BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 1378 By: Davis, Sarah; Button (Hughes) State Affairs 5/18/2017 Engrossed AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT Interested parties are concerned that a general-purpose committee's ability to make or authorize political contributions or political expenditures is unduly restricted by a preliminary requirement to file its campaign treasurer appointment by a certain date and accept political contributions from at least 10 persons. H.B. 1378 eliminates such preliminary requirements. H.B. 1378 amends current law relating to restrictions on political contributions and political expenditures by general-purpose political committees. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Repealer: Section 253.037 (Restrictions on Contribution or Expenditure by General-Purpose Committee), Election Code. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2017. BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 1378 By: Davis, Sarah; Button (Hughes) State Affairs 5/18/2017 Engrossed Senate Research Center H.B. 1378 By: Davis, Sarah; Button (Hughes) State Affairs 5/18/2017 Engrossed AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT Interested parties are concerned that a general-purpose committee's ability to make or authorize political contributions or political expenditures is unduly restricted by a preliminary requirement to file its campaign treasurer appointment by a certain date and accept political contributions from at least 10 persons. H.B. 1378 eliminates such preliminary requirements. H.B. 1378 amends current law relating to restrictions on political contributions and political expenditures by general-purpose political committees. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Repealer: Section 253.037 (Restrictions on Contribution or Expenditure by General-Purpose Committee), Election Code. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2017.