STATEHOUSE (Feb. 2, 2010) - Political candidates running for state office may soon face stricter campaign advertisement regulations if legislation unanimously approved by Senate lawmakers becomes law.

Senate Bill 63, authored by State Sen. Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg), would create stricter guidelines requiring disclaimers on political ads to be clearly displayed and legible for voters. Leising said the proposed state guidelines would closely mirror federal regulations of campaign materials.

“It’s is very frustrating for voters to receive negative campaign mail when the disclaimer is not easily read and they can’t determine the source of the mail.” Leising said. “It is necessary to change Indiana law.” 

Similar to the Federal Election Commission’s (FEC) campaign advertising guidelines, Leising’s bill would require political disclaimers to be printed with a reasonable degree of color contrast between the background and the printed statement. Additionally, at least a 12-point font size must be used when placing disclaimers on yard signs, posters, fliers, newspapers, magazine and direct mailings.

Leising said individuals who do not follow the proposed guidelines could face up to a $1,000 fine if the Indiana Election Commission determines they have not followed the law. However, a person or business distributing the advertisements would not be held accountable if the disclaimer does not follow the proposed guidelines.

Leising said Rep. Kreg Battles (D-Vincennes) will sponsor the bill in the House.

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