Texas House Bill HB4960

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/13/25
• Out of House Committee: 4/23/25
• Voted on by House: 5/2/25

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 is expected to have significant implications for state election laws by imposing civil penalties for non-compliance with the required disclosures on mass text message campaigns. This includes any organized effort that incurs costs exceeding basic operational expenses. By standardizing the definition of political advertising to include this medium, the measure aims to create a more level playing field for candidates and parties in the electoral process, which has increasingly become reliant on digital communication.

Summary

House Bill 4960 establishes new regulations regarding political advertising disseminated through mass text message campaigns. It aims to amend the Election Code by clearly defining what constitutes political advertising and extending the notion of this form of communication to include organized mass text messaging efforts aimed at supporting or opposing candidates or measures. By introducing this bill, the Texas Legislature seeks to enhance transparency and accountability within political advertising practices, especially in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding HB 4960 appears to be supportive among advocates of transparency in elections, as they argue that the bill will help curb misleading political advertisements that may be spread through less accountable means. However, some opponents have expressed concerns that the new regulations may inhibit grassroots campaigning and communication strategies that utilize text messaging. This reflects a broader debate about balancing the need for regulation and disclosure with the desire for free expression in political campaigning.

Contention

A notable point of contention associated with this bill is the potential restriction on political discourse, particularly for small-scale campaigns that depend heavily on effective yet inexpensive outreach methods like mass text messaging. Critics fear that the penalties associated with violations could deter campaigns from utilizing this form of communication altogether, thereby limiting access to political expression for less-funded candidates. The issue underscores the tension between regulating political advertising and ensuring that diverse voices can participate in the democratic process without significant barriers.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Election Code

• Chapter 251. General Provisions
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  • Section: New Section
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• Chapter 255. Regulating Political Advertising And Campaign Communications
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section
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  • Section: New Section