HB1425 Summary

• Amends Arkansas campaign finance law to define "electioneering communication" as broadcast, cable, or satellite communications that refer to a clearly identified candidate, are distributed within 90 days of a general election or 60 days of a primary election, are targeted to the relevant electorate, and can only reasonably be interpreted as an appeal to vote for or against a specific candidate.

• Establishes that "coordinated communications" (electioneering communications or communications with express advocacy made in cooperation, consultation, or concert with a candidate or political party) constitute in-kind contributions subject to contribution limits under Arkansas Code § 7-6-203.

• Defines "coordinated communication" to include communications created, produced, or distributed at the request or suggestion of a candidate or political party, communications approved by a candidate or political party after suggestion by the payer, communications where the candidate or party was materially involved in content or distribution decisions, and communications following substantial discussions between the payer and candidate or political party.

• Carves out exceptions to coordinated communication status for candidate endorsements, fundraising solicitations, and business owner communications that existed prior to candidacy and do not promote or oppose the candidate.

• Requires the Arkansas Ethics Commission to consider payment source, content characteristics, and conduct standards when determining whether a communication is coordinated.