Labor backs electoral law changes

New rules will apply at the next federal election to political text messages in the wake of Labor's so-called Mediscare campaign in 2016.

The Labor caucus agreed on Tuesday to a number of proposed government changes to electoral laws requiring the authorisation of communications such as emails, text messages and online messages.

The Australian Electoral Commission will also be able to seek fines of up to $126,000 for breaches of electoral laws.