Texas Senate Bill SB306

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Filed: 11/18/08

Caption

Relating to the acknowledgment of a candidate's authorization of political advertising.

Impact

The impact of SB306 on state laws is significant as it establishes stricter guidelines for how political advertisements are presented to the public. By requiring candidates to feature their own voice and likeness in commercials, the bill aims to promote accountability among candidates and their political campaigns. This could lead to a reduction in misleading advertisements, thereby fostering greater trust in the political process and ensuring that voters are not deceived by anonymous or disingenuous political communications.

Summary

Senate Bill 306 aims to amend existing laws regarding political advertising in Texas to ensure that candidates clearly acknowledge their authorization of political advertisements. The proposed changes to Section 255.001(a) of the Election Code mandate that all political advertising must explicitly state that it is political advertising. Additionally, it requires the inclusion of the candidate's full name and an indication that the candidate has approved the advertisement. These changes are meant to enhance transparency in political communications and provide voters with clear information regarding the source of political messages.

Conclusion

Overall, SB306 seeks to strengthen the electoral process by enforcing clearer communication about political advertising. However, with potential pushback from candidates regarding the practicality and cost-effectiveness of these measures, the bill may spark ongoing debate about the balance between transparency in campaign communications and the operational demands placed on candidates during elections.

Contention

While the intent of the bill appears to foster transparency and accountability, there could be contention surrounding its implementation. Critics may argue that the requirements could deter some candidates, particularly those from smaller campaigns, from effectively reaching voters due to the increased costs and logistics associated with producing compliant advertisements. The bill's requirements might also lead to concerns about the feasibility of adhering to all stipulations during high-pressure election cycles where rapid communication is necessary.