HB19-1195 Summary

• Prohibits county elected office candidates from sending mass communications (500+ persons in counties over 50,000 residents; 150+ persons in smaller counties) using public expense within 60 days before any primary, general, or special election where the candidate appears on the ballot.

• Exempts from "mass communication" definition: direct responses to constituent inquiries, communications to government officials, news releases, town hall notices, and legally-required employment communications unrelated to candidacy.

• Restricts all mass communications regardless of timing by prohibiting campaign contribution solicitations, partisan language, disparagement of other officials or parties, and irrelevant images; requires "PREPARED AND DISTRIBUTED AT TAXPAYER EXPENSE" disclaimer on first page or prominently in electronic communications.

• Does not limit communications paid for by a candidate's own campaign committee.

• Prohibits mail ballot packets from identifying the name of the individual serving as county clerk and recorder at the time of election.