Texas House Bill HB1585

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 3/9/23
• Out of House Committee: 5/2/23
• Voted on by House: 5/10/23

Caption

Relating to matters affecting the powers and duties of the Texas Ethics Commission.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1585 will adjust various reporting thresholds and requirements for campaign contributions and political expenditures, ensuring that they are consistent with recent developments and better aligned with the current political environment. The bill intends to facilitate a more efficient process for disclosing financial contributions and expenditures, ultimately improving the public’s access to important political finance information. This change is significant as it directly impacts the regulatory landscape governing campaign finance in Texas, streamlining existing frameworks.

Summary

House Bill 1585, introduced by Speaker Guerin, addresses the powers and duties of the Texas Ethics Commission specifically in relation to campaign finance. The bill seeks to amend several sections of the Election Code to streamline and clarify the requirements for political advertising and campaign contributions. It aims to reduce the administrative burden on filers, eliminating redundancies that have arisen from previous session legislation while enhancing transparency in campaign finance reporting.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1585 has been largely positive, especially among those advocating for clearer and more straightforward campaign finance regulations. Supporters believe that the bill will alleviate undue burdens on candidates and organizations, allowing them to more effectively engage in the political process. However, there are concerns from some groups that the bill might not address all potential misuse of campaign funds and may still allow for ambiguities in how contributions are reported and used.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the measures aimed at enhancing the definition and understanding of 'political advertising' as it relates to legislative support and opposition. Critics argue that while the bill promotes transparency, it also raises concerns about the effectiveness of disclosure requirements, particularly in preventing the personal misuse of campaign contributions. Additionally, specific adjustments to reporting periods and thresholds may not sufficiently protect against the exploitation of loopholes, which could undermine the spirit of campaign finance reform.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Election Code

• Chapter 251. General Provisions
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 253. Restrictions On Contributions And Expenditures
  • Section: 031
  • Section: 035

• Chapter 254. Political Reporting
  • Section: 031
  • Section: 036
  • Section: 0401
  • Section: 031
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 036

• Chapter 1. General Provisions
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 257. Political Parties
  • Section: New Section

Government Code

• Chapter 305. Registration Of Lobbyists
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 006

• Chapter 571. Texas Ethics Commission
  • Section: 064
  • Section: 064
  • Section: 064