Tennessee House Bill HB0603

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/23
• Refer: 2/1/23
• Failed: 3/22/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2, Chapter 1, relative to campaign advertising.

Impact

The new legislation creates a framework that allows election commissions to enforce the timely removal of campaign signs. Candidates and campaign committees will now face penalties if they fail to comply with the removal notice within ten days. A civil penalty of up to fifty dollars per day, per parcel of property can be imposed for signs that remain unremoved after the stipulated period. This means that candidates must be more diligent regarding their campaign materials and compliance with local election laws, potentially altering campaign strategies and logistics.

Summary

House Bill 603 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2, Chapter 1, addressing concerns related to campaign advertising. The bill establishes clearer protocols for the removal of election signs that are placed on highway rights-of-way and other publicly owned properties. It requires county election commissions to send a notice to candidates or campaign committees demanding the removal of these signs if they remain after three weeks following an election. This adjustment intends to enhance the visual integrity of public spaces by ensuring that temporary campaign signs do not linger beyond their permissible timeframe.

Contention

While the bill aims to improve the management of campaign signage, there could be points of contention regarding the enforcement of these new penalties. Concerns may arise over what constitutes public property and the process by which the notices are issued. Additionally, the bill places the responsibility on candidates and their committees to ensure compliance, potentially leading to disputes over what is reasonable in terms of penalties and enforcement. As this bill is enacted, discussions may unfold regarding its implications on electoral fairness and the freedom of campaign expression.