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Proposal to broaden ban on electioneering by public employees draws split testimony
Summary
House Bill 340 would expand the definition of "electioneering" by public employees to cover actions "designed or having the effect of" influencing voters. Supporters cited examples of government surveys and internal communications; municipal and labor groups warned the language is vague and could chill legitimate speech.
House Bill 340, which would broaden the statutory prohibition on electioneering by public employees from acts "specifically designed" to influence voters to acts "designed or having the effect of influencing" voters, prompted extended testimony and questions about scope and enforceability.
Representative Ross Berry, prime sponsor and chair of the House Election Law Committee, said the change is intended to close a gap created by a Department of Justice interpretation that treats the current statutory phrase "specifically designed" as an intent requirement that is difficult to prove. He described several local examples — a school superintendent who arranged filmed tours without disclosing that a warrant article on school spending was upcoming; a…
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