2001 Senate Bill 759 ↩

Senate Roll Call 481: Passed

To prohibit the use of public resources by or on behalf of a public body for advocacy in political campaigns, including ballot issues, and prohibit a public body from engaging in express political advocacy by resolution or other means. Also, to prohibit a non-profit group from using dues, fees, or other payments paid by a public body with tax-generated revenue to influence an election. Violations would be punishable by up to one year in jail. A citizen of the jurisdiction could bring an action for a declaratory judgment or injunctive relief, and such an action would have to be expedited by the courts. Also, campaign contributions would be prohibited from an out-of-state organization (generally a union) whose funds are raised on an automatic basis, including but not limited to a payroll deduction plan, unless individuals making the automatic contributions affirmatively consent to do so annually.