Committee rejects bill that would bar use of public funds for political endorsements; ethics enforcement debate stalls measure

A bill that would restrict public entities from using public funds to support private organizations that endorse candidates or ballot measures failed to win committee approval after members expressed concerns about the measure’s scope, enforcement mechanism and potential unintended effects on local government partnerships.

The measure would have prohibited a political subdivision or state agency from using public funds to pay dues or contributions to a private organization that has taken a public position on candidates or ballot measures within a 10-year period. The committee debated whether the ethics commission is the proper investigator and enforcer and whether the commission’s authority would be expanded improperly.

Supporters, including Representative Ruby, said the bill addresses public concern that tax dollars may be used to influence elections. Ruby offered an amendment that added a civil penalty level and narrowed language; she proposed a starting penalty of $500. Opponents, including Representative Shower and Representative Casper, said the measure would create an expansive new enforcement role for the State Ethics Commission, could sweep in routine partnerships and grant recipients, and risk reputational harm from complaints that may linger while the commission investigates.

Representative Koppelman and others argued the revised language would limit the measure to organizations that use public funds specifically to pay dues or contributions, not to ordinary private fundraising or individual donations. Still, committee members noted concerns about enforcement timing and the ethics commission’s caseload and rules.

After debate the committee did not adopt a do-pass recommendation. A later motion to record a "do not pass" recommendation carried on a roll call; committee clerks recorded the result and a legislator was assigned to carry the prevailing position.