Texas House Bill HB2285

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 1/30/25

Caption

Relating to political advertising distributed or broadcast as part of a mass text message campaign and civil penalties for required disclosures on certain political advertising.

Impact

The bill significantly modifies the existing legal framework governing political advertising in Texas. It updates the definitions within the election code to include mass text message campaigns as a distinct category of political advertising. This change will require those engaging in political message dissemination via text to adhere to specific regulations aimed at ensuring the appropriateness and legality of political content shared in mass communications. The introduction of civil penalties for violations seeks to discourage infractions and ensure compliance among political entities.

Summary

House Bill 2285 focuses on the regulation of political advertising, specifically targeting mass text message campaigns. The bill proposes amendments to existing election code provisions to enhance transparency and accountability in political communications. By differentiating mass text message campaigns from other forms of political advertising and instituting stricter penalties for violations, the legislation aims to curb the misuse of such communications during elections.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB2285 may arise from discussions on freedom of speech and the implications of imposing civil penalties for communication practices related to political campaigning. Advocates of the bill argue that increased regulation is necessary to enhance discourse integrity, while critics might perceive these regulations as potential restrictions on free expression. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding how the bill's provisions will be enforced and how they will affect smaller political groups or individual candidates who rely on text campaigns as a means of outreach.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Election Code

• Chapter 251. General Provisions
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 255. Regulating Political Advertising And Campaign Communications
  • Section: New Section