Amend CSHB 1188 as follows: (1) Insert the following new section, appropriately numbered, and renumber the subsequent sections accordingly: SECTION ____. (a) Notwithstanding any other law, in connection with the constitutional amendment proposed by HJR 31, Acts of the 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1997, a corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship may not make political contributions or political expenditures that in the aggregate exceed $1,000. (b) In this section, "political contribution" and "political expenditure" have the meanings assigned by Section 251.001, Election Code. (c) A person who violates this section commits an offense. An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor. (d) This section takes effect immediately. (2) On page 16, lines 12-17, strike Section 8 of the bill and substitute the following: SECTION 8. Except as otherwise provided by this Act: (1) this Act takes effect January 1, 1998, but only if the constitutional amendment proposed by H.J.R. No. 31, Acts of the 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1997, is approved by the voters; and (2) if that amendment is not approved by the voters, this Act has no effect. (3) On page 16, lines 18-22, strike Section 9 of the bill and substitute the following: SECTION 9. The importance of this legislation and the crowded condition of the calendars in both houses create an emergency and an imperative public necessity that the constitutional rule requiring bills to be read on three several days in each house be suspended, and this rule is hereby suspended, and that this Act take effect and be in force according to its terms, and it is so enacted.