Texas House Bill HB333

Texas 2017 - 85th 1st C.S.

Caption

Relating to the timely filing of reports of political contributions and expenditures; increasing a criminal penalty.

Impact

The enactment of HB 333 is expected to affect state laws regulating electoral financing, creating a framework that emphasizes punctuality in reporting political contributions and expenditures. By increasing the classification of offenses for chronic violators, the bill seeks to deter delays in the reporting process, thereby promoting a more structured political environment. This could significantly alter the landscape of political campaign financing, encouraging candidates and organizations to adhere strictly to reporting deadlines, which in turn may enhance scrutiny over political funding sources and allocations.

Summary

House Bill 333 aims to modify the provisions surrounding the filing of political contributions and expenditures by amending Section 254.041 of the Election Code. The bill primarily focuses on the timely submission of these reports, increasing the penalties for violators who fail to meet the required deadlines. Specifically, a person who knowingly fails to file three or more consecutive reports on time would be charged with a Class B misdemeanor, whereas previously such violations were classified as a Class C misdemeanor for most offenses. This change reflects a more stringent approach toward ensuring transparency and accountability in political financing.

Contention

Although the bill's proponents advocate for stricter penalties to promote compliance and accountability, it may raise concerns among some stakeholders regarding the fairness of imposing a Class B misdemeanor for reporting infractions. Critics argue that such penalties could disproportionately impact smaller political candidates or grassroots organizations who may struggle with strict compliance due to limited resources. Therefore, discussions around the bill may reflect broader debates about the balance between enforcing reporting requirements and ensuring that smaller entities are not unduly burdened by punitive measures.