SB 285

Under current law there is no prohibition against an elected official placing his or her likeness on materials and publications produced using appropriated federal, state, or local funds

This bill would prohibit elected state officials from placing their likeness on materials, publications and advertising media produced using appropriated federal, state, or local funds, unless prohibited by federal law

Relating to elected state officials; to prohibit an elected state official from placing his or her likeness on materials, publications and advertising media produced using appropriated federal, state, or local funds.

Section 1

For the purposes of this act, the following words shall have the meanings ascribed by this section: (1) LIKENESS. A representation, picture, or image, of an elected state official. (2) ADVERTISING MEDIA. Any means of communication used to reach, inform, educate, or influence people widely. This includes, but is not limited to communication by radio and television, newspapers, magazines, and the Internet. (3) PUBLIC OFFICIAL. Any person elected to public office, whether or not that person has taken office, by the vote of the people at state, county, or municipal level of government or their instrumentalities, including governmental corporations, and any person appointed to a position at the state, county, or municipal level of government or their instrumentalities, including governmental corporations. For purposes of this chapter, a public official includes the chairs and vice-chairs or the equivalent offices of each state political party as defined in Section 17-13-40.

Section 2

No elected state official shall place his or her likeness on any materials, publications, or advertising media using appropriated federal, state, or local funds, unless prohibited by federal law.

Section 3

This act shall become effective immediately following its passage and approval by the Governor, or its otherwise becoming law.