Senate Bill No. 197, introduced by Senator Stine, aims to establish specific requirements for celebrity endorsements in election communications. The bill mandates that any communication featuring a celebrity endorsement must clearly disclose whether the endorsement was paid for by the candidate, their political committee, or authorized by them. If the endorsement is not authorized, the communication must include detailed information about the individual or organization that financed it, including their name, address, and contact information. Additionally, the bill provides definitions for "celebrity" and "paid celebrity endorsement," ensuring clarity in the context of political advertising.

Furthermore, the bill outlines reporting requirements for candidates who make expenditures for celebrity endorsements. Candidates must report these expenditures in accordance with existing reporting guidelines and include specific details such as the amount spent, the name of the celebrity, the payment date, and the nature of the endorsement communication. The provisions of this bill are set to take effect on August 1, 2025, thereby enhancing transparency and accountability in the use of celebrity endorsements during elections.