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Meeting Public Comments

Subcommittee meeting and times are as follows:
HSB 151
A bill for an act relating to the use of campaign signs by candidates and political committees for federal office and making penalties applicable.(See HF 490.)
Subcommittee members: Sexton-CH, Hunter, Meyer, A.
Date: Thursday, February 4, 2021
Time: 12:30 PM - 12:45 PM
Location: RM 19
Names and comments are public records. Remaining information is considered a confidential record.
Comments Submitted:

02-02-2021
Mike Marshall [Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board]
The Ethics Board proposed this narrow bill to close what appears to be an unintended loophole in the Code.HSB 151 would apply the campaign sign requirements of 68A.406 to federal campaigns, in the absence of applicable federal law. The FEC currently places no requirements on federal campaign signs. The Ethics Board office receives numerous inquiries and complaints regarding campaign signs, including federal campaign signs, which currently are not covered by 68A.406. Members of the public are understandably frustrated when we have to inform them that the Board has no jurisdiction over federal campaign signs. This bill would close that loophole.The Board has been and will continue to be committed to working with candidates and campaigns to have inappropriately placed signs moved expeditiously without penalty. The Board would approach federal candidates and campaigns in the same cooperative way. The Board appreciates your consideration of this proposal.