Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2020

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the electronic filing with the Texas Ethics Commission of certain reports of political contributions and expenditures.

Impact

The bill is expected to have a notable impact on state laws, particularly within the realms of campaign finance and political transparency. By requiring electronic filing of substantial contribution and expenditure reports, the legislation aims to streamline the reporting process, reducing the burden on candidates and officeholders while making financial disclosures more accessible to the public. This shift towards electronic documentation could lead to improved oversight and accountability in political financing practices in Texas.

Summary

House Bill 2020 mandates the electronic filing of certain reports related to political contributions and expenditures with the Texas Ethics Commission. This legislation stipulates that candidates or officeholders who receive contributions or make expenditures exceeding $25,000 within a calendar year must submit their reports electronically. The law aims to enhance transparency in campaign financing by ensuring that such reports are readily accessible to the public through the commission's website within seven business days of being filed.

Contention

Notably, the bill does not apply to candidates or officeholders for judicial offices, which might lead to discussions regarding the fairness and comprehensiveness of the policy. Some stakeholders may argue that all political candidates, regardless of their office, should adhere to the same standards of transparency when it comes to financial contributions and expenditures. The existing framework could create disparities in reporting requirements, leading to calls for amendments or additional provisions to encompass all candidates equally.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB189

Relating to the filing with the Texas Ethics Commission of campaign treasurer appointments and reports of political contributions and political expenditures.

TX HB4823

Relating to an electronic filing system for certain reports of political contributions and expenditures.

TX HB551

Relating to address information contained on reports of political contributions and expenditures made available on the Internet by the Texas Ethics Commission.

TX HB4033

Relating to the reporting of direct campaign expenditures by certain persons and political committees.

TX HB4406

Relating to the reporting of direct campaign expenditures by certain persons and political committees.

TX HB1616

Relating to the inclusion of the mailing address of certain campaign treasurers in appointments and reports filed with the Texas Ethics Commission.

TX HB1804

Relating to monitoring and enforcement by the Texas Ethics Commission of the requirement that certain reports filed with a political subdivision are available on the Internet; providing an administrative penalty.

TX SB2781

Relating to the imposition of civil penalties for certain violations with respect to political contributions and expenditures made by certain persons who engage in lobbying activities.

TX SB534

Relative to compliance with certain political expenditures and contribution statutes.

TX HB1262

In primary and election expenses, further providing for reporting by candidate and political committees and other persons, for late contributions and independent expenditures, for oath of compliance, perjury, disqualification from office and commercial use, for residual funds and for place of filing, providing for manner of filing and for inability to file reports or statements electronically by deadline and further providing for late filing fee and certificate of filing, for additional powers and duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth and for reports by business entities and publication by Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.