(a) A candidate for statewide elective office, as defined in Section 82053, who accepts the voluntary expenditure limits set forth in Section 85400 may purchase the space to place a statement in the state ballot pamphlet that does not exceed 250 words. The statement may not make any reference to any opponent of the candidate. The statement shall be submitted in accordance with timeframes and procedures set forth by the Secretary of State for the preparation of the state ballot pamphlets.

(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (e) of Section 88001 of this code or subdivision (e) of Section 9084 of the Elections Code, on and after November 6, 2002, the Secretary of State may not include in the state ballot pamphlet a statement from a candidate who has not voluntarily agreed to the expenditure limitations set forth in Section 85400.

(c) A candidate for State Senate or Assembly who accepts the voluntary expenditure limits set forth in Section 85400 may purchase the space to place a statement in the voter information portion of the sample ballot that does not exceed 250 words. The statement may not make any reference to any opponent of the candidate. The statement shall be submitted in accordance with the timeframes and procedures set forth in the Elections Code for the preparation of the voter information portion of the sample ballot.

(Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 241, Sec. 15. Effective September 4, 2001. Pursuant to Stats. 2000, Ch. 102, Sec. 83, this section applies to candidates for statewide elective office on and after November 6, 2002. Note: This section was added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 102, and approved in Prop. 34 on Nov. 7, 2000.)