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Panel hears bill aimed at restricting public dollars used to influence ballot measures; critics warn of legal and practical problems
Summary
House Bill 1141 would prohibit political subdivisions and state entities from using public funds or services to support or oppose candidates or ballot measures; supporters cited recent ballot fights while counties, schools and associations warned the proposal is vague, expansive and could prompt litigation.
The House Industry, Business and Labor Committee heard testimony on House Bill 1141, a proposal intended to limit how political subdivisions, agencies and other public entities may use public funds to influence state or local ballot measures or candidates.
Sponsor Nathan Thalmann said the bill’s purpose is “to close a loophole where a political subdivision can be a member of an organization, and then that organization in turn could use that those membership dollars to...lobby for or against ballot measures or support or oppose candidates.” He said the goal is to prevent taxpayer funds from being used to influence elections while preserving legitimate education and training activities.
Supporters pointed to recent campaigns as examples of funds flowing through intermediary…
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