reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 254 - Political Reporting › Subchapter E. Reporting by Specific-Purpose Committee › Section 254.124. Additional Reports of Committee for Supporting or Opposing Candidate or Measure

Sec. 254.124.  ADDITIONAL REPORTS OF COMMITTEE FOR SUPPORTING OR OPPOSING CANDIDATE OR MEASURE.  (a)  In addition to other required reports, for each election in which a specific-purpose committee supports or opposes a candidate or measure, the committee's campaign treasurer shall file two reports.
(b)  The first report must be received by the authority with whom the report is required to be filed not later than the 30th day before election day.  The report covers the period beginning the day the committee's campaign treasurer appointment is filed or the first day after the period covered by the committee's last required report, as applicable, and continuing through the 40th day before election day.
(c)  The second report must be received by the authority with whom the report is required to be filed not later than the eighth day before election day.  The report covers the period beginning the 39th day before election day and continuing through the 10th day before election day.
(d)  If a specific-purpose committee supports or opposes a candidate or measure in an election after a reporting period prescribed by Subsection (b) or (c), the first report must be received by the authority with whom the report is required to be filed not later than the regular deadline for the report covering the period during which the committee becomes involved in the election.  The period covered by the first report begins the day the committee's campaign treasurer appointment is filed or the first day after the period covered by the committee's last required report, as applicable.
(e)  In addition to other required reports, the campaign treasurer of a specific-purpose committee that supports or opposes a candidate in a runoff election shall file one report for the runoff election.  The runoff election report must be received by the authority with whom the report is required to be filed not later than the eighth day before runoff election day.  The report covers the period beginning the ninth day before the date of the main election and continuing through the 10th day before runoff election day.
(f)  This section does not apply to a specific-purpose committee supporting only candidates who do not have opponents whose names are to appear on the ballot.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987;  Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 2, Sec. 7.17(a), eff. Aug. 28, 1989.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 673 (H.B. 1381), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2007.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 553 (S.B. 1795), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 254 - Political Reporting › Subchapter E. Reporting by Specific-Purpose Committee › Section 254.125. Final Report of Committee for Supporting or Opposing Candidate or Measure

Sec. 254.125.  FINAL REPORT OF COMMITTEE FOR SUPPORTING OR OPPOSING CANDIDATE OR MEASURE.  (a)  If a specific-purpose committee for supporting or opposing a candidate or measure expects no reportable activity in connection with the election to occur after the period covered by a report filed under this subchapter, the committee's campaign treasurer may designate the report as a "final" report.
(b)  The designation of a report as a final report:
(1)  relieves the campaign treasurer of the duty to file additional reports under this subchapter, except as provided by Subsection (c);  and
(2)  terminates the committee's campaign treasurer appointment.
(c)  If, after a committee's final report is filed, reportable activity with respect to the election occurs, the committee must file the appropriate reports under this subchapter and is otherwise subject to the provisions of this title applicable to political committees.  A report filed under this subsection may be designated as a final report.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 254 - Political Reporting › Subchapter E. Reporting by Specific-Purpose Committee › Section 254.126. Dissolution Report of Committee for Assisting Officeholder

Sec. 254.126.  DISSOLUTION REPORT OF COMMITTEE FOR ASSISTING OFFICEHOLDER.  (a)  If a specific-purpose committee for assisting an officeholder expects no reportable activity to occur after the period covered by a report filed under this subchapter, the committee's campaign treasurer may designate the report as a "dissolution" report.
(b)  The filing of a report designated as a dissolution report:
(1)  relieves the campaign treasurer of the duty to file additional reports under this subchapter;  and
(2)  terminates the committee's campaign treasurer appointment.
(c)  A dissolution report must contain an affidavit, executed by the committee's campaign treasurer, that states that all the committee's reportable activity has been reported.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 254 - Political Reporting › Subchapter E. Reporting by Specific-Purpose Committee › Section 254.127. Termination Report

Sec. 254.127.  TERMINATION REPORT.  (a)  If the campaign treasurer appointment of a specific-purpose committee is terminated, the terminated campaign treasurer shall file a termination report.
(b)  A termination report is not required if the termination occurs on the last day of a reporting period under this subchapter and a report for that period is filed as provided by this subchapter.
(c)  The report covers the period beginning the day after the period covered by the last report required to be filed under this subchapter and continuing through the day the campaign treasurer appointment is terminated.
(d)  The report shall be filed not later than the 10th day after the date the campaign treasurer appointment is terminated.
(e)  Reportable activity contained in a termination report is not required to be included in any subsequent report of the committee that is filed under this subchapter.  The period covered by the committee's first report filed under this subchapter after a termination report begins the day after the date the campaign treasurer appointment is terminated.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 254 - Political Reporting › Subchapter E. Reporting by Specific-Purpose Committee › Section 254.128. Notice to Candidate and Officeholder of Contributions and Expenditures

Sec. 254.128.  NOTICE TO CANDIDATE AND OFFICEHOLDER OF CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDITURES.  (a)  If a specific-purpose committee accepts political contributions or makes political expenditures for a candidate or officeholder, the committee's campaign treasurer shall deliver written notice of that fact to the affected candidate or officeholder not later than the end of the period covered by the report in which the reportable activity occurs.
(b)  The notice must include the full name and address of the political committee and its campaign treasurer and an indication that the committee is a specific-purpose committee.
(c)  A campaign treasurer commits an offense if the campaign treasurer fails to comply with this section.  An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987;  Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 864, Sec. 246, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 254 - Political Reporting › Subchapter E. Reporting by Specific-Purpose Committee › Section 254.129. Notice of Change in Committee Status

Sec. 254.129.  NOTICE OF CHANGE IN COMMITTEE STATUS.  (a)  If a specific-purpose committee changes its operation and becomes a general-purpose committee, the committee's campaign treasurer shall deliver written notice of the change in status to the authority with whom the specific-purpose committee's reports under this chapter are required to be filed.
(b)  The notice shall be delivered not later than the next deadline for filing a report under this subchapter that:
(1)  occurs after the change in status;  and
(2)  would be applicable to the political committee if the committee had not changed its status.
(c)  The notice must indicate the filing authority with whom future filings are expected to be made.
(d)  A campaign treasurer commits an offense if the campaign treasurer fails to comply with this section.  An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987;  Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 864, Sec. 247, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 254 - Political Reporting › Subchapter E. Reporting by Specific-Purpose Committee › Section 254.130. Authority With Whom Reports Filed

Sec. 254.130.  AUTHORITY WITH WHOM REPORTS FILED.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b), reports filed under this subchapter shall be filed with the authority with whom the political committee's campaign treasurer appointment is required to be filed.
(b)  A specific-purpose committee created to support or oppose a measure on the issuance of bonds by a school district shall file reports under this subchapter with the commission.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987;  Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 511, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 518 (S.B. 1142), Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 707 (H.B. 1114), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 254 - Political Reporting › Subchapter F. Reporting by General-Purpose Committee › Section 254.151. Additional Contents of Reports

Sec. 254.151.  ADDITIONAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS.  In addition to the contents required by Section 254.031, each report by a campaign treasurer of a general-purpose committee must include:
(1)  the committee's full name and address;
(2)  the full name, residence or business street address, and telephone number of the committee's campaign treasurer;
(3)  the identity and date of the election for which the report is filed, if applicable;
(4)  the name of each identified candidate or measure or classification by party of candidates supported or opposed by the committee, indicating whether the committee supports or opposes each listed candidate, measure, or classification by party of candidates;
(5)  the name of each identified officeholder or classification by party of officeholders assisted by the committee;
(6)  the principal occupation of each person from whom political contributions that in the aggregate exceed $50 are accepted during the reporting period;
(7)  the amount of each political expenditure in the form of a political contribution made to a candidate, officeholder, or another political committee that is returned to the committee during the reporting period, the name of the person to whom the expenditure was originally made, and the date it is returned;
(8)  on a separate page or pages of the report, the identification of any contribution from a corporation or labor organization made and accepted under Subchapter D, Chapter 253;   and
(9)  on a separate page or pages of the report, the identification of the name of the donor, the amount, and the date of any expenditure made by a corporation or labor organization to:
(A)  establish or administer the political committee;  or
(B)  finance the solicitation of political contributions to the committee under Section 253.100.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987;  Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 304, Sec. 5.18, eff. Jan. 1, 1992;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.20, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 254 - Political Reporting › Subchapter F. Reporting by General-Purpose Committee › Section 254.152. Time for Reporting Certain Expenditures

Sec. 254.152.  TIME FOR REPORTING CERTAIN EXPENDITURES.  If a general-purpose committee makes a political expenditure in the form of a political contribution to another general-purpose committee or to an out-of-state political committee and the contributing committee does not intend that the contribution be used in connection with a particular election, the contributing committee shall include the expenditure in the first report required to be filed under this subchapter after the expenditure is made.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 254 - Political Reporting › Subchapter F. Reporting by General-Purpose Committee › Section 254.153. Semiannual Reporting Schedule for Committee

Sec. 254.153.  SEMIANNUAL REPORTING SCHEDULE FOR COMMITTEE.  (a)  The campaign treasurer of a general-purpose committee shall file two reports for each year as provided by this section.
(b)  The first report shall be filed not later than July 15.  The report covers the period beginning January 1, the day the committee's campaign treasurer appointment is filed, or the first day after the period covered by the last report required to be filed under this subchapter, as applicable, and continuing through June 30.
(c)  The second report shall be filed not later than January 15.  The report covers the period beginning July 1, the day the committee's campaign treasurer appointment is filed, or the first day after the period covered by the last report required to be filed under this subchapter, as applicable, and continuing through December 31.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 254 - Political Reporting › Subchapter F. Reporting by General-Purpose Committee › Section 254.154. Additional Reports of Committee Involved in Election

Sec. 254.154.  ADDITIONAL REPORTS OF COMMITTEE INVOLVED IN ELECTION.  (a)  In addition to other required reports, for each election in which a general-purpose committee is involved, the committee's campaign treasurer shall file two reports.
(b)  The first report must be received by the authority with whom the report is required to be filed not later than the 30th day before election day.  The report covers the period beginning the day the committee's campaign treasurer appointment is filed or the first day after the period covered by the committee's last required report, as applicable, and continuing through the 40th day before election day.
(c)  The second report must be received by the authority with whom the report is required to be filed not later than the eighth day before election day.  The report covers the period beginning the 39th day before election day and continuing through the 10th day before election day.
(d)  If a general-purpose committee becomes involved in an election after a reporting period prescribed by Subsection (b) or (c), the first report must be received by the authority with whom the report is required to be filed not later than the regular deadline for the report covering the period during which the committee becomes involved in the election.  The period covered by the first report begins the day the committee's campaign treasurer appointment is filed or the first day after the period covered by the committee's last required report, as applicable.
(e)  In addition to other required reports, the campaign treasurer of a general-purpose committee involved in a runoff election shall file one report for the runoff election.  The runoff election report must be received by the authority with whom the report is required to be filed not earlier than the 10th day or later than the eighth day before runoff election day.  The report covers the period beginning the ninth day before the date of the main election and continuing through the 10th day before runoff election day.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 673 (H.B. 1381), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2007.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 553 (S.B. 1795), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 254 - Political Reporting › Subchapter F. Reporting by General-Purpose Committee › Section 254.1541. Alternate Reporting Requirements for Certain Committees

Sec. 254.1541.  ALTERNATE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN COMMITTEES.  (a)  This section applies only to a general-purpose committee with less than $20,000 in one or more accounts maintained by the committee in which political contributions are deposited, as of the last day of the preceding reporting period for which the committee was required to file a report.
(b)  A report by a campaign treasurer of a general-purpose committee to which this section applies may include, instead of the information required under Sections 254.031(a)(1) and (5) and Section 254.151(6):
(1)  the amount of political contributions from each person that in the aggregate exceed $100 and that are accepted during the reporting period by the committee, the full name and address of the person making the contributions, the person's principal occupation, and the dates of the contributions; and
(2)  the total amount or a specific listing of the political contributions of $100 or less accepted and the total amount or a specific listing of the political expenditures of $100 or less made during the reporting period.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1081 (H.B. 1664), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 254 - Political Reporting › Subchapter F. Reporting by General-Purpose Committee › Section 254.155. Option to File Monthly; Notice

Sec. 254.155.  OPTION TO FILE MONTHLY;  NOTICE.  (a)  As an alternative to filing reports under Sections 254.153 and 254.154, a general-purpose committee may file monthly reports.
(b)  To be entitled to file monthly reports, the committee must deliver written notice of the committee's intent to file monthly to the commission not earlier than January 1 or later than January 15 of the year in which the committee intends to file monthly.  The notice for a committee formed after January 15 must be delivered at the time the committee's campaign treasurer appointment is filed.
(c)  A committee that files monthly reports may revert to the regular filing schedule prescribed by Sections 254.153 and 254.154 by delivering written notice of the committee's intent not earlier than January 1 or later than January 15 of the year in which the committee intends to revert to the regular reporting schedule.  The notice must include a report of all political contributions accepted and all political expenditures made that were not previously reported.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987;  Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 107, Sec. 3.18, eff. Aug. 30, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 254 - Political Reporting › Subchapter F. Reporting by General-Purpose Committee › Section 254.156. Contents of Monthly Reports

Sec. 254.156.  CONTENTS OF MONTHLY REPORTS.  Each monthly report filed under this subchapter must comply with Sections 254.031 and 254.151 except that the maximum amount of a political contribution, expenditure, or loan that is not required to be individually reported is:
(1)  $10 in the aggregate; or
(2)  $20 in the aggregate for a contribution accepted by a general-purpose committee to which Section 254.1541 applies.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1081 (H.B. 1664), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 254 - Political Reporting › Subchapter F. Reporting by General-Purpose Committee › Section 254.157. Monthly Reporting Schedule

Sec. 254.157.  MONTHLY REPORTING SCHEDULE.  (a)  The campaign treasurer of a general-purpose committee filing monthly reports shall file a report not later than the fifth day of the month following the period covered by the report. A report covering the month preceding an election in which the committee is involved must be received by the authority with whom the report is required to be filed not later than the fifth day of the month following the period covered by the report.
(b)  A monthly report covers the period beginning the 26th day of each month and continuing through the 25th day of the following month, except that the period covered by the first report begins January 1 and continues through January 25.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987;  Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 400, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 673 (H.B. 1381), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 254 - Political Reporting › Subchapter F. Reporting by General-Purpose Committee › Section 254.158. Exception to Monthly Reporting Schedule

Sec. 254.158.  EXCEPTION TO MONTHLY REPORTING SCHEDULE.  If the campaign treasurer appointment of a general-purpose committee filing monthly reports is filed after January 1 of the year in which monthly reports are filed, the period covered by the first monthly report begins the day the appointment is filed and continues through the 25th day of the month in which the appointment is filed unless the appointment is filed the 25th or a succeeding day of the month.  In that case, the period continues through the 25th day of the month following the month in which the appointment is filed.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 254 - Political Reporting › Subchapter F. Reporting by General-Purpose Committee › Section 254.1581. Reporting by Out-of-State Political Committee

Sec. 254.1581.  REPORTING BY OUT-OF-STATE POLITICAL COMMITTEE.  For each reporting period under this subchapter in which an out-of-state political committee accepts political contributions or makes political expenditures, the committee shall file with the commission a copy of one or more reports filed with the Federal Election Commission or with the proper filing authority of at least one other state that shows the political contributions accepted, political expenditures made, and other expenditures made by the committee.  A report must be filed within the same period in which it is required to be filed under federal law or the law of the other state.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.21, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 254 - Political Reporting › Subchapter F. Reporting by General-Purpose Committee › Section 254.159. Dissolution Report

Sec. 254.159.  DISSOLUTION REPORT.  If a general-purpose committee expects no reportable activity to occur after the period covered by a report filed under this subchapter, the report may be designated as a "dissolution" report as provided by Section 254.126 for a specific-purpose committee and has the same effect.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 254 - Political Reporting › Subchapter F. Reporting by General-Purpose Committee › Section 254.160. Termination Report

Sec. 254.160.  TERMINATION REPORT.  If the campaign treasurer appointment of a general-purpose committee is terminated, the campaign treasurer shall file a termination report as prescribed by Section 254.127 for a specific-purpose committee.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 254 - Political Reporting › Subchapter F. Reporting by General-Purpose Committee › Section 254.161. Notice to Candidate and Officeholder of Contributions and Expenditures

Sec. 254.161.  NOTICE TO CANDIDATE AND OFFICEHOLDER OF CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDITURES.  If a general-purpose committee other than the principal political committee of a political party or a political committee established by a political party's county executive committee accepts political contributions or makes political expenditures for a candidate or officeholder, notice of that fact shall be given to the affected candidate or officeholder as provided by Section 254.128 for a specific-purpose committee.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987;  Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 531, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 254 - Political Reporting › Subchapter F. Reporting by General-Purpose Committee › Section 254.162. Notice of Change in Committee Status

Sec. 254.162.  NOTICE OF CHANGE IN COMMITTEE STATUS.  If a general-purpose committee changes its operation and becomes a specific-purpose committee, notice of the change in status shall be given to the commission as provided by Section 254.129 for a specific-purpose committee.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987;  Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 107, Sec. 3.19, eff. Aug. 30, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 254 - Political Reporting › Subchapter F. Reporting by General-Purpose Committee › Section 254.163. Authority With Whom Reports Filed

Sec. 254.163.  AUTHORITY WITH WHOM REPORTS FILED.  Reports filed under this subchapter shall be filed with the commission.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987;  Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 107, Sec. 3.20, eff. Aug. 30, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 254 - Political Reporting › Subchapter F. Reporting by General-Purpose Committee › Section 254.164. Certain Committees Exempt From Civil Penalties

Sec. 254.164.  CERTAIN COMMITTEES EXEMPT FROM CIVIL PENALTIES.  The commission may not impose a civil penalty on a general-purpose committee for a violation of this chapter if the report filed by the committee that is the subject of the violation discloses that the committee did not accept political contributions totaling $3,000 or more, accept political contributions from a single person totaling $1,000 or more, or make or authorize political expenditures totaling $3,000 or more during:
(1)  the reporting period covered by the report that is the subject of the violation; or
(2)  either of the two reporting periods preceding the reporting period described by Subdivision (1).
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 597 (H.B. 89), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 254 - Political Reporting › Subchapter G. Modified Reporting Procedures; $500 Maximum in Contributions or Expenditures › Section 254.181. Modified Reporting Authorized

Sec. 254.181.  MODIFIED REPORTING AUTHORIZED.  (a)  An opposed candidate or specific-purpose committee required to file reports under Subchapter C or E  may file a report under this subchapter instead if the candidate or committee does not intend to accept political contributions that in the aggregate exceed $500 or to make political expenditures that in the aggregate exceed $500 in connection with the election.
(b)  The amount of a filing fee paid by a candidate is excluded from the $500 maximum expenditure permitted under this section.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 254 - Political Reporting › Subchapter G. Modified Reporting Procedures; $500 Maximum in Contributions or Expenditures › Section 254.182. Declaration of Intent Required

Sec. 254.182.  DECLARATION OF INTENT REQUIRED.  (a)  To be entitled to file reports under this subchapter, an opposed candidate or specific-purpose committee must file with the campaign treasurer appointment a written declaration of intent not to exceed $500 in political contributions or political expenditures in the election.
(b)  The declaration of intent must contain a statement that the candidate or committee understands that if the $500 maximum for contributions and expenditures is exceeded, the candidate or committee is required to file reports under Subchapter C or E, as applicable.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 254 - Political Reporting › Subchapter G. Modified Reporting Procedures; $500 Maximum in Contributions or Expenditures › Section 254.183. Maximum Exceeded

Sec. 254.183.  MAXIMUM EXCEEDED.  (a)  An opposed candidate or specific-purpose committee that exceeds $500 in political contributions or political expenditures in the election shall file reports as required by Subchapter C or E, as applicable.
(b)  If a candidate or committee exceeds the $500 maximum after the filing deadline prescribed by Subchapter C or E for the first report required to be filed under the appropriate subchapter, the candidate or committee shall file a report not later than 48 hours after the maximum is exceeded.
(c)  A report filed under Subsection (b) covers the period beginning the day the campaign treasurer appointment is filed and continuing through the day the maximum is exceeded.
(d)  The reporting period for the next report filed by the candidate or committee begins on the day after the last day of the period covered by the report filed under Subsection (b).
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 254 - Political Reporting › Subchapter G. Modified Reporting Procedures; $500 Maximum in Contributions or Expenditures › Section 254.184. Applicability of Regular Reporting Requirements

Sec. 254.184.  APPLICABILITY OF REGULAR REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.  (a)  Subchapter C or E, as applicable, applies to an opposed candidate or specific-purpose committee filing under this subchapter to the extent that the appropriate subchapter does not conflict with this subchapter.
(b)  A candidate or committee filing under this subchapter is not required to file any reports of political contributions and political expenditures other than the semiannual reports required to be filed not later than July 15 and January 15.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 254 - Political Reporting › Subchapter H. Unexpended Contributions › Section 254.201. Annual Report of Unexpended Contributions

Sec. 254.201.  ANNUAL REPORT OF UNEXPENDED CONTRIBUTIONS.  (a)  This section applies to:
(1)  a former officeholder who has unexpended political contributions after filing the last report required to be filed by Subchapter D;  or
(2)  a person who was an unsuccessful candidate who has unexpended political contributions after filing the last report required to be filed by Subchapter C.
(b)  A person covered by this section shall file an annual report for each year in which the person retains unexpended contributions.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 254 - Political Reporting › Subchapter H. Unexpended Contributions › Section 254.202. Filing of Report; Contents

Sec. 254.202.  FILING OF REPORT;  CONTENTS.  (a)  A person shall file the report required by Section 254.201 not earlier than January 1 or later than January 15 of each year following the year in which the person files a final report under this chapter.
(b)  The report shall be filed with the authority with whom the person's campaign treasurer appointment was required to be filed.
(c)  The report must include:
(1)  the person's full name and address;
(2)  the full name and address of each person to whom a payment from unexpended political contributions was made during the previous year;
(3)  the date, amount, and purpose of each payment made under Subdivision (2);
(4)  the total amount of unexpended political contributions as of December 31 of the previous year;  and
(5)  the total amount of interest and other income earned on unexpended political contributions during the previous year.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 254 - Political Reporting › Subchapter H. Unexpended Contributions › Section 254.203. Retention of Contributions

Sec. 254.203.  RETENTION OF CONTRIBUTIONS.  (a)  A person may not retain political contributions covered by this title, assets purchased with the contributions, or interest and other income earned on the contributions for more than six years after the date the person either ceases to be an officeholder or candidate or files a final report under this chapter, whichever is later.
(b)  If the person becomes an officeholder or candidate within the six-year period, the prohibition in Subsection (a) does not apply until the person again ceases to be an officeholder or candidate.
(c)  A person who violates Subsection (a) commits an offense.  An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987;  Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 2, Sec. 7.18, eff. Aug. 28, 1989.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 254 - Political Reporting › Subchapter H. Unexpended Contributions › Section 254.204. Disposition of Unexpended Contributions

Sec. 254.204.  DISPOSITION OF UNEXPENDED CONTRIBUTIONS.  (a)  At the end of the six-year period prescribed by Section 254.203, the former officeholder or candidate shall remit any unexpended political contributions to one or more of the following:
(1)  the political party with which the person was affiliated when the person's name last appeared on a ballot;
(2)  a candidate or political committee;
(3)  the comptroller for deposit in the state treasury;
(4)  one or more persons from whom political contributions were received, in accordance with Subsection (d);
(5)  a recognized charitable organization formed for educational, religious, or scientific purposes that is exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3), Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and its subsequent amendments;  or
(6)  a public or private postsecondary educational institution or an institution of higher education as defined by Section 61.003(8), Education Code, solely for the purpose of assisting or creating a scholarship program.
(b)  A person who disposes of unexpended political contributions under Subsection (a)(2) shall report each contribution as if the person were a campaign treasurer of a specific-purpose committee.
(c)  Political contributions disposed of under Subsection (a)(3) may be appropriated only for financing primary elections.
(d)  The amount of political contributions disposed of under Subsection (a)(4) to one person may not exceed the aggregate amount accepted from that person during the last two years that the candidate or officeholder accepted contributions under this title.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987;  Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 864, Sec. 248, eff. Sept. 1, 1997;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.22, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 254 - Political Reporting › Subchapter H. Unexpended Contributions › Section 254.205. Report of Disposition of Unexpended Contributions

Sec. 254.205.  REPORT OF DISPOSITION OF UNEXPENDED CONTRIBUTIONS.  (a)  Not later than the 30th day after the date the six-year period prescribed by Section 254.203 ends, the person required to dispose of unexpended political contributions shall file a report of the disposition.
(b)  The report shall be filed with the authority with whom the person's campaign treasurer appointment was required to be filed.
(c)  The report must include:
(1)  the person's full name and address;
(2)  the full name and address of each person to whom a payment from unexpended political contributions is made;  and
(3)  the date and amount of each payment reported under Subdivision (2).
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 254 - Political Reporting › Subchapter I. Civil Liability › Section 254.231. Liability to Candidates

Sec. 254.231.  LIABILITY TO CANDIDATES.  (a)  A candidate or campaign treasurer or assistant campaign treasurer of a political committee who fails to report in whole or in part a campaign contribution or campaign expenditure as required by this chapter is liable for damages as provided by this section.
(b)  Each opposing candidate whose name appears on the ballot is entitled to recover damages under this section.
(c)  In this section, "damages" means:
(1)  twice the amount not reported that is required to be reported;  and
(2)  reasonable attorney's fees incurred in the suit.
(d)  Reasonable attorney's fees incurred in the suit may be awarded to the defendant if judgment is rendered in the defendant's favor.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 254 - Political Reporting › Subchapter I. Civil Liability › Section 254.232. Liability to State

Sec. 254.232.  LIABILITY TO STATE.  A candidate, officeholder, or campaign treasurer or assistant campaign treasurer of a political committee who fails to report in whole or in part a political contribution or political expenditure as required by this chapter is liable in damages to the state in the amount of triple the amount not reported that is required to be reported.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 254 - Political Reporting › Subchapter J. Reporting by Certain Persons Making Direct Campaign Expenditures › Section 254.261. Direct Campaign Expenditure Exceeding $100

Sec. 254.261.  DIRECT CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURE EXCEEDING $100.  (a)  A person not acting in concert with another person who makes one or more direct campaign expenditures in an election from the person's own property shall comply with this chapter as if the person were the campaign treasurer of a general-purpose committee that does not file monthly reports under Section 254.155.
(b)  A person is not required to file a report under this section if the person is required to disclose the expenditure in another report required under this title within the time applicable under this section for reporting the expenditure.
(c)  This section does not require a general-purpose committee that files under the monthly reporting schedule to file reports under Section 254.154.
(d)  A person is not required to file a campaign treasurer appointment for making expenditures for which reporting is required under this section, unless the person is otherwise required to file a campaign treasurer appointment under this title.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1009 (H.B. 2359), Sec. 5, eff. June 17, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 254 - Political Reporting › Subchapter J. Reporting by Certain Persons Making Direct Campaign Expenditures › Section 254.262. Travel Expense

Sec. 254.262.  TRAVEL EXPENSE.  A direct campaign expenditure consisting of personal travel expenses incurred by a person may be made without complying with Section 254.261.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1009 (H.B. 2359), Sec. 5, eff. June 17, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 255 - Regulating Political Advertising and Campaign Communications › Section 255.001. Required Disclosure on Political Advertising

Sec. 255.001.  REQUIRED DISCLOSURE ON POLITICAL ADVERTISING.  (a)  A person may not knowingly cause to be published, distributed, or broadcast political advertising containing express advocacy that does not indicate in the advertising:
(1)  that it is political advertising;  and
(2)  the full name of:
(A)  the person who paid for the political advertising;
(B)  the political committee authorizing the political advertising;  or
(C)  the candidate or specific-purpose committee supporting the candidate, if the political advertising is authorized by the candidate.
(b)  Political advertising that is authorized by a candidate, an agent of a candidate, or a political committee filing reports under this title shall be deemed to contain express advocacy.
(c)  A person may not knowingly use, cause or permit to be used, or continue to use any published, distributed, or broadcast political advertising containing express advocacy that the person knows does not include the disclosure required by Subsection (a).  A person is presumed to know that the use of political advertising is prohibited by this subsection if the commission notifies the person in writing that the use is prohibited.  A person who learns that political advertising signs, as defined by Section 259.001, that have been distributed do not include the disclosure required by Subsection (a) or include a disclosure that does not comply with Subsection (a) does not commit a continuing violation of this subsection if the person makes a good faith attempt to remove or correct those signs.  A person who learns that printed political advertising other than a political advertising sign that has been distributed does not include the disclosure required by Subsection (a) or includes a disclosure that does not comply with Subsection (a) is not required to attempt to recover the political advertising and does not commit a continuing violation of this subsection as to any previously distributed political advertising.
(d)  This section does not apply to:
(1)  tickets or invitations to political fund-raising events;
(2)  campaign buttons, pins, hats, or similar campaign materials;  or
(3)  circulars or flyers that cost in the aggregate less than $500 to publish and distribute.
(e)  A person who violates this section is liable to the state for a civil penalty in an amount determined by the commission not to exceed $4,000.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.23, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 824 (H.B. 2554), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 255 - Regulating Political Advertising and Campaign Communications › Section 255.002. Rates for Political Advertising

Sec. 255.002.  RATES FOR POLITICAL ADVERTISING.  (a)  The rate charged for political advertising by a radio or television station may not exceed:
(1)  during the 45 days preceding a general or runoff primary election and during the 60 days preceding a general or special election, the broadcaster's lowest unit charge for advertising of the same class, for the same time, and for the same period;  or
(2)  at any time other than that specified by Subdivision (1), the amount charged other users for comparable use of the station.
(b)  The rate charged for political advertising that is printed or published may not exceed the lowest charge made for comparable use of the space for any other purposes.
(c)  In determining amounts charged for comparable use, the amount and kind of space or time used, number of times used, frequency of use, type of advertising copy submitted, and any other relevant factors shall be considered.
(d)  Discounts offered by a newspaper or magazine to its commercial advertisers shall be offered on equal terms to purchasers of political advertising from the newspaper or magazine.
(e)  A person commits an offense if the person knowingly demands or receives or knowingly pays or offers to pay for political advertising more consideration than permitted by this section.
(f)  An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 255 - Regulating Political Advertising and Campaign Communications › Section 255.003. Unlawful Use of Public Funds for Political Advertising

Sec. 255.003.  UNLAWFUL USE OF PUBLIC FUNDS FOR POLITICAL ADVERTISING.  (a)  An officer or employee of a political subdivision may not knowingly spend or authorize the spending of public funds for political advertising.
(b)  Subsection (a) does not apply to a communication that factually describes the purposes of a measure if the communication does not advocate passage or defeat of the measure.
(b-1)  An officer or employee of a political subdivision may not spend or authorize the spending of public funds for a communication describing a measure if the communication contains information that:
(1)  the officer or employee knows is false; and
(2)  is sufficiently substantial and important as to be reasonably likely to influence a voter to vote for or against the measure.
(c)  A person who violates Subsection (a) or (b-1) commits an offense.  An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
(d)  It is an affirmative defense to prosecution for an offense under this section or the imposition of a civil penalty for conduct under this section that an officer or employee of a political subdivision reasonably relied on a court order or an interpretation of this section in a written opinion issued by:
(1)  a court of record;
(2)  the attorney general; or
(3)  the commission.
(e)  On written request of the governing body of a political subdivision that has ordered an election on a measure, the commission shall prepare an advance written advisory opinion as to whether a particular communication relating to the measure does or does not comply with this section.
(f)  Subsections (d) and (e) do not apply to a port authority or navigation district.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 644 (H.B. 1720), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 843 (S.B. 2085), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.