Relating to the making of political contributions to and acceptance of political contributions by statewide officers and members of the legislature before and during a special session of the legislature; providing a criminal penalty.
If enacted, HB 1997 would amend the Election Code, introducing significant amendments to Section 253.034, which deals with restrictions on political contributions. It establishes clear guidelines on what constitutes an acceptable political contribution during sensitive legislative periods. Furthermore, the bill mandates that any political contributions made during these restricted periods must be returned by the recipient within 30 days, promoting transparency and accountability in political funding.
House Bill 1997 aims to regulate the making and acceptance of political contributions to statewide officers and members of the legislature during the special legislative session. The bill includes provisions that prohibit individuals from making political contributions to state officials during specific periods designated by the legislative session, which begins upon the governor signing a proclamation calling for such a session and continues until final adjournment. This aims to ensure that elected officials are not influenced by financial contributions while engaged in critical legislative activities.
A notable point of contention surrounding HB 1997 involves the balance between regulating political contributions and ensuring that candidates have the resources available to conduct their campaigns effectively. Supporters of the bill argue that it is crucial for maintaining integrity in the legislative process and minimizing the appearance of corruption, while opponents may contend that such restrictions could impede candidates' abilities to gather necessary financial support during election cycles. Furthermore, some may feel that the parameters set by the bill are either too restrictive or not stringent enough to address concerns over political contributions adequately.