HSB 624 (LSB 5366DP (3) 88)

SENATE/HOUSE FILE _____

BY  (PROPOSED ETHICS AND CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE BOARD BILL)

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to the placement of campaign signs and making penalties applicable.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 68A.103, Code 2020, is amended to read as follows:
   68A.103  Applicability to federal candidates.
   1.  The requirements of this chapter relative to disclosure of contributions shall apply to candidates and political committees for federal office only in the event such candidates are not subject to a federal law requiring the disclosure of campaign financing. Any such federal law shall supersede the provisions of this chapter.
   2.  The provisions of section 68A.406 shall apply to candidates and political committees for federal office.
    Sec. 2.  Section 68A.406, Code 2020, is amended by adding the following new subsection:
   NEW SUBSECTION.  4.  For the purposes of this section:
   a.  “Campaign sign” means a sign that expressly advocates in favor of or against one or more clearly identified candidates or ballot issues.
   b.  “Candidate” means an individual who has taken affirmative action to seek the nomination or election to any federal, state, county, city, or school office filled by election and shall also include any judge standing for retention in a judicial election.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill relates to campaign signs. The bill applies the restrictions on the placement of campaign signs to candidates for federal office. The bill also defines “campaign sign” and “candidate”.
   A person who violates a provision of Code chapter 68A is subject to civil penalties imposed by the Iowa ethics and campaign disclosure board, including remedial action, a reprimand, and a civil penalty up to $2,000. In addition, a person who willfully violates a provision of Code chapter 68A is guilty of a serious misdemeanor. A serious misdemeanor is punishable by confinement for no more than one year and a fine of at least $315 but not more than $1,875.