"An Act limiting the use of money of the state and its political subdivisions to affect an election. "

Under the current statute, public money can be used to influence the outcome of an election concerning a ballot proposition or question. The state and municipalities can utilize these funds without the approval of their residents. They do not have a say in whether or not their government should use public money to sway the outcome of a vote.

HB 160 will prevent the state and local governments from using public funds to influence the outcome of a state ballot proposition.

The provisions of HB 160:

• Prevents the State of Alaska, the University of Alaska, municipalities, school districts, and other political subdivisions of the state from using public funds to influence the outcome of a state ballot proposition.
• Limits the Division of Elections and municipal election officials to only: disseminate information about the time and place of an election and to hold an election, and provide the public with the information already in statute for election pamphlets (AS 15.58.020) regarding a state ballot proposition.
• Limits a municipality, school district, regional educational attendance area, or another political subdivision of the state to only provide the public with nonpartisan information.

I ask for your consideration and support of HB 160 to pass this modest piece of campaign finance reform.

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