2019 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations
Chapter 11. Campaign financing.
11.1303 Attribution of political contributions, disbursements and communications.

11.1303 Attribution of political contributions, disbursements and communications.

(1) No disbursement may be made anonymously and no contribution or disbursement may be made in a fictitious name or by one person or organization in the name of another.

(2)

(a) Every printed advertisement, billboard, handbill, sample ballot, television or radio advertisement, or other communication containing express advocacy which is paid for by any contribution or disbursement shall clearly identify its source.

(b) Every communication described under par. (a) the cost of which is paid for or reimbursed by a committee, or for which a committee assumes responsibility, whether by accepting a contribution or making a disbursement, shall identify its source by the words “Paid for by" followed by the name of the committee making the payment or reimbursement or assuming responsibility for the communication and may include the name of the treasurer or other authorized agent of the committee.

(c) Every communication for express advocacy the cost of which exceeds $2,500 and is paid for or reimbursed by any person, other than a committee, shall identify its source by the words “Paid for by" followed by the name of the person.

(d) In addition to the requirements of pars. (a) to (c), a person required to submit an affirmation under oath, as provided under s. 11.0505 (1) (b) 6., 11.0605 (1) (b) 6., or 11.1001 (1) (b) 6. shall also include the words “Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's agent or committee" in every communication containing express advocacy.

(e) Communications described in pars. (a) to (c) and made by a candidate committee may identify the name of the candidate committee except that no abbreviation may be used to identify the committee.

(em) Each printed advertisement, billboard, handbill, paid television or radio advertisement, or other communication made for the purpose of influencing the recall from or retention in office of an individual holding a state or local office shall clearly identify its source in the manner prescribed in pars. (b) and (c).

(f) This subsection does not apply to communications containing express advocacy printed on small items on which the information required by this subsection cannot be conveniently printed, including text messages, social media communications, and certain small advertisements on mobile phones. The commission may, by rule, specify small items or other communications to which this subsection shall not apply.

(g) The attributions required by this subsection in written communications shall be readable, legible, and readily accessible.

(3) Whenever any person receives payment from another person, in cash or in-kind, for the direct or indirect cost of conducting a poll concerning support or opposition to a candidate, political party, or referendum, the person conducting the poll shall, upon request of any person who is polled, disclose the name and address of the person making payment for the poll and, in the case of a committee, the name of the treasurer of the committee making payment.

History: 2015 a. 117 ss. 24, 74 (1m); 2017 a. 365 s. 111.