New Hampshire House Bill HB286

New Hampshire 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/23
• Refer: 1/9/23
• Report Pass: 3/8/23
• Engrossed: 3/21/23
• Refer: 3/21/23
• Report Pass: 3/28/23
• Enrolled: 5/17/23
• Chaptered: 5/24/23
• Passed: 5/24/23

Caption

Relative to the removal of political advertising.

Impact

The bill modifies existing New Hampshire law by amending RSA 664:17, which governs political advertising. One notable change is the stipulation that all political advertising must be removed by the candidate no later than the second Friday following an election, except for successful primary candidates. This provision aims to ensure that campaign items are not left in public spaces, maintaining the visual integrity of communities after elections.

Summary

House Bill 286 addresses the regulation of political advertising with a focus on the placement and removal of campaign signs. It allows members of a candidate's campaign or local political committee to retrieve any campaign materials that have been removed by state or local authorities. The bill emphasizes the protection of political advertising rights while setting clear guidelines on how and where these advertisements can be displayed, particularly on public property.

Contention

While the bill seems straightforward, it may evoke discussions regarding the balance between free political expression and community standards regarding public space usage. Some may argue that the ability of political campaigns to reclaim their advertising materials post-election is necessary for democratic engagement, while others might express concerns over potential clutter and misuse of public property. The issues raised by opponents might pertain to the effective management of public spaces and the perception of fairness in how campaign materials are handled.