BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 974
86R9969 JG‑D	By: Campbell
	State Affairs
	4/2/2019
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

The purpose of this bill is to clarify state law regarding how political subdivisions may allocate taxpayer money. Certain political subdivisions are actively considering adopting policies that would use taxpayer dollars to fund local campaigns in the form of  "vouchers" that would be mailed to registered voters. In turn, the registered voters in the subdivision could then assign these "vouchers," worth around $100 each, to political candidates for the upcoming election�a mayoral or city council candidate, for example.

With state law silent on this issue, S.B. 974 would prohibit municipalities from further expanding their scope and financial liability to expend public revenue for the purpose of funding a candidate's campaign�including incumbents�for political office. 

As proposed, S.B. 974 amends current law relating to policies and programs that permit the use of public money to finance political campaigns.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 140, Local Government Code, by adding Section 140.012, as follows:

Sec. 140.012. CERTAIN POLICIES AND PROGRAMS REGARDING USE OF PUBLIC MONEY PROHIBITED. Prohibits a political subdivision of this state from adopting or implementing a policy or program that permits the use of public money or revenue of any kind to finance a political campaign. Provides that this section applies to a policy or program that permits the direct use of public money or revenue by the political subdivision to finance a political campaign or the indirect use of public money or revenue by the political subdivision through a voucher or similar program that provides a person with the public money or revenue to finance a political campaign.�

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2019.