Texas House Bill HB756

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/30/09
• Voted on by House: 5/6/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/23/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/25/09

Caption

Relating to the making or acceptance of political contributions in certain office buildings owned by or leased to the state.

Impact

One significant change introduced by HB756 is the enforcement of penalties for violations of this new regulation. If the Texas Ethics Commission determines that an individual or committee has attempted to make such a contribution, it may result in the suspension of the individual's registration or the committee's campaign treasurer appointment for 180 days. This reinforces the importance of compliance with campaign finance laws and aims to deter attempts at circumventing regulations concerning political contributions in sensitive state settings.

Summary

House Bill 756 focuses on the regulation of political contributions made in state-owned or leased buildings. The bill amends Section 253.039 of the Election Code to prohibit individuals from knowingly making or authorizing political contributions while inside a state building. This regulation applies not only to candidates and officeholders but also extends to political committees and their representatives. The intention behind this measure is to ensure greater transparency and reduce the potential for undue influence in political funding, particularly within areas associated with government operations.

Contention

The bill's introduction is likely to spark discussions around the balance between political fundraising and maintaining ethical standards in public service. Proponents argue that limiting contributions in state buildings is a vital step toward preventing corruption and maintaining public trust in elected officials. Critics may argue, however, that such restrictions could inadvertently limit the avenues for legitimate fundraising efforts that are crucial for candidates and committees to express their political messages effectively.