81R28213 E
 
  By: Anchia, et al. H.B. No. 1359
 
  Substitute the following for H.B. No. 1359:
 
  By:  Anchia C.S.H.B. No. 1359
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the making or acceptance of political contributions in
  a courthouse; providing penalties.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 253.039, Election Code, is amended by
  adding Subsections (a-1), (b-1), and (h) and amending Subsection
  (c) to read as follows:
         (a-1)  A person may not knowingly make or authorize a
  political contribution while in a courthouse to:
               (1)  a candidate for or officeholder of an office
  described by Section 253.151 or the office of justice of the peace;
               (2)  a political committee supporting or opposing a
  candidate for or holder of an office described by Section 253.151 or
  the office of justice of the peace; or
               (3)  a person acting on behalf of a candidate,
  officeholder, or committee described by Subdivision (1) or (2).
         (b-1)  A person described by Subsection (a-1) may not
  knowingly accept a political contribution, and shall refuse a
  political contribution that is received, in a courthouse.
         (c)  This section does not prohibit contributions made in the
  Capitol or a courthouse through the United States postal service or
  a common or contract carrier.
         (h)  In this section, "courthouse" means any building owned
  by the state, a county, or a municipality, or an office or part of a
  building leased to the state, a county, or a municipality, in which
  a justice or judge sits to conduct court proceedings.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.