SF 3150

1st Engrossment - 84th Legislature (2005 - 2006) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to state government; providing that certain official Web sites may link
to Web sites of candidates or, in the case of ballot questions, advocacy groups;
amending Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 10.60, subdivisions 3, 4.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 10.60, subdivision 3, is
amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Prohibitions.

(a) A Web site or publication must not include pictures
or other materials that tend to attribute the Web site or publication to an individual or
group of individuals instead of to a public office, state agency, or political subdivision.
A publication must not include the words "with the compliments of" or contain letters
of personal greeting that promote an elected or appointed official of a state agency or
political subdivision.

(b) A Web site new text begin , other than the election-related Web site maintained by the office of
the secretary of state, the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board, or a county,
city, town, or school district, new text end may not contain a link to a Weblog or site maintained by
a candidate, a political committee, a political party or party unit, a principal campaign
committee, or a state committee. Terms used in this paragraph have the meanings given
them in chapter 10A, except that "candidate" also includes a candidate for an elected
office of a political subdivision.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 10.60, subdivision 4, is amended
to read:

Subd. 4.

Permitted material.

(a) Material specified in this subdivision may
be included on a Web site or in a publication, but only if the material complies with
subdivision 2. This subdivision is not a comprehensive list of material that may be
contained on a Web site or in a publication, if the material complies with subdivision 2.

(b) A Web site or publication may include biographical information about an elected
or appointed official, a single official photograph of the official, and photographs of the
official performing functions related to the office. There is no limitation on photographs,
Webcasts, archives of Webcasts, and audio or video files that facilitate access to
information or services or inform the public about the duties and obligations of the office or
that are intended to promote trade or tourism. A state Web site or publication may include
photographs or information involving civic or charitable work done by the governor's
spouse, provided that these activities relate to the functions of the governor's office.

(c) A Web site or publication may include press releases, proposals, policy positions,
and other information directly related to the legal functions, duties, and jurisdiction of
a public official or organization.

new text begin (d) The election-related Web site maintained by the office of the secretary of state
shall provide links to:
new text end

new text begin (1) the campaign Web site of any candidate for legislative, constitutional, judicial,
or federal office who requests or whose campaign committee requests such a link and
provides in writing a valid URL address to the office of the secretary of state; and
new text end

new text begin (2) the Web site of any individual or group advocating for or against or providing
neutral information with respect to any ballot question, where the individual or group
requests such a link and provides in writing a valid Web site address and valid e-mail
address to the office of the secretary of state.
new text end

new text begin These links must be provided on the election-related Web site maintained by the
office of the secretary of state from the opening of filing for the office in question until
the business day following the day on which the State Canvassing Board has declared the
results of the state general election, or November 30 of the year in which the election has
taken place, whichever date is earlier. The link must be activated on the election-related
Web site maintained by the office of the secretary of state within two business days of
receipt of the request from a qualified candidate or committee.
new text end

Sec. 3. new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE.
new text end

new text begin Sections 1 and 2 are effective the day following final enactment.
new text end