BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3509

By: Davis, Sarah

General Investigating & Ethics

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties cite a U.S. District Court of the Western District of Texas order in their explanation of changes recommended by the Texas Ethics Commission to certain laws governing contributions and expenditures made in connection with a campaign for speaker of the house of representatives. The changes relate to contributions and loans from organizations and to individual contributions. H.B. 3509 seeks to implement the recommendations of the Texas Ethics Commission.   

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 3509 repeals Government Code provisions prohibiting an organization or group of persons from contributing or lending or promising to contribute or lend money or other things of value, with certain exceptions, in connection with a campaign for speaker of the house of representatives and repeals provisions authorizing individual contributions and certain campaign expenditures in connection with such a campaign.

H.B. 3509 amends the Government Code to remove from the conduct that constitutes an offense in connection with a campaign for speaker that a speaker candidate or former speaker candidate knowingly accepts a prohibited contribution, loan, or promise of a contribution or loan from a corporation, partnership, association, firm, union, foundation, committee, club, or other organization or group of persons.

H.B. 3509 repeals the following Government Code provisions:

· Section 302.017

· Section 302.019

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2015.