Campaign rule violators may be charged hearing costs

Violators of Nebraska’s campaign accountability laws may be ordered to pay hearing costs in contested cases under a bill passed May 10.

LB176, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Bill Avery, allows the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission to issue an order requiring a person who has violated the Political Accountability and Disclosure Act, and who does not appear personally or is not represented by counsel, to pay hearing costs in a contested case. Funds received will be deposited in the commission’s cash fund.

The bill passed on a 43-0 vote.