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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the making or acceptance of political contributions in |
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a courthouse; providing penalties. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Section 253.039, Election Code, is amended by |
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amending Subsection (c) and adding Subsections (a-1), (b-1), and |
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(h) to read as follows: |
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(a-1) A person may not knowingly make or authorize a |
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political contribution while in a courthouse to: |
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(1) a candidate for or holder of an office described by |
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Section 253.151 or the office of justice of the peace; |
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(2) a specific-purpose committee for supporting or |
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opposing a candidate for or assisting a holder of an office |
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described by Section 253.151 or the office of justice of the peace; |
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or |
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(3) a person acting on behalf of a candidate, |
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officeholder, or committee described by Subdivision (1) or (2). |
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(b-1) A person described by Subsection (a-1) may not |
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knowingly accept a political contribution, and shall refuse a |
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political contribution that is received, in a courthouse. |
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(c) This section does not prohibit contributions made in the |
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Capitol or a courthouse through the United States postal service or |
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a common or contract carrier. |
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(h) In this section, "courthouse" means any building owned |
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by the state, a county, or a municipality, or an office or part of a |
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building leased to the state, a county, or a municipality, in which |
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a justice or judge sits to conduct court proceedings. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009. |