Relating to prohibiting contributions, expenditures, and related activities involving political committees that support or oppose a ballot measure; creating a criminal offense; providing a civil penalty.
Impact
The implementation of SB2035 would significantly alter the regulatory landscape for political committees in Texas. By explicitly banning contributions from foreign nationals and requiring detailed reporting and affirmations from campaign treasurers, the bill aims to close loopholes that might allow foreign entities to indirectly influence elections. This legislative measure would enforce stricter compliance requirements and could lead to increased accountability regarding financial support for political initiatives within the state.
Summary
Senate Bill 2035 seeks to prohibit political contributions, expenditures, and related activities involving political committees that support or oppose ballot measures. It establishes a new framework under the Election Code to enhance the integrity of political campaign financing. Notably, the bill introduces criminal offenses and civil penalties for violations, thereby aiming to deter misconduct relating to foreign influence and safeguard the electoral process from external pressures.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB2035 is mixed. Proponents argue that it is a necessary step to ensure that the electoral process is not compromised by foreign interests, thus enhancing trust in democratic institutions. On the other hand, some critics express concerns that the bill may impose excessive burdens on political committees and could unintentionally hinder lawful contributions from domestic entities. The debate reflects broader national conversations about campaign finance reform and foreign influence in political processes.
Contention
Notable points of contention discussed during committee meetings include the balance between ensuring election integrity and protecting free speech. Opponents of strict foreign contribution bans often argue that such measures could violate First Amendment rights, contending that the ability to participate in political discourse should not be unduly hampered by contributions originating from diverse sources. This ongoing debate underscores the complexity of regulating political financing while respecting fundamental democratic principles.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Civil Practice And Remedies Code
Chapter 51. Appeals
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Election Code
Chapter 252. Campaign Treasurer
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Chapter 253. Restrictions On Contributions And Expenditures
Relating to redesignation of certain provisions describing court orders eligible for an interlocutory appeal and a stay of proceedings pending certain interlocutory appeals.
Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the southern border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.
Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.
Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the filing with the Texas Ethics Commission of campaign treasurer appointments and reports of political contributions and political expenditures.
Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.
Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.
Relating to prohibiting contributions, expenditures, and related activities involving a specific-purpose committee for supporting or opposing a ballot measure; creating a criminal offense; providing a civil penalty.
Relating to public financing of campaigns for certain judicial offices and to limits on political contributions to and direct campaign expenditures made on behalf of judicial candidates, and officeholders, in connection with certain judicial offices; providing civil penalties.
Relating to the election of the commissioner of insurance and qualifications of the commissioner and certain employees of the Texas Department of Insurance; providing civil penalties.
Relating to limits on political contributions and expenditures in connection with certain legislative and executive offices; providing civil and criminal penalties.
Relating to limits on political contributions and expenditures in connection with certain legislative and executive offices; providing civil and criminal penalties.
Relating to limits on political contributions and expenditures in connection with certain legislative and executive offices; providing civil and criminal penalties.
Relating to limits on political contributions and direct campaign expenditures by individuals, partnerships, partners, and limited liability companies; providing civil and criminal penalties.
Relating to limits on political contributions and direct campaign expenditures by individuals, partnerships, partners, and limited liability companies; providing civil and criminal penalties.