Purpose

The bill adds a requirement that any advertisement or promotional material funded with state money must clearly say the ad was paid for by the hardworking taxpayers of Minnesota. It covers ads across radio, television, print, websites, and social media.

Main provisions

• Notice requirement:
  • Every state-funded advertisement or promotional material must prominently display the message: “Paid for by the hardworking taxpayers of Minnesota.”
  • Media formats required:
  • Radio: the message must be in audio form.
  • Video: the message must be presented as text and in audio form.
  • Print: the message must be shown prominently as text.
  • Scope: applies to ads placed or distributed by a state agency or constitutional officer using state funds, regardless of medium (radio, TV, print, websites, or social media).
• Liability for noncompliance:
  • The commissioner of the responsible state agency or the corresponding constitutional officer is personally liable to the state for the cost of producing and placing the noncompliant advertisement.
  • Any penalties or costs related to noncompliance are to be paid to the state and deposited into the general fund.

How it changes existing law

• Creates a new notice requirement (15.442) within Minnesota Statutes to ensure transparency about state-funded advertising.
• Establishes personal liability for high-ranking officials (agency commissioners or constitutional officers) who oversee noncompliant advertising, shifting potential costs from the state to the individual officials responsible.

Enforcement and financial consequences

• Personal liability: responsible officials can be personally liable to cover the cost of producing and placing the noncompliant ad.
• Funds direction: penalties and costs recovered under this provision go to the general fund.

Practical effect

• Increases accountability for state advertising by requiring a clear taxpayer-funded acknowledgment and by holding top officials financially responsible for violations.

Relevant Terms - Paid for by the hardworking taxpayers of Minnesota - state funds - state-funded advertising - notice on advertising - civil/personal liability - commissioner - constitutional officer - Minnesota Statutes chapter 15 - advertising mediums (radio, television, print, websites, social media) - cost of producing and placing advertisement - general fund - penalties for noncompliance