MichiganGovernment-funded ads would carry a taxpayer payment label
People who distribute ads partly supported by Michigan state or local governments would have to label them “Paid for by taxpayers.”
What it does
People who distribute ads partly paid for or supported by a Michigan state or local government would have to say, “Paid for by taxpayers.” A violation could bring a fine of up to $1,000.
Argument forThe label could help people see when state or local governments helped pay to place, sponsor, endorse, or distribute an ad.
Argument againstPeople who distribute ads could face fines even when government support for the ad’s placement or distribution is indirect or only partial.
More detail
A person who distributes a covered ad must include the statement “Paid for by taxpayers.” An ad includes oral, written, printed, digital, broadcast, or other messages meant to draw attention to or shape public views about a person, product, service, program, policy, event, or cause. The rule applies when a state or local government pays for, subsidizes, or otherwise provides any part of an ad’s placement, sponsorship, endorsement, or distribution, directly or indirectly. A person who distributes a covered ad in violation may face a civil fine of up to $1,000. The county prosecutor where the violation occurred or the attorney general may sue to collect it. The bill does not state when the requirement would take effect.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Sep 23bill electronically reproduced 09/22/2026Latest
- Sep 22referred to Committee on Government OperationsMinor
- Sep 22read a first timeMinor
- Sep 22introduced by Representative Rep. Matt MaddockIntroduced
Government & Ethics