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.