Committee adopts sub and advances bill restricting use of public funds for publicity featuring officials

Representative Kyle presented a substitute to HB 551, elected official publicity amendments, which sponsors described as narrowly tailored to restrict use of public funds for materials that prominently feature a person (for example, a large photo and name) within 60 days of an election while preserving officials' ability to communicate about official business.

The sponsor said campaign funds may still be used for billboards or mailers; the restriction applies to public funds. Members questioned whether public alerts such as Silver Alerts or public safety billboards would be affected. Scott Howell of the outdoor advertising industry asked for clarification about whether state public messages (for example, UDOT notices or homelessness campaigns) would fall under the prohibition; the sponsor responded those public-service notices would not be affected. Representative Matthews moved to adopt the first substitute; the committee adopted the sub by voice vote. Representative Matthews then moved to pass HB 551 with a favorable recommendation; the committee voted to pass the bill with a favorable recommendation by voice vote.