MAD H.B. 754 75(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


ELECTIONS
H.B. 754
By: Denny
4-29-97
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND 

 Current law makes it difficult or impossible to trace where contributions
given to candidates by political parties originate.  This allows
contributors to remain anonymous by making contributions to a political
party and designating that contribution be given to the candidate of their
choice. 

PURPOSE

 The purpose of H.B. 754 is to mandate proper disclosure of  political
contributions or expenditures and require a person who makes an
expenditure in the name or on behalf of another to disclose in writing to
the person on whose behalf the expenditure is made in order for that
person to make the proper disclosure. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency or
institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 253.001 (a), Election Code, to require in
writing to the recipient of a political contribution the address of the
person actually making the contribution in order for the recipient to make
the proper disclosure. 

   Amends Section 253.001 (b), Election Code, to prohibit a person from
making a political expenditure in the name of or on behalf of another
unless the person discloses the information in writing to the person on
whose behalf the expenditure is made so that person can make the proper
disclosure. 

   Amends Section 253.001 (c), Election Code to make conforming changes.

 SECTION 2. EFFECTIVE DATE; SEPTEMBER 1, 1997.
 SECTION 3. GRANDFATHER CLAUSE.
 SECTION 4. EMERGENCY CLAUSE.