HB1525: relative to the definition of political advocacy organization.

HB 1525 - AS INTRODUCED

2020 SESSION

20-2527

11/08

HOUSE BILL 1525

AN ACT relative to the definition of political advocacy organization.

SPONSORS: Rep. Lane, Merr. 12; Rep. Huot, Belk. 3; Rep. Gay, Rock. 8; Rep. Higgins, Straf. 22; Sen. Fuller Clark, Dist 21

COMMITTEE: Election Law

ANALYSIS

This bill modifies the definition of political advocacy organization for purposes of political expenditure and contribution laws.

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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

20-2527

11/08

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty

AN ACT relative to the definition of political advocacy organization.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1 Political Expenditures and Contributions; Definition of Political Advocacy Organization. Amend RSA 664:2, XXII to read as follows:

XXII. "Political advocacy organization" means any entity, including but not limited to, an organization described in RSA 664:2, III, that [spends $5,000] makes expenditures of $2,500 or more in a calendar year to pay for [a communication that is functionally equivalent to express advocacy because, when taken as a whole, such communication is likely to be interpreted by a reasonable person only as advocating the election or defeat of] communications that refer to a clearly identified candidate or candidates or the success or defeat of a measure or measures, [taking into account whether the communication involved mentions a candidacy or a political party, or takes a position on a candidate's character, qualifications, or fitness for office] and are publicly distributed within 60 days before a primary or general election to an audience that includes members of the electorate for the office sought by the candidate or one or more of the candidates, regardless of whether the communication or communications expressly advocate a vote for or against the candidate or candidates or for the success or defeat of a measure or measures. In this paragraph, expenditures do not include expenses for candidate forums, including, but not limited to, spending for advertisements, marketing, or event expenses.

2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.