FEC approves rulemaking petition, discusses advisory opinion

WASHINGTON – At its open meeting Thursday, the Federal Election Commission approved a rulemaking petition and considered an advisory opinion request.

REG 2023-02 (Artificial Intelligence in Campaign Ads) Draft Notification of Availability The Commission approved a Draft Notification of Availability in response to a Petition for Rulemaking filed by Public Citizen. The Petition asks the Commission to amend its regulation on the fraudulent misrepresentation of campaign authority to make it clear that the related statutory prohibition applies to deliberately deceptive Artificial Intelligence (AI) campaign advertisements. The Commission seeks written comment on the Petition. The Notification will be published in the Federal Register at a future date along with the deadline for comments.

Advisory Opinion Request 2023-05 (Alamo PAC) The Commission discussed an advisory opinion request from Alamo PAC, the leadership PAC of U.S. Senator John Cornyn. Alamo PAC asked whether it may establish a separate account with its own contribution limit for the sole purpose of making independent expenditures. The Commission considered and voted on three draft advisory opinions, but none received the required four affirmative votes. During the discussion, the Commission heard from Counsel for the Requestor.

Proposed Final Audit Report on Communication Workers of America – COPE Political Contributions Committee The Commission held over consideration of this item to a future meeting.

Audit Division Recommendation Memorandum on Steve Daines for Montana The Commission held over consideration of this item to a future meeting.

Audit Division Recommendation Memorandum on Citizens for Waters The Commission held over consideration of this item to a future meeting.