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F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T

SPONSOR:	Stewart		DATE TYPED:	2/05/03		HB	HJM 20
SHORT TITLE:		Increased Media Coverage of Elections				SB
					ANALYST:		Chavez

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained

Estimated Additional Impact

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY03

FY04

FY03

FY04

NFI

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Joint Memorial 20 requests legislative support for a proposal endorsed by the free air time coalition that calls on the federal government to require that all broadcasters provide increased coverage of campaigns and elections and a reasonable amount of free air time to candidates just prior to elections as a condition of receiving their broadcast licenses.

Significant Issues

The increased cost and reduced flow of campaign communication on broadcast television and radio has created an unfair advantage for wealthy candidates. It is in the public interest that there be a free and open flow of information so as to enable the public to make informed voting decisions.

F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

FC/prr