BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 485 By: Denny (Nelson) State Affairs 05-24-95 Senate Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND Under current law it is considered a political contribution or expenditure if an organization or club affiliated with a political party holds a meeting during the 20 days preceding the date of a primary election, the general election for state and county officers, or a special election in which the candidate is involved. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 485 authorizes a candidate to appear before an organization or club affiliated with a political party at any time preceding an election without the appearance being considered a political contribution or expenditure. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 251.008(a), Election Code, to delete a provision providing that an expense incurred in connection with the conduct of a meeting of an organization or club affiliated with a political party at which a candidate for an office regularly filled at the general election, or a person holding that office, appears before the organization or club is not considered to be a political contribution or expenditure if the meeting is held at a time other than during the 20 days preceding the date of a primary election, the general election for state and county officers, or a special election in which the candidate is involved. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1995. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.