The bill, H.B. No. 2285, amends the Election Code to include provisions regarding political advertising distributed through mass text message campaigns. It defines "political advertising" to encompass communications that support or oppose candidates, political parties, or measures, specifically when disseminated as part of a mass text message campaign. This new definition clarifies that such campaigns involve sending text messages to multiple recipients and require an expenditure that exceeds basic operational costs.

Additionally, the bill increases the civil penalty for violations related to required disclosures in political advertising from a maximum of $4,000 to $10,000. It also stipulates that each individual text message sent in violation of the law constitutes a separate violation, thereby potentially increasing the total penalties for offenders. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will only apply to political advertising distributed or broadcast after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 251.001, Election Code 255.001 (Election Code 251, Election Code 255)