MO HB160

Prohibits candidates for statewide office or general assembly from knowingly publicizing false statements of material fact in political advertisements through print or broadcast media after filing for office

Defines "material fact" as a provable true/false proposition, excluding opinions, name-calling, or profane language

Violations are punishable by damages up to $20,000 or the cost to adequately inform the public of the false fact, whichever is less; courts may also grant injunctive relief

Candidates can avoid penalties by retracting the false statement through the same medium within 14 days of making it and at least 14 days before the election

Enforcement may be brought by county prosecutors, the attorney general, or any eligible voter; damages from government-initiated suits go to schools, while voter-initiated suits pay the voter directly