AR SB585

Defines "coordinated communication" as an in-kind contribution when political advertisements or communications containing express advocacy are made in cooperation, consultation, or at the request of a candidate, political party, ballot question committee, or independent expenditure committee.

Subjects coordinated communications to the same contribution limits established under Arkansas Code § 7-6-203, treating them as in-kind contributions to the benefiting candidate or committee.

Establishes specific criteria for determining coordinated communications, including whether communications were created at candidate request, approved by campaigns, involved campaign input on content/timing/media placement, or followed substantial discussions between payers and candidates or their agents.

Excludes certain communications from coordinated communication rules, including candidate responses to policy inquiries, endorsements made by the endorsing candidate, candidate fundraising solicitations, and business owner communications unrelated to the campaign.

Defines "political advertisement" broadly to include campaign communications in any form (broadcast, digital, print, etc.) that refer to a clearly identified candidate and whose only reasonable interpretation is influencing a vote, with specific thresholds for audience size based on office type.