Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB4309

Filed
3/11/25  
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the filing fee for nomination by convention.

Impact

The impact of HB 4309 on state laws is primarily administrative, as it simplifies the nomination process for candidates. By establishing a clear mandate regarding filing fees and the alternative option of a petition, the bill seeks to streamline how candidates can file for office. This clarity is expected to aid candidates in navigating the electoral process, thereby promoting participation in elections. The effective date of the bill is set for September 1, 2025, allowing time for the necessary adjustments in compliance and procedures following its passage.

Summary

House Bill 4309 relates to the filing fees for candidates seeking nomination by convention for various levels of office in Texas. The bill amends Section 181.0311 of the Election Code, establishing requirements for candidates wishing to be considered for nomination by convention. Specifically, it stipulates that candidates must either pay a designated filing fee or submit a petition in lieu of that fee that meets prescribed requirements. This change aims to clarify the process for candidates to enter the nomination process and ensures that there are consistent requirements for all candidates, regardless of the office they are seeking.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 4309 appears positive among the legislators who support the need for a clear procedure for candidate filings. The bill is seen as a means to potentially increase candidate participation in elections, which is often viewed as beneficial to the democratic process. While there may be minor opposition pointing to concerns about the adequacy of the fees and petitions, the general bipartisan support suggests that the sentiment leans towards enhancing electoral engagement.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 4309 could arise from discussions about the financial burden imposed on candidates due to the filing fee requirement, particularly for those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds who may find the fee a barrier. Furthermore, the criteria that candidates must meet in their petitions could also spark debate regarding the accessibility of the nomination process. Ensuring equitable access to candidacy remains a critical issue in electoral legislation, and while HB 4309 aims for simplification, the implications of its requirements on candidate diversity and participation are important considerations.

Companion Bills

TX SB2197

Identical Relating to the filing fee for nomination by convention.

Previously Filed As

TX SB2197

Relating to the filing fee for nomination by convention.

TX HB2262

In dates of elections and primaries and special elections, further providing for special elections for United States Senator and nominations and for nominations for special election for Representative in Congress, Senator and Representative in the General Assembly and member of council or legislative body of cities, boroughs, towns and townships; and, in nominations of candidates, further providing for number of signers required for nomination petitions of candidates at primaries, for nominations by minor political parties, for place and time of filing nomination petitions and filing fees and for nominations by political bodies, repealing provisions relating to filing fee and further providing for examination of nomination petitions, certificates and papers and return of rejected nomination petitions, certificates and papers and for vacancy in party nomination by failure to pay filing fee or for failure to file loyalty oath.

TX SB901

Relating to the declaration of a candidate's ineligibility on the basis of filing an application for a place on the general primary election ballot or for nomination by convention with more than one political party.

TX HB5430

Relating to the declaration of a candidate's ineligibility on the basis of filing an application for a place on the general primary election ballot or for nomination by convention with more than one political party.

TX HB208

In nomination of candidates, further providing for place and time of filing nomination petitions and filing fees.

TX HB3786

Relating to the declaration of a candidate's ineligibility on the basis of filing an application for a place on the general primary election ballot or for nomination by convention with more than one political party.

TX SB1153

Write-in candidates; nomination paper filing

TX SB2252

State party conventions and endorsing caucuses or conventions for primary and general elections.

TX HB126

In nomination of candidates, further providing for affidavits of candidates and for nominations by political bodies.

TX SB1276

In dates of elections and primaries and special elections, further providing for affidavits of can didates; in nomination of candidates, further providing for affidavits of candidates, for statement of candidates for delegates to national conventions, for Secretary of the Commonwealth to furnish county boards with list of candidates and candidates to be notified, for nominations by political bodies, for examination of nomination petitions, certificates and papers and return of rejected nomination petitions, certificates and papers and for affidavits of candidates; and, in penalties, further providing for false affidavits of candidates and for false signatures and statements in nomination petitions and papers.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.