SRC-LBB H.B. 3096 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 3096
By: Madden (Ellis, Rodney)
State Affairs
5/21/2003
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Under current law, the Texas Ethics Commission (TEC) is authorized to fine
a candidate who files a campaign contribution and expenditure report late.
The Sunset Advisory Commission, in evaluating TEC, has suggested  more
severe penalties for failure to comply with the reporting requirements.
H.B. 3096 increases the penalty for filing reports late with TEC. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to
a state officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 254.042(b), Election Code, as follows:

(b)  Provides that if a report other than a report under Section
254.064(c), 254.124(c), or 254.154(c) or the first report under Section
254.063 or 254.123 that is required to be filed following the general or
primary election is determined to be late, the person required to file the
report is liable to the state for a civil penalty of $500, rather than an
amount determined by TEC rule but not to exceed $100 for each day that the
report is late. Provides that if a report under Section 254.064(c),
254.124(c), or 254.154(c) or the first report under Section 254.063 or
254.123 that is required to be filed following the general or primary
election is determined to be late, the person required to file the report
is liable to the state for a civil penalty of $500 for the first day the
report is late and $100 for each day thereafter that the report is late.
Makes a conforming change. 

SECTION 2.  Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3.  Effective date:  September 1, 2003.