HB 2026 Summary

• Prohibits cities, towns, counties, and school districts from using public resources (money, facilities, equipment, personnel, etc.) to influence election outcomes, including bond and budget override elections.

• Allows public entities to distribute neutral informational pamphlets on proposed bond elections and to report on official governing body actions without violating the prohibition.

• Permits government-sponsored forums and debates on election issues if the government remains impartial and provides equal opportunity to all viewpoints.

• Authorizes the Attorney General, county attorney, or any resident of the jurisdiction to file civil lawsuits for violations, with courts able to impose penalties up to $5,000 plus restitution of misused funds.

• Specifies that civil penalties collected must be distributed to the enforcing entity (Attorney General's office, county treasurer, or resident plaintiff) and prohibits use of public funds to pay penalties or restore misused monies.