Texas Senate Bill SB2403

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/12/25

Caption

Relating to the functions and duties of the Texas Ethics Commission.

Impact

The bill proposes that the Texas Ethics Commission categorize violations into three categories: Category One for minor infractions, Category Two for significant violations, and Category Three for serious breaches of the law. This categorization system is aimed at making it easier for the Commission to prioritize complaints and enforcement actions based on the potential impact on public integrity. Consequently, this could lead to a more efficient and targeted enforcement of campaign finance laws.

Summary

Senate Bill 2403 aims to amend existing provisions regarding the functions and duties of the Texas Ethics Commission, specifically in the areas of campaign finance reporting and the categorization of violations. The bill makes significant changes to how reports must be filed, outlining electronic filing requirements and clarifying the responsibility for meeting deadlines. The updates are intended to enhance compliance and streamline the reporting process, reflecting a modernized approach to campaign finance regulation.

Contention

Notably, the bill includes provisions for the adjustment of reporting thresholds based on the Consumer Price Index, which aims to keep penalties and filing requirements in line with economic changes. However, there may be contention surrounding the bill's implications for transparency and local political accountability, particularly concerning the potential for penalties and compliance burdens on new or smaller campaign entities. Discussions in legislative sessions may highlight concerns that such measures could disproportionately affect grassroots political movements, leading to debates on the balance between regulation and equitable access to political participation.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

• Chapter 571. Texas Ethics Commission
  • Section: 1244
  • Section: 125
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 572. Personal Financial Disclosure, Standards Of Conduct, And Conflict Of Interest
  • Section: 030
  • Section: 033

• Chapter 305. Registration Of Lobbyists
  • Section: 033
  • Section: 034

Election Code

• Chapter 254. Political Reporting
  • Section: 036
  • Section: 038
  • Section: 039
  • Section: 042