SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5655
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of February 18, 2011
Title: An act relating to voters' pamphlets.
Brief Description: Providing criminal penalties for false statements in voters' pamphlets.
Sponsors: Senators Roach and Harper.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections: 2/21/11.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS, TRIBAL RELATIONS & ELECTIONS |
Staff: Sharon Swanson (786-7447)
Background: If a person knowingly provides false information on his or her declaration of candidacy or petition of nomination, the person is guilty of a class C felony.
The laws relating to political advertising provide that it is not considered defamatory or slander for a candidate or his or her agent to make false statements or false representations about the candidate himself or herself because a person cannot defame himself or herself.
Summary of Bill: Any person who knowingly makes or allows to be made on his or her behalf a false statement of material fact in a voters' pamphlet is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
A false statement of material fact includes a statement that would lead a person of ordinary intelligence to reasonably understand the statement as conveying information that is false.
The Public Disclosure Commission may impose a civil penalty not to exceed $5,000 per violation
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.