MS HB288

Prohibits elected state officials and state district officials from visually or audibly participating in advertisements funded with legislative appropriations, federal funds, or fees, fines, or penalties received by their office.

Defines prohibited participation as use of still or motion images showing the official or any advertising medium allowing their voice to be heard.

Allows officials to participate in development, planning, and implementation of such advertisements as long as their image and voice do not appear in the final public advertisement.

Provides exception allowing officials to visually or audibly participate in advertisements directly related to emergencies or disasters as defined in Section 33-15-5.

Takes effect July 1, 2018, and is codified as a new section in Chapter 1, Title 25 of the Mississippi Code.