The bill defines mass communication as a message that is disseminated by means of one or more communications media, a mass electronic communication, a mass distribution, or a mass telephoning, but not including a bona fide poll conducted for the purpose of objectively identifying or collecting data concerning the attitude or preference of electors, if the communication 1) is made within 60 days before an election; 2) includes a reference to a clearly identified candidate whose name will appear on the ballot for that election; and 3) is susceptible of no reasonable interpretation other than as an appeal to vote for or against the candidate. The bill requires the person making the disbursement to report information including the name and address of the person that received the disbursement for the mass communication and the amount of the disbursement or obligation.
SB599,,44The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do enact as follows:
SB599,15Section 1. 11.0101 (20) of the statutes is created to read:
SB599,,6611.0101 (20) “Mass communication” means a message that is disseminated by means of one or more communications media, a mass electronic communication, a mass distribution, or a mass telephoning, but not including a bona fide poll conducted for the purpose of objectively identifying or collecting data concerning the attitudes or preferences of electors, if all of the following apply to the communication:
SB599,,77(a) The communication is made during the period beginning on the 60th day preceding an election and ending on the date of that election.
SB599,,88(b) The communication includes a reference to a clearly identified candidate whose name is certified under s. 7.08 (2) (a) or 8.05 (1) (d) to appear on the ballot at that election.
SB599,,99(c) The communication is susceptible of no reasonable interpretation other than as an appeal to vote for or against the candidate.
SB599,210Section 2. 11.0101 (20d) of the statutes is created to read:
SB599,,111111.0101 (20d) “Mass distribution” means the distribution of 500 or more pieces of substantially identical material.
SB599,312Section 3. 11.0101 (20g) of the statutes is created to read:
SB599,,131311.0101 (20g) “Mass electronic communication” means the transmission of 500 or more pieces of substantially identical material by means of electronic mail or facsimile transmission.
SB599,414Section 4. 11.0101 (20r) of the statutes is created to read:
SB599,,151511.0101 (20r) “Mass telephoning” means the making of 500 or more telephone calls conveying a substantially identical message.
SB599,516Section 5. 11.0204 (1) (a) 12. of the statutes is created to read:
SB599,,171711.0204 (1) (a) 12. In the case of a candidate committee that has made a mass communication, a report containing all of the following information with respect to any obligation to make a disbursement incurred or any disbursement made for the purpose of making such a communication:
SB599,,1818a. The date on which the disbursement was made or the obligation was incurred.
SB599,,1919b. The amount of the disbursement or obligation.
SB599,,2020c. The name and address of the person to whom the disbursement was made or the obligation was incurred.
SB599,621Section 6. 11.0304 (1) (a) 12. of the statutes is created to read:
SB599,,222211.0304 (1) (a) 12. In the case of a political party that has made a mass communication, a report containing all of the following information with respect to any obligation to make a disbursement incurred or any disbursement made for the purpose of making such a communication:
SB599,,2323a. The date on which the disbursement was made or the obligation was incurred.
SB599,,2424b. The amount of the disbursement or obligation.
SB599,,2525c. The name and address of the person to whom the disbursement was made or the obligation was incurred.
SB599,726Section 7. 11.0404 (1) (a) 12. of the statutes is created to read:
SB599,,272711.0404 (1) (a) 12. In the case of a legislative campaign committee that has made a mass communication, a report containing all of the following information with respect to any obligation to make a disbursement incurred or any disbursement made for the purpose of making such a communication:
SB599,,2828a. The date on which the disbursement was made or the obligation was incurred.
SB599,,2929b. The amount of the disbursement or obligation.
SB599,,3030c. The name and address of the person to whom the disbursement was made or the obligation was incurred.