BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center C.S.H.B. 756
81R35406 ESH-D By: Martinez Fischer (Ellis)
Committee Report (Substituted)
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
C.S.H.B. 756 amends current law relating to the making or acceptance of political contributions in certain office buildings owned by or leased to the state.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 253.039, Election Code, by amending Subsections (a), (b), and (c) adding Subsection (e), as follows:
(a) Prohibits a person from knowingly making or authorizing a political contribution while in a state office building, rather than the Capitol, to a candidate or officeholder; a political committee; or a person acting on behalf of a candidate, officeholder, or political committee.
(b) Makes a conforming change.
(c) Provides that Subsections (a) and (b) apply to, rather than this section does not prohibit, contributions made in a state office building, rather than the Capitol, through the United States Postal Service or a common or contract carrier.
(e) Defines "state office building." Provides that the prohibitions prescribed by Subsections (a) and (b) apply only to the portion of the building used for state business.
SECTION 2. (a) Makes application of Section 253.039, Election Code, as amended by this Act, prospective.
(b) Provides that an offense committed before September 1, 2009, is covered by the law in effect when the offense was committed, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose.
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2009.