HB 1548 Summary

• Creates the "Political Accountability in Campaigning Act" establishing liability for candidates who knowingly publicize false statements of material fact in political advertisements about statewide or general assembly candidates after filing for office.

• Defines "material fact" as a verifiable proposition that is not embedded in opinion, excluding name-calling and profane language.

• Limits penalties to the lesser of the cost to inform the public of the false statement or $20,000 in damages, with courts able to grant injunctions to prevent future dissemination.

• Allows candidates to avoid penalties by retracting false statements through the same medium within 14 days after publication and at least 14 days before the election.

• Permits county prosecutors, the attorney general, or any eligible voter to bring enforcement actions, with damages paid to schools if recovered by officials or to the voter if recovered by a private party.