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OH HB315
Bill
Status
9/7/2011
Primary Sponsor
Matt Huffman
Click for details
AI Summary
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Increases criminal penalties for violations of sections 3517.21 and 3517.22 (false statements in campaign materials) from a maximum fine of $5,000 to $100,000 and/or up to six months imprisonment when the false statement involves statewide or General Assembly campaigns or ballot issues and was republished after probable cause was found.
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Requires the Ohio Elections Commission to order violators of false statement provisions to pay the reasonable attorney's fees of the person who filed the complaint if the violation involves republication of the false statement after probable cause determination.
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Mandates the commission assess attorney's fees against parties fined or referred for prosecution under specific false statement provisions related to statewide offices, General Assembly offices, or ballot questions/issues when the violator made additional publications after probable cause was established.
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Applies increased penalties only when the violator made one or more additional publications of the false statement after a panel of the elections commission found probable cause to believe the statement violated applicable campaign finance law.
Legislative Description
To increase the penalties for making a false statement in campaign materials related to nomination or election for a statewide office or office of a member of the General Assembly, or in regard to any campaign for or against a ballot question or issue, and to require the person who made the false statement to pay reasonable attorney's fees.
False campaign statements about GA members-increase penalties/pay attorney's fees
Last Action
To State Government & Elections
9/7/2011