SB 1255 Summary

• Prohibits intentionally participating in preparation, dissemination, or broadcast of false political advertising, campaign material, or letters to newspaper editors that a person knows or recklessly disregards as false

• False material must relate to a candidate's personal or political character, voting record, acts, or ballot measure effects, and be designed to elect, injure, promote, or defeat a candidate or ballot measure

• Prohibits knowingly making false claims that a candidate or ballot measure has party committee support or endorsement, and requires written permission before claiming individual or committee endorsement

• Exempts from liability persons whose sole business function is printing, manufacturing, or disseminating the material without knowledge of its falsity

• Establishes misdemeanor penalty of up to $5,000 fine, up to one year in county jail, or both for knowing and willful violations; effective November 1, 2010