Texas House Bill HB1382

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to required disclosures on certain mailed political advertising; providing a civil penalty.

Impact

If enacted, this bill amends the Election Code of Texas by introducing new requirements for slate mailers, thereby setting a precedent for increased accountability in political advertising. By compelling organizations that produce slate mailers to include clearer authorial attribution, the bill aims to reduce instances of misleading information that could sway electoral decisions. Such transparency measures could impact how political campaigns strategize their communications, particularly in their outreach to voters through mass mailings.

Summary

House Bill 1382 seeks to enhance the transparency of political advertising by establishing required disclosures for certain types of mailed political communications known as 'slate mailers.' Specifically, the bill mandates that any slate mailer supporting or opposing four or more candidates must include the full name and address of individuals with decision-making authority regarding the candidates' representation. This change is designed to inform voters about the source of information and encourage responsible communication during election cycles.

Contention

While the bill may promote transparency, it could also raise concerns over the burdens it places on political entities, especially smaller interests or grassroots organizations that may find compliance challenging. Potential opposition might stem from those who argue that this legislation could inhibit their ability to participate in the electoral process effectively. The implications of the civil penalties for non-compliance, which could amount to $4,000, may be viewed as a strong deterrent against inadvertent mistakes, thus creating further contention among stakeholders involved in political campaigning.