89R14184 MZM-F
 
  By: Schwertner S.B. No. 1881
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the use of political contributions by the secretary of
  state to maintain a residence in Travis County.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 253.035(d), Election Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (d)  In this section, "personal use" means a use that
  primarily furthers individual or family purposes not connected with
  the performance of duties or activities as a candidate for or holder
  of a public office.  The term does not include:
               (1)  payments made to defray ordinary and necessary
  expenses incurred in connection with activities as a candidate or
  in connection with the performance of duties or activities as a
  public officeholder, including payment of rent, utility, and other
  reasonable housing or household expenses incurred in maintaining a
  residence in Travis County by the secretary of state or members of
  the legislature who do not ordinarily reside in Travis County, but
  excluding payments prohibited under Section 253.038; or
               (2)  payments of federal income taxes due on interest
  and other income earned on political contributions.
         SECTION 2.  Section 253.035(d), Election Code, as amended by
  this Act, is intended to clarify rather than change existing law.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2025.