Amendment #5 to H5093

Disclosure of election-related text blasts

Mr. Connolly of Cambridge moves to amend the bill by adding the following section:

"SECTION  XXXX. Section 1 of chapter 55 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after "mail," the following "SMS text message, MMS text message or other text message communication,"

Section 18G of chapter 55 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting a new paragraph after the second paragraph that states the following:

An independent expenditure or electioneering communication made by an individual, corporation, group, association, or other entity which is transmitted through SMS text message, MMS text message or other text message shall include within the message a written statement disclosing the identity of the individual, corporation, group, association, or other entity paying for the communication and the words ''Top Contributors'' and a written statement that lists the 5 persons or entities or if fewer than 5 persons or entities, all persons or entities that made the largest contributions to that entity, regardless of the purpose for which the funds were given; provided, however, that only contributions in excess of $1,000 reportable pursuant to this chapter during the 12–month period before the date of the advertisement or communication shall be listed. If no such contribution is received by the entity making an independent expenditure or electioneering communication, the advertisement or communication may exclude the statement. The communication shall also include a written statement, as specified by the director, at the bottom of the communication that directs viewers to the official web address of the office of campaign and political finance. This paragraph shall also apply to communications purchased to influence or affect the vote on a question submitted to the voters.”.

Additional co-sponsor(s) added to Amendment #5 to H5093

Disclosure of election-related text blasts