Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB919

Filed

11/12/24

Out of House Committee

Voted on by House

Out of Senate Committee

Voted on by Senate

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to the offense of unlawful use of public funds for communications relating to a measure.

Impact

The bill proposes to reframe the legal repercussions for violation, declaring that individuals found guilty of breaching this prohibition may now face a Class A misdemeanor. This change highlights the significance of the bill by bringing seriousness to the issue of public fund misuse. Specifically, it emphasizes the accountability of public officials and aims to deter any actions that could be interpreted as using taxpayer money for political gain.

Summary

House Bill 919 addresses the unlawful use of public funds for communications concerning measures submitted at elections. This bill specifically amends Section 255.003 of the Election Code by prohibiting officers or employees of political subdivisions from knowingly spending or authorizing the spending of public funds for political advertising or for communications related to measures that result from official actions of the political subdivision. The intent is to ensure integrity in the funding of political communications and to prevent the misuse of taxpayer resources.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding the bill could involve concerns regarding the implications for free speech, as critics might argue that the prohibition limits the ability of public officials to discuss or promote measures that are of public interest. There may also be debates regarding the definition of 'political advertising' and 'communications related to a measure,' which could potentially lead to ambiguities in enforcement and compliance.

Effective_date

If enacted, the law would take effect on September 1, 2025, and would only apply to the use of public funds or resources occurring on or after this date, ensuring that previous uses of funds remain governed by the laws in effect prior to this change.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Election Code

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

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3018

Relating to the offense of unlawful use of public funds for communications relating to a measure.

TX HB2454

Relating to the unlawful acquisition of certain weapons; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB817

Relating to creating a criminal offense for the unlawful possession or transfer of an assault weapon.

TX HB1623

Relating to creating a criminal offense for the unlawful possession or transfer of certain semiautomatic rifles.

TX SB11

Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including measures related to the health and safety of public school students and active shooter training for certain peace officers.

TX HB7

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB61

TX HB20

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB44

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the southern border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB4979

Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including measures related to certain student records and conduct.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.