TX
Texas Senate Bill SB2035

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB2035

Filed
3/7/25  
Out of Senate Committee
4/28/25  
Voted on by Senate
5/6/25  
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to prohibiting contributions, expenditures, and related activities involving political committees that support or oppose a ballot measure; creating a criminal offense; providing a civil penalty.

Impact

The implementation of SB2035 would significantly alter the regulatory landscape for political committees in Texas. By explicitly banning contributions from foreign nationals and requiring detailed reporting and affirmations from campaign treasurers, the bill aims to close loopholes that might allow foreign entities to indirectly influence elections. This legislative measure would enforce stricter compliance requirements and could lead to increased accountability regarding financial support for political initiatives within the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 2035 seeks to prohibit political contributions, expenditures, and related activities involving political committees that support or oppose ballot measures. It establishes a new framework under the Election Code to enhance the integrity of political campaign financing. Notably, the bill introduces criminal offenses and civil penalties for violations, thereby aiming to deter misconduct relating to foreign influence and safeguard the electoral process from external pressures.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB2035 is mixed. Proponents argue that it is a necessary step to ensure that the electoral process is not compromised by foreign interests, thus enhancing trust in democratic institutions. On the other hand, some critics express concerns that the bill may impose excessive burdens on political committees and could unintentionally hinder lawful contributions from domestic entities. The debate reflects broader national conversations about campaign finance reform and foreign influence in political processes.

Contention

Notable points of contention discussed during committee meetings include the balance between ensuring election integrity and protecting free speech. Opponents of strict foreign contribution bans often argue that such measures could violate First Amendment rights, contending that the ability to participate in political discourse should not be unduly hampered by contributions originating from diverse sources. This ongoing debate underscores the complexity of regulating political financing while respecting fundamental democratic principles.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Civil Practice And Remedies Code

  • Chapter 51. Appeals
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section

Election Code

  • Chapter 252. Campaign Treasurer
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 253. Restrictions On Contributions And Expenditures
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 254. Political Reporting
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4635

Relating to organized crime, racketeering activities, and collection of unlawful debts; providing a civil penalty; creating criminal offenses.

TX SB1788

Relating to organized crime, racketeering activities, and collection of unlawful debts; providing a civil penalty; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB3129

Relating to redesignation of certain provisions describing court orders eligible for an interlocutory appeal and a stay of proceedings pending certain interlocutory appeals.

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 HB4290

Relating to restrictions on political contributions by out-of-state contributors; creating a criminal offense.

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 SB1179

Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB75

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 HB85

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 HB37

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.

Similar Bills

TX HB2981

Relating to prohibiting contributions, expenditures, and related activities involving a specific-purpose committee for supporting or opposing a ballot measure; creating a criminal offense; providing a civil penalty.

TX HB3146

Relating to public financing of campaigns for certain judicial offices and to limits on political contributions to and direct campaign expenditures made on behalf of judicial candidates, and officeholders, in connection with certain judicial offices; providing civil penalties.

TX HB1941

Relating to the election of the commissioner of insurance and qualifications of the commissioner and certain employees of the Texas Department of Insurance; providing civil penalties.

TX HB226

Relating to limits on political contributions and expenditures in connection with certain legislative and executive offices; providing civil and criminal penalties.

TX HB146

Relating to limits on political contributions and expenditures in connection with certain legislative and executive offices; providing civil and criminal penalties.

TX HB105

Relating to limits on political contributions and expenditures in connection with certain legislative and executive offices; providing civil and criminal penalties.

TX SB246

Relating to limits on political contributions and direct campaign expenditures by individuals, partnerships, partners, and limited liability companies; providing civil and criminal penalties.

TX HB391

Relating to limits on political contributions and direct campaign expenditures by individuals, partnerships, partners, and limited liability companies; providing civil and criminal penalties.