SF 1597

as introduced - 88th Legislature (2013 - 2014) Posted on 04/16/2013 08:35am

A bill for an act
relating to campaign finance; prohibiting use of public funds to promote or
defeat a ballot question; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes,
chapters 5; 10A.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [5.38] USE OF PUBLIC FINDS; BALLOT QUESTIONS.
new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding section 10A.52, paragraph (b), the secretary of state shall not
spend, or cause to be spent, any public funds or use any other public resource with
the purpose of promoting or defeating a ballot question at any time. The secretary of
state shall not use the inherent prestige of the office in any manner that has the effect of
promoting or defeating a ballot question. The secretary of state may spend public funds
to provide impartial and balanced information on ballot questions that does not have the
effect of promoting or defeating a ballot question. For purposes of this section, public
funds means all general, special, permanent, trust, and other funds, regardless of source
or purpose, held or administered by a government entity.
new text end

Sec. 2.

new text begin [10A.52] USE OF PUBLIC FUNDS; BALLOT QUESTIONS.
new text end

new text begin (a) No public official shall spend, or cause to be spent, any public funds or use any
other public resource with the purpose of promoting or defeating a ballot question or in a
manner that has the effect of promoting or defeating a ballot question.
new text end

new text begin (b) This prohibition only applies after final enactment of a legislative act that places
a ballot question on the ballot.
new text end

new text begin (c) For purposes of this section, public funds means all general, special, permanent,
trust, and other funds, regardless of source or purpose, held or administered by a
government entity.
new text end