80R7956 ESH-D
 
  By: Patrick, Dan S.B. No. 1192
 
 
 
   
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to restrictions on certain lobbyist expenditures for meals
provided to legislators; providing a criminal penalty.
       BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
       SECTION 1.  Subchapter B, Chapter 305, Government Code, is
amended by adding Section 305.0242 to read as follows:
       Sec. 305.0242.  ADDITIONAL RESTRICTION ON EXPENDITURES FOR
LEGISLATORS.  A person registered under Section 305.005 or a person
on the registrant's behalf and with the registrant's consent or
ratification may not make an expenditure for food or beverages
provided as a meal to a member of the legislature or an expenditure
for an alcoholic beverage provided to a member of the legislature
unless:
             (1)  the expenditure may otherwise be made under this
chapter; and
             (2)  the food or beverage is provided at a reception or
similar event at which 30 or more persons are present.
       SECTION 2.  Section 305.031, Government Code, is amended by
amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (c) to read as
follows:
       (a)  A person commits an offense if the person intentionally
or knowingly violates a provision of this chapter other than
Section 305.022, 305.0242, or 305.028. An offense under this
subsection is a Class A misdemeanor.
       (c)  A person commits an offense if the person intentionally
or knowingly violates Section 305.0242. An offense under this
subsection is a Class C misdemeanor. If conduct constituting an
offense under this subsection also constitutes an offense under
another law, the actor may be prosecuted under this subsection or
the other law.
       SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2007.