Bill aims to stop spending taxpayer funds on re-election campaigns

SALT LAKE CITY— A proposed bill aims to curb the misuse of taxpayer funds of elected officials during their re-election campaigns.  

According to the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Jason Kyle, R-Huntsville, HB 551 would prevent officials from using taxpayer money to publicize their campaigns. 

Under the law, 60 Days before an election or election-related event, such as a caucus or convention, public officials would be barred from spending taxpayer money on mass communication efforts, such as billboards or mailers. 

“We just want to make sure that people know … when we use their funds, we’re using it for their good and not … to get [ourselves] re-elected,” said Kyle. 

The bill’s text says an official could not spend taxpayer money on mass communication that includes their photograph, logo, or name in a font size larger than others on the media. Kyle also provided the example of campaign colors. 

Additionally, the bill defines “mass communication” as messages that would be sent out to or viewed by 500 or more people within a year. 

“To be clear, it doesn’t mean [officials] can’t send out messages,” said Kyle about communications like reminders. “You can still communicate, but you’re not promoting a particular candidate.” 

Additionally, Kyle explained the bill doesn’t impact private spending, meaning candidates who are already in office would continue to be allowed to spend their own money on mass communications. 

“Campaign funds used for billboards are perfectly acceptable, that’s what they’re there for. But if they’re public funds, it’s not acceptable.” 

Balancing wise use of taxpayer funds with candidate promotion

“This is something that I had constituents come to me on and ask if it was appropriate,” said Kyle. 

He said the bill was difficult to draft. The writers needed to strike a balance between preventing inappropriate spending and the ability to campaign. 

Kyle feels that they achieved a balance, however, he hasn’t received any “significant” feedback yet. 

Per the Utah legislature’s website, the bill hasn’t been through a committee meeting yet. 

“I don’t anticipate any First Amendment issues,” said Kyle. “I think people expect that we don’t use their funds to promote ourselves.” 

How do bills move through the legislature?

First, a bill must go through a committee, then clear the entire House or Senate. Then, they advance to the other and repeat the process. 

For example, if a bill starts in a House committee and passes the House, it moves on to a Senate committee.

After it passes two committees and both the House and the Senate, it moves on to the governor’s desk, where it can be vetoed or signed into law. 

However, Kyle said the Utah legislature has historically suspended the need to pass both committees during the last three days of the session. That means a bill would still need to pass the House and Senate, but would only need one committee’s approval. 

Kyle said his bill will be presented late in the 2025 legislative session.

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