 15-491, 15-342