The bill's purpose is to deter negative campaign advertising by making candidates affirm an advertisement paid for by their campaigns and is modeled after a Federal Election Commission regulation that imposes similar requirements on advertisements by candidates for federal office. An audio and visuall advertisement must include a statement in the candidates own words that identify the candidate and the nomination or office they are seeking, The advertisement must also include the candidate's statement in writing at the end of the communication.

"Negative campaign ads contribute to a public cynicism of elected officials even before they are elected. The public is bombarded with negative images of public officials," contends Assemblyman Pennacchio. "If the candidate feels strongly enough about their message against another candidate, let them affirm it."