79R41 DRH-D

By:  Talton                                                       H.B. No. 159



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to expenditures of funds by a political subdivision to 
advertise a referendum.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Chapter 140, Local Government Code, is amended 
by adding Section 140.008 to read as follows:
	Sec. 140.008.  EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS BY POLITICAL SUBDIVISION 
TO ADVERTISE ELECTION MEASURE.  (a)  In this section, "measure" has 
the meaning assigned by Section 1.005, Election Code.
	(b)  A political subdivision that holds an election on a 
measure may not spend funds on advertising, other promotional 
materials, or educational materials related to the election or 
measure for the period beginning on the 60th day before the date of 
the election and ending on election day.
	(c)  This section does not apply to the expenditure of funds 
for notice or other publications required by the Election Code, 
another statute, or a municipal charter.
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2005, and 
applies only to an election for which the election order is adopted 
on or after that date.