The proposed bill would significantly update current statutes concerning the use of public resources to influence elections. Currently, only the Attorney General, county attorney, or a resident of the county can initiate a suit for violations. The bill would allow any resident of the respective jurisdiction to initiate a suit in the superior court of the county where the city, town, county, or school district is located, and it mandates that penalties collected by the court for suits initiated by residents must be paid directly to the resident. Additionally, the definition of influence an election would be expanded to include any presentation of information related to an election that is not impartial or neutral, thereby broadening the scope of actions that could be considered violations. Moreover, the bill clarifies that public entities cannot use their resources for election influence, while allowing for the distribution of neutral informational pamphlets about bond elections. It specifies that the prohibition includes promotional expenditures from the time an election is called until election day, while permitting routine communications. The bill introduces "government-sponsored forums or debates" that must remain impartial and provide equal opportunity for all viewpoints. It also establishes a minimum penalty of $5,000 for violations, with additional amounts for misused funds, and outlines how these penalties will be allocated based on who initiates the action, thereby enhancing accountability and enforcement mechanisms.

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