H.B. No. 3386 amends the Election Code to include provisions regarding political advertising distributed or broadcast as part of a mass text message campaign. The bill defines "political advertising" to encompass communications that support or oppose candidates, political parties, public officers, or measures, specifically when such communications are disseminated through various media, including mass text message campaigns. Additionally, the bill introduces a new definition for "mass text message campaign," describing it as an organized effort where a person sends text messages to multiple recipients in support of or opposition to political entities, provided that the effort incurs costs beyond basic hardware and messaging expenses.

The changes made by this Act will only apply to political advertising distributed or broadcast on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025. Any political advertising that occurs before this date will continue to be governed by the existing laws in place at that time. This legislation aims to clarify the regulations surrounding political advertising in the context of modern communication methods, particularly the use of mass text messaging.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 251.001 (Election Code 251)