AL SB302

Redefines "electioneering communication" as paid advertising disseminated 30 days before a primary election or 60 days before a general election, targeted to the relevant electorate in the candidate's geographic area, and containing an explicit appeal to vote for or against a specific candidate.

Excludes from the definition of "expenditure" payments for advertisements or communications by individuals or entities that are not principal campaign committees or political action committees, unless the communication includes express advocacy using specific words like "vote for," "elect," "support," "defeat," or "reject."

Revises "political action committee" definition to require that the major purpose of an entity be making contributions or expenditures to or on behalf of candidates, propositions, or other political committees, narrowing the scope from entities that simply receive contributions or make expenditures.

Reduces electioneering communication reporting from multiple filings per cycle to a single report per election cycle, with additional reports only required if the payor makes additional communications during the same cycle.

Removes exemptions from electioneering communication reporting previously granted to churches and trade organizations; effective October 1, 2024.