Rabon Seeks Approval for ‘Truth in Campaigning’ Amendment

Sen. Jeff Rabon said on Wednesday he plans to amend at least two measures, adding language providing penalties for knowingly and willfully making false claims about candidates or ballot measures in political advertising.

Rabon has submitted the amendment to House Bill 2196, an election ethics measure, and House Bill 1897, which provides penalties for abuse against pregnant women. Rabon said it was time for the state to take a stand and ensure elections are conducted in an ethical and honorable fashion.

“It’s a shame that our statutes don’t include provisions that address this issue,” said Rabon, D-Hugo. “Today we need to take a stand and provide legal recourse for candidates. If we’re really serious about campaign ethics, then we need to approve this.”

Rabon’s amendment would establish a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up of $5,000 or one year in prison for intentionally participating in the dissemination of political advertising or campaign materials that the person knows to be false. The penalty would specifically apply to materials that provide false information regarding the personal or political character of a candidate, voting records or the effect of legislation authored.