Bill would require reporting of electioneering communication

An electioneering communication of more than $250 would require a report to the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission under a bill heard Jan. 19 by the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.

LB754, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Bill Avery, would define an electioneering communication as one that:

• refers to a clearly defined candidate;
• is publicly distributed in the 30 days before an election; and
• is directed to the electorate of an office sought by the clearly defined candidate.

Contributions and expenditures would be excluded from the definition of an electioneering communication, as would a candidate debate, a communication by the media or by a membership organization to its members or about a specific bill while the Legislature is in session.

Avery said the measure was similar to a bill he introduced last session that stalled during select file debate. He said LB754 addresses concerns expressed by various organizations regarding how membership organizations and voter guides are defined.

“I have incorporated all of the suggestions made to me last year into this bill,” he said.

Under the bill, membership would be established when an individual indicates intent to join or pays dues to an organization.

Frank Daley, executive director of the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission, testified in support of bill.

“The simple point of the bill … is that if you’re going to spend money in connection with Nebraska elections, you have to report it,” Daley said.

There was no opposition testimony and the committee took no immediate action on the bill.