Sec. 1. 21-A MRSA §1014-A, sub-§1, as enacted by PL 1995, c. 43, §1, is repealed and the following enacted in its place:

1.__Definitions.__As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

A.__"Endorsement" means an expression of support for the election of a clearly identified candidate by methods including but not limited to broadcasting stations, newspapers, magazines, outdoor advertising facilities, direct mails or similar types of general public political advertising, or through computer networks, flyers, handbills, bumper stickers and other nonperiodical publications.

B.__"Issue advocacy" means a communication in support of or against a specific position regarding a specific political issue that mentions a clearly identified candidate by name, by methods including but not limited to broadcasting stations, newspapers, magazines, outdoor advertising facilities, direct mails or similar types of general public political advertising, or through computer networks, flyers, handbills, bumper stickers and other nonperiodical publications.__A communication is considered "issue advocacy" if it mentions a clearly identified candidate by name without expressly__supporting the election or defeat of that candidate.

Sec. 2. 21-A MRSA §1014-A, sub-§§2 and 3, as enacted by PL 1995, c. 43, §1, are amended to read:

2. Authorization. A candidate may not use an endorsement unless the endorser has expressly authorized its use. The communication must clearly and conspicuously state that the endorsement has been authorized. If applicable, the communication must also satisfy the requirements of section 1014. A person or political committee that makes an expenditure for the purpose of expressly advocating the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate must receive prior authorization from the candidate whom the expenditure is intended to benefit.__ For the purposes of this chapter, such an expenditure is considered an expenditure by the candidate who authorizes the communication.__A person or political committee that makes an expenditure for the purpose of issue advocacy shall notify, by certified mail, the candidate who is clearly identified in the communication at least 48 hours prior to the distribution of the communication.