An Act To Require the Commission on Govemmental Ethics and Election Practices To Make Public Declarations following a Determination of a Campaign Statement's Falsity
Maine Legislature, Session 126, LD 1834
Committee Amendment CA_A_S513 (Senate)

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT" A" to S.P. 737, L.D. 1834, Bill, "An Act To 
Require the Commission on Govemmental Ethics and Election Practices To Make Public 
Declarations following a Determination of a Campaign Statement's Falsity" 
Amend the bill in section 1 in § 1111 in subsection 1 by striking out all of paragraphs 
E and F. 
Amend the bill in section 1 in § 1111 in subsection 1 in paragraph H in the first and 
2nd lines (page 1, lines 33 and 34 in L.D.) by striking out the following: "the voting 
record of a candidate or public official" and inserting the foHowing: 'a public policy issue' 
Amend the bill in section 1 in § 1111 in subsection 1 by relettering the paragraphs to 
read consecutively. 
Amend the bill in section 1 in § 1111 by striking out all of subsection 2 (page 2, lines 
to 4 in L.D.) and inserting the following: 
'2. Commission to make public declaration. If the commission finds by clear and 
convincing evidence that a candidate, candidate's campaign, political party or political 
action committee has cOlmnitted an act described in subsection I, the commission must 
make a timely public declaration stating the same. When making a public declaration, the 
commission shall categorize the statement subject to the complaint in one of the 
following categories: 
A. False; 
B. Somewhat false; 
C. Somewhat truthful; or 
D. True.' 
SUMMARY 
This amendment is the minority rep0l1 of the cOlmnittee. The amendment removes 
from the list of statements that are subject to an investigation by the Commission on 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
,0' 
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COMMITTEE AMENDMENT" A" to S.P. 737, L.D. 1834 
Govermnental Ethics and Election Practices false statements about a candidate's or public 
official's confinement for a mental disorder or a false statement about military discipline 
for criminal misconduct or about dishonorable discharge. It also requires the commission 
to categorize statements subject to an investigation in categories ranging from false to 
true. 
, ISCAL 1\OTE REQU1RED 
(See Attached) 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
. , 
Approved: 04/03114 
~ac 
·LD 1834 
LR 2787(02) 
An Act To Require the Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices To Make Public 
Declarations following a Determination of a Campaign Statement's Falsity 
Fiscal Detail and Notes 
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment 'i1;' ( S - oS 13) 
Committee: Veterans and Legal Affairs 
Fiscal Note Required: Yes 
Fiscal Note 
Potential current biennium cost increase - General Fund 
This legislation requires the Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices to investigate, upon 
complaint by a candidate, certain campaign statements. It is unknown how many complaints may be brought forth. If 
the complaints are numerous and complex, the Commission will require an additional staff person. 
The Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices has indicated that it is likely this legislation could be 
challenged legally. If that happens, and if the court finds for the plaintiff, the Commission could be required to pay 
the plaintiffs attorneys fees and court costs. 
LR2787(02) - Fiscal Note - Page 1 of 1