Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB486

Introduced
2/16/23  

Caption

Honest Ads Act

Impact

The passage of SB486 is expected to significantly alter the landscape of political advertising in the United States. By imposing stricter regulations on online political ads, it obligates platforms with a substantial user base to maintain public records of qualified political advertisements and their sponsors. This requirement is likely to discourage the dissemination of misleading information, particularly that which may be funded by foreign actors, thereby enhancing the reliability of the information available to voters. Additionally, it fortifies existing campaign finance laws by enhancing reporting on advertisement funding, contributing to a more transparent electoral process.

Summary

SB486, also known as the Honest Ads Act, aims to enhance transparency and accountability for online political advertisements. The bill amends the Federal Election Campaign Act to require that entities purchasing political advertisements must disclose specific information about these ads to the public. It encompasses both traditional media and online platforms, reflecting the growing significance of digital communications in political discourse. This legislation seeks to ensure that the electorate is well-informed about who is behind various political messages, ultimately aiming to strengthen electoral integrity in the face of rising disinformation campaigns.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its focus on transparency, it also faces opposition from various stakeholders who argue that its implementation could lead to undue burdens on smaller advertisers and online platforms. Critics express concerns about the feasibility of compliance, suggesting that the requirements could stifle free speech and limit the diversity of political discourse. The enforcement of stringent disclosure regulations may particularly disadvantage candidates and small organizations with limited resources for navigating the new compliance landscape, raising questions about the balance between transparency and accessibility in political advertising.

Companion Bills

US HB2599

Same As Honest Ads Act

US HB11

Related Freedom to Vote Act This bill addresses voter registration and voting access, election integrity and security, redistricting, and campaign finance. Specifically, the bill expands voter registration (e.g., automatic and same-day registration) and voting access (e.g., vote-by-mail and early voting). It also limits removing voters from voter rolls. Next, the bill establishes Election Day as a federal holiday. The bill declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence. The bill establishes certain federal criminal offenses related to voting. In particular, the bill establishes a new criminal offense for conduct (or attempted conduct) to corruptly hinder, interfere with, or prevent another person from registering to vote or helping someone register to vote. Additionally, the bill sets forth provisions related to election security, including by requiring states to conduct post-election audits for federal elections. The bill outlines criteria for congressional redistricting and generally prohibits mid-decade redistricting. The bill addresses campaign finance, including by expanding the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals, requiring additional disclosure of campaign-related fundraising and spending, requiring additional disclaimers regarding certain political advertising, and establishing an alternative campaign funding system for certain federal offices.

US SB2344

Related Freedom to Vote Act Voters’ Access to Water Act Right to Vote Act Automatic Voter Registration Act of 2023 Help America Run Act Government By the People Act of 2023 Restoring Integrity to America’s Elections Act Stop Super PAC–Candidate Coordination Act Spotlight Act Honest Ads Act DISCLOSE Act of 2023 Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act of 2023 Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act of 2023 Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2023 Democracy Restoration Act of 2023 Voter Registration Modernization Act of 2023 Voter Empowerment Act of 2023

US SB1

Related Freedom to Vote Act This bill addresses voter registration and voting access, election integrity and security, redistricting, and campaign finance. Specifically, the bill expands voter registration (e.g., automatic and same-day registration) and voting access (e.g., vote-by-mail and early voting). It also limits removing voters from voter rolls. Next, the bill establishes Election Day as a federal holiday. The bill declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence. The bill establishes certain federal criminal offenses related to voting. In particular, the bill establishes a new criminal offense for conduct (or attempted conduct) to corruptly hinder, interfere with, or prevent another person from registering to vote or helping someone register to vote. Additionally, the bill sets forth provisions related to election security, including by requiring states to conduct post-election audits for federal elections. The bill outlines criteria for congressional redistricting and generally prohibits mid-decade redistricting. The bill addresses campaign finance, including by expanding the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals, requiring additional disclosure of campaign-related fundraising and spending, requiring additional disclaimers regarding certain political advertising, and establishing an alternative campaign funding system for certain federal offices.

US HB5048

Related Protecting Our Democracy Act

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.