MS HB993

Amends Mississippi Code sections 97-13-3 and 23-15-897 to require campaign materials to include identifying information showing either candidate approval, the name of the person/committee/organization paying for the publication, or the entity producing the materials.

Defines "campaign materials" as materials designed to influence voters regarding candidates, parties, or measures that are paid for by candidates, political committees, or independent expenditures requiring disclosure under campaign finance laws.

Defines "publish" to include making campaign materials available to the public through mail, telephone, electronic communications, internet, software applications, printed materials, or any other distribution means.

Establishes criminal penalties for violations: imprisonment in county jail for not more than one year, or a fine of not more than $1,000, or both.

Electronic publications may comply by providing the required information on the candidate or political committee's home page with a link from each electronic publication to that page.

Effective date: July 1, 2020.