reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 253 - Restrictions on Contributions and Expenditures › Subchapter D. Corporations and Labor Organizations › Section 253.094. Contributions Prohibited

Sec. 253.094.  CONTRIBUTIONS PROHIBITED.  (a)  A corporation or labor organization may not make a political contribution that is not authorized by this subchapter.
(b)  A corporation or labor organization may not make a political contribution in connection with a recall election, including the circulation and submission of a petition to call an election.
(c)  A person who violates this section commits an offense.  An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1009 (H.B. 2359), Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 2011.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1009 (H.B. 2359), Sec. 2, eff. June 17, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 253 - Restrictions on Contributions and Expenditures › Subchapter D. Corporations and Labor Organizations › Section 253.095. Punishment of Agent

Sec. 253.095.  PUNISHMENT OF AGENT.  An officer, director, or other agent of a corporation or labor organization who commits an offense under this subchapter is punishable for the grade of offense applicable to the corporation or labor organization.
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 253 - Restrictions on Contributions and Expenditures › Subchapter D. Corporations and Labor Organizations › Section 253.096. Contribution on Measure

Sec. 253.096.  CONTRIBUTION ON MEASURE.  A corporation or labor organization may make campaign contributions from its own property in connection with an election on a measure only to a political committee for supporting or opposing measures exclusively.
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 253 - Restrictions on Contributions and Expenditures › Subchapter D. Corporations and Labor Organizations › Section 253.097. Contribution From Corporation or Labor Organization

Sec. 253.097.  CONTRIBUTION FROM CORPORATION OR LABOR ORGANIZATION.  A corporation or labor organization may make campaign contributions from its own property to a political committee that has filed an affidavit with the committee's campaign treasurer appointment in accordance with Section 252.003(a)(4) or 252.0031(a)(2).
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1127 (H.B. 2586), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 253 - Restrictions on Contributions and Expenditures › Subchapter D. Corporations and Labor Organizations › Section 253.098. Communication With Stockholders or Members

Sec. 253.098.  COMMUNICATION WITH STOCKHOLDERS OR MEMBERS.  (a)  A corporation or labor organization may make one or more direct campaign expenditures from its own property for the purpose of communicating directly with its stockholders or members, as applicable, or with the families of its stockholders or members.
(b)  An expenditure under this section is not reportable under Chapter 254.
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 253 - Restrictions on Contributions and Expenditures › Subchapter D. Corporations and Labor Organizations › Section 253.099. Nonpartisan Voter Registration and Get-Out-the-Vote Campaigns

Sec. 253.099.  NONPARTISAN VOTER REGISTRATION AND GET-OUT-THE-VOTE CAMPAIGNS.  (a)  A corporation or labor organization may make one or more expenditures to finance nonpartisan voter registration and get-out-the-vote campaigns aimed at its stockholders or members, as applicable, or at the families of its stockholders or members.
(b)  An expenditure under this section is not reportable under Chapter 254.
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 253 - Restrictions on Contributions and Expenditures › Subchapter D. Corporations and Labor Organizations › Section 253.101. Unlawful Contribution or Expenditure by Committee

Sec. 253.101.  UNLAWFUL CONTRIBUTION OR EXPENDITURE BY COMMITTEE.  (a)  A political committee assisted by a corporation or labor organization under Section 253.100 may not make a political contribution or political expenditure in whole or part from money that is known by a member or officer of the political committee to be dues, fees, or other money required as a condition of employment or condition of membership in a labor organization.
(a-1)  Subsection (a) does not prohibit a political committee from making a political contribution or political expenditure wholly or partly from a campaign contribution made by a corporation or labor organization to the political committee under Section 253.096 or 253.097.
(b)  A person who violates this section commits an offense.  An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1127 (H.B. 2586), Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 253 - Restrictions on Contributions and Expenditures › Subchapter D. Corporations and Labor Organizations › Section 253.102. Coercion Prohibited

Sec. 253.102.  COERCION PROHIBITED.  (a)  A corporation or labor organization or a political committee assisted by a corporation or labor organization under Section 253.100 commits an offense if it uses or threatens to use physical force, job discrimination, or financial reprisal to obtain money or any other thing of value to be used to influence the result of an election or to assist an officeholder.
(b)  A political committee assisted by a corporation or labor organization under Section 253.100 commits an offense if it accepts or uses money or any other thing of value that is known by a member or officer of the political committee to have been obtained in violation of Subsection (a).
(c)  An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree.
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 253 - Restrictions on Contributions and Expenditures › Subchapter D. Corporations and Labor Organizations › Section 253.103. Corporate Loans

Sec. 253.103.  CORPORATE LOANS.  (a)  A corporation may not make a loan to a candidate, officeholder, or political committee for campaign or officeholder purposes unless:
(1)  the corporation has been legally and continuously engaged in the business of lending money for at least one year before the loan is made;  and
(2)  the loan is made in the due course of business.
(b)  This section does not apply to a loan covered by Section 253.096.
(c)  A person who violates this section commits an offense.  An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree.
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 253 - Restrictions on Contributions and Expenditures › Subchapter D. Corporations and Labor Organizations › Section 253.104. Contribution to Political Party

Sec. 253.104.  CONTRIBUTION TO POLITICAL PARTY.  (a)  A corporation or labor organization may make a contribution from its own property to a political party to be used as provided by Chapter 257.
(b)  A corporation or labor organization may not knowingly make a contribution authorized by Subsection (a) during a period beginning on the 60th day before the date of a general election for state and county officers and continuing through the day of the election.
(c)  A corporation or labor organization that knowingly makes a contribution in violation of this section commits an offense.  An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 304, Sec. 5.08, eff. Jan. 1, 1992.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 253 - Restrictions on Contributions and Expenditures › Subchapter D. Corporations and Labor Organizations › Section 253.105. Contributions to Direct Expenditure Only Committees

Sec. 253.105.  CONTRIBUTIONS TO DIRECT EXPENDITURE ONLY COMMITTEES.  (a)  A corporation or labor organization may make a political contribution from its own property to a political committee that:
(1)  is not established or controlled by a candidate or an officeholder;
(2)  makes or intends to make direct campaign expenditures;
(3)  does not make or intend to make political contributions to:
(A)  a candidate;
(B)  an officeholder;
(C)  a specific-purpose committee established or controlled by a candidate or an officeholder; or
(D)  a political committee that makes or intends to make political contributions to a candidate, an officeholder, or a specific-purpose committee established or controlled by a candidate or an officeholder; and
(4)  has filed an affidavit with the commission stating the committee's intention to operate as described by Subdivisions (2) and (3).
(b)  A political contribution made by a corporation or labor organization under this section does not constitute a violation of Section 253.094(a) and the acceptance of the political contribution does not constitute a violation of Section 253.003(b).
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 209 (H.B. 3580), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 253 - Restrictions on Contributions and Expenditures › Subchapter E. Civil Liability › Section 253.131. Liability to Candidates

Sec. 253.131.  LIABILITY TO CANDIDATES.  (a)  A person who knowingly makes or accepts a campaign contribution or makes a campaign expenditure in violation of this chapter is liable for damages as provided by this section.
(b)  If the contribution or expenditure is in support of a candidate, each opposing candidate whose name appears on the ballot is entitled to recover damages under this section.
(c)  If the contribution or expenditure is in opposition to a candidate, the candidate is entitled to recover damages under this section.
(d)  In this section, "damages" means:
(1)  twice the value of the unlawful contribution or expenditure;  and
(2)  reasonable attorney's fees incurred in the suit.
(e)  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 253 - Restrictions on Contributions and Expenditures › Subchapter E. Civil Liability › Section 253.132. Liability to Political Committees

Sec. 253.132.  LIABILITY TO POLITICAL COMMITTEES.  (a)  A corporation or labor organization that knowingly makes a campaign contribution to a political committee or a direct campaign expenditure in violation of Subchapter D is liable for damages as provided by this section to each political committee of opposing interest in the election in connection with which the contribution or expenditure is made.
(b)  In this section, "damages" means:
(1)  twice the value of the unlawful contribution or expenditure;  and
(2)  reasonable attorney's fees incurred in the suit.
(c)  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 253 - Restrictions on Contributions and Expenditures › Subchapter E. Civil Liability › Section 253.133. Liability to State

Sec. 253.133.  LIABILITY TO STATE.  A person who knowingly makes or accepts a political contribution or makes a political expenditure in violation of this chapter is liable for damages to the state in the amount of triple the value of the unlawful contribution or expenditure.
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 253 - Restrictions on Contributions and Expenditures › Subchapter E. Civil Liability › Section 253.134. Civil Penalties Imposed by Commission

Sec. 253.134.  CIVIL PENALTIES IMPOSED BY COMMISSION.  This title does not prohibit the imposition of civil penalties by the commission in addition to criminal penalties or other sanctions imposed by law.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 304, Sec. 5.09, eff. Jan. 1, 1992.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 253 - Restrictions on Contributions and Expenditures › Subchapter F. Judicial Campaign Fairness Act › Section 253.151. Applicability of Subchapter

Sec. 253.151.  APPLICABILITY OF SUBCHAPTER.  This subchapter applies only to a political contribution or political expenditure in connection with the office of:
(1)  chief justice or justice, supreme court;
(2)  presiding judge or judge, court of criminal appeals;
(3)  chief justice or justice, court of appeals;
(4)  district judge;
(5)  judge, statutory county court;  or
(6)  judge, statutory probate court.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 763, Sec. 1, eff. June 16, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 253 - Restrictions on Contributions and Expenditures › Subchapter F. Judicial Campaign Fairness Act › Section 253.152. Definitions

Sec. 253.152.  DEFINITIONS.  In this subchapter:
(1)  "Child" means a person under 18 years of age who is not and has not been married or who has not had the disabilities of minority removed for general purposes.
(2)  "In connection with an election" means:
(A)  with regard to a contribution that is designated in writing for a particular election, the election designated; or
(B)  with regard to a contribution that is not designated in writing for a particular election, the next election for that office occurring after the contribution is made.
(3)  "Judicial district" means the territory from which a judicial candidate is elected or appointed.
(4)  "Law firm" means a partnership, limited liability partnership, limited liability company, professional corporation, or other entity organized for the practice of law.
(5)  "Law firm group" means:
(A)  a law firm;
(B)  a general-purpose committee established or controlled by the law firm or a member of the law firm;
(C)  a member of the law firm; and
(D)  the spouse of a member of the law firm.
(6)  "Member of a law firm" means:
(A)  a person designated "of counsel" or "of the firm";
(B)  a partner of the law firm, whether an individual or an entity;
(C)  an associate of the law firm;
(D)  a shareholder of the law firm, whether an individual or an entity; or
(E)  an employee of the law firm.
(7)  "Statewide judicial office" means the office of chief justice or justice, supreme court, or presiding judge or judge, court of criminal appeals.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 763, Sec. 1, eff. June 16, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 479, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233), Sec. 1, eff. June 2, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 253 - Restrictions on Contributions and Expenditures › Subchapter F. Judicial Campaign Fairness Act › Section 253.153. Contribution Prohibited Except During Election Period

Sec. 253.153.  CONTRIBUTION PROHIBITED EXCEPT DURING ELECTION PERIOD.  (a)  A judicial candidate or officeholder, a specific-purpose committee for supporting or opposing a judicial candidate, or a specific-purpose committee for assisting a judicial officeholder may not knowingly accept a political contribution except during the period:
(1)  beginning on:
(A)  the 210th day before the date an application for a place on the ballot or for nomination by convention for the office is required to be filed, if the election is for a full term; or
(B)  the later of the 210th day before the date an application for a place on the ballot or for nomination by convention for the office is required to be filed or the date a vacancy in the office occurs, if the election is for an unexpired term; and
(2)  ending on the 120th day after the date of  the election in which the candidate or officeholder last appeared on the ballot, regardless of whether the candidate or officeholder has an opponent in that election.
(b)  Subsection (a)(2) does not apply to a political contribution that was made and accepted with the intent that it be used to defray expenses incurred in connection with an election, including the repayment of any debt that is:
(1)  incurred directly by the making of a campaign expenditure during the period beginning on the date the application for a place on the ballot or for nomination by convention was required to be filed for the election in which the candidate last appeared on the ballot and ending on the date of that election; and
(2)  subject to the restrictions prescribed by Sections 253.162 and 253.1621.
(c)  Repealed by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1329, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2009.
(d)  A person who violates this section is liable for a civil penalty not to exceed three times the amount of the political contributions accepted in violation of this section.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 763, Sec. 1, eff. June 16, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 479, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1329 (H.B. 4060), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1329 (H.B. 4060), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 253 - Restrictions on Contributions and Expenditures › Subchapter F. Judicial Campaign Fairness Act › Section 253.154. Write-in Candidacy

Sec. 253.154.  WRITE-IN CANDIDACY.  (a)  A write-in candidate for judicial office or a specific-purpose committee for supporting a write-in candidate for judicial office may not knowingly accept a political contribution before the candidate files a declaration of write-in candidacy.
(b)  A person who violates this section is liable for a civil penalty not to exceed three times the amount of the political contributions accepted in violation of this section.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 763, Sec. 1, eff. June 16, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 253 - Restrictions on Contributions and Expenditures › Subchapter F. Judicial Campaign Fairness Act › Section 253.1541. Acceptance of Political Contributions by Person Appointed to Fill Vacancy

Sec. 253.1541.  ACCEPTANCE OF POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS BY PERSON APPOINTED TO FILL VACANCY.  (a)  This section applies only to a person appointed to fill a vacancy in an office covered by this subchapter who, at the time of appointment, does not hold another office covered by this subchapter.
(b)  Notwithstanding Section 253.153, a person to whom this section applies may accept political contributions beginning on the date the person assumes the duties of office and ending on the 60th day after that date.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 552, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233), Sec. 2, eff. June 2, 2019.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233), Sec. 3, eff. June 2, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 253 - Restrictions on Contributions and Expenditures › Subchapter F. Judicial Campaign Fairness Act › Section 253.155. Contribution Limits

Sec. 253.155.  CONTRIBUTION LIMITS.  (a)  A judicial candidate or officeholder may not knowingly accept political contributions from a person that, in the aggregate, exceed the contribution limits prescribed by Subsection (b) in connection with each election in which the judicial candidate's name appears on the ballot.
(b)  The contribution limits under this section are:
(1)  for a statewide judicial office, $5,000; or
(2)  for any other judicial office:
(A)  $1,000, if the population of the judicial district is less than 250,000;
(B)  $2,500, if the population of the judicial district is 250,000 to one million; or
(C)  $5,000, if the population of the judicial district is more than one million.
(c)  This section does not apply to a political contribution made by a general-purpose committee.
(d)  Repealed by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S.,  Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233), Sec. 17(1), eff. June 2, 2019.
(d-1)  In addition to the contribution limits imposed on each contributor under this section, a judicial candidate or officeholder may not accept a political contribution in excess of $50 from a person if:
(1)  the person is part of a law firm group; and
(2)  the contribution, when aggregated with all political contributions accepted by the candidate or officeholder from the same law firm group in connection with the election, would exceed six times the applicable contribution limit under this section.
(e)  A person who receives a political contribution that violates this section shall return the contribution to the contributor not later than the later of:
(1)  the last day of the reporting period in which the contribution is received; or
(2)  the fifth day after the date the contribution is received.
(f)  A person who violates this section is liable for a civil penalty not to exceed three times the amount of the political contributions accepted in violation of this section.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 763, Sec. 1, eff. June 16, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 479, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1997;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1096, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233), Sec. 4, eff. June 2, 2019.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233), Sec. 17(1), eff. June 2, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 253 - Restrictions on Contributions and Expenditures › Subchapter F. Judicial Campaign Fairness Act › Section 253.157. Limit on Contribution by General-Purpose Committees

Sec. 253.157.  LIMIT ON CONTRIBUTION BY GENERAL-PURPOSE COMMITTEES.
(a)  Repealed by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233), Sec. 17(2), eff. June 2, 2019.
(a-1)  A judicial candidate or officeholder may not knowingly accept political contributions from a general-purpose committee that, in the aggregate, exceed the contribution limits prescribed by this subsection in connection with an election in which the judicial candidate's name appears on the ballot.  The contribution limits under this subsection are:
(1)  for a statewide judicial office, $25,000; or
(2)  for any other judicial office, $5,000.
(a-2)  In addition to the contribution limits imposed on each contribution in Subsection (a-1), a judicial candidate or officeholder may not accept a political contribution in excess of $50 from a general-purpose committee if the contribution, when aggregated with all political contributions from all general-purpose committees in connection with an election, would exceed:
(1)  for a statewide judicial office, $300,000;
(2)  for the office of chief justice or justice, court of appeals:
(A)  $75,000, if the population of the judicial district is more than one million; or
(B)  $52,500, if the population of the judicial district is one million or less; or
(3)  for an office other than an office included under Subdivision (1) or (2):
(A)  $52,500, if the population of the judicial district is more than one million;
(B)  $30,000, if the population of the judicial district is 250,000 to one million; or
(C)  $15,000, if the population of the judicial district is less than 250,000.
(b)  A person who receives a political contribution that violates this section shall return the contribution to the contributor not later than the later of:
(1)  the last day of the reporting period in which the contribution is received; or
(2)  the fifth day after the date the contribution is received.
(c)  A person who violates this section is liable for a civil penalty not to exceed three times the amount of the political contributions accepted in violation of this section.
(d)  Repealed by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233), Sec. 17(2), eff. June 2, 2019.
(e)  Repealed by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233), Sec. 17(2), eff. June 2, 2019.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 763, Sec. 1, eff. June 16, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 479, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1997;  Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 552, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1997;  Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, Sec. 5.16, eff. Sept. 1, 1999;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1096, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233), Sec. 5, eff. June 2, 2019.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233), Sec. 6, eff. June 2, 2019.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233), Sec. 17(2), eff. June 2, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 253 - Restrictions on Contributions and Expenditures › Subchapter F. Judicial Campaign Fairness Act › Section 253.158. Contribution by Spouse or Child

Sec. 253.158.  CONTRIBUTION BY SPOUSE OR CHILD.  (a)  For purposes of this subchapter, a contribution by the spouse of an individual is not considered to be a contribution by the individual.
(b)  For purposes of this subchapter, a contribution by a child of an individual is considered to be a contribution by the individual.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 763, Sec. 1, eff. June 16, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233), Sec. 7, eff. June 2, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 253 - Restrictions on Contributions and Expenditures › Subchapter F. Judicial Campaign Fairness Act › Section 253.159. Exception to Contribution Limits

Sec. 253.159.  EXCEPTION TO CONTRIBUTION LIMITS.  Section 253.155 does not apply to an individual who is related to the candidate or officeholder within the second degree by consanguinity, as determined under Subchapter B, Chapter 573, Government Code.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 763, Sec. 1, eff. June 16, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233), Sec. 7, eff. June 2, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 253 - Restrictions on Contributions and Expenditures › Subchapter F. Judicial Campaign Fairness Act › Section 253.1601. Contribution to Certain Committees Considered Contribution to Candidate or Officeholder

Sec. 253.1601.  CONTRIBUTION TO CERTAIN COMMITTEES CONSIDERED CONTRIBUTION TO CANDIDATE OR OFFICEHOLDER.  For purposes of Sections 253.155 and 253.157, a contribution to a specific-purpose committee for the purpose of supporting a judicial candidate, opposing the candidate's opponent, or assisting a judicial officeholder is considered to be a contribution to the candidate or officeholder.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 763, Sec. 1, eff. June 16, 1995.  Renumbered from Election Code Sec. 253.156 and amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 479, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233), Sec. 7, eff. June 2, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 253 - Restrictions on Contributions and Expenditures › Subchapter F. Judicial Campaign Fairness Act › Section 253.161. Use of Contribution From Nonjudicial or Judicial Office Prohibited

Sec. 253.161.  USE OF CONTRIBUTION FROM NONJUDICIAL OR JUDICIAL OFFICE PROHIBITED.  (a)  A judicial candidate or officeholder, a specific-purpose committee for supporting or opposing a judicial candidate, or a specific-purpose committee for assisting a judicial officeholder may not use a political contribution to make a campaign expenditure for judicial office or to make an officeholder expenditure in connection with a judicial office if the contribution was accepted while the candidate or officeholder:
(1)  was a candidate for an office other than a judicial office; or
(2)  held an office other than a judicial office, unless the person had become a candidate for judicial office and the contribution was made in connection with an election for judicial office.
(b)  A candidate, officeholder, or specific-purpose committee for supporting, opposing, or assisting the candidate or officeholder may not use a political contribution to make a campaign expenditure for an office other than a judicial office or to make an officeholder expenditure in connection with an office other than a judicial office if the contribution was accepted while the candidate or officeholder:
(1)  was a candidate for a judicial office; or
(2)  held a judicial office, unless the person had become a candidate for another office and the contribution was made in connection with an election for nonjudicial office.
(c)  Repealed by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233), Sec. 17(4), eff. June 2, 2019.
(d)  A person who violates this section is liable for a civil penalty not to exceed three times the amount of political contributions used in violation of this section.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 763, Sec. 1, eff. June 16, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233), Sec. 8, eff. June 2, 2019.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233), Sec. 17(4), eff. June 2, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 253 - Restrictions on Contributions and Expenditures › Subchapter F. Judicial Campaign Fairness Act › Section 253.1611. Certain Contributions by Judicial Candidates, Officeholders, and Committees Restricted

Sec. 253.1611.  CERTAIN CONTRIBUTIONS BY JUDICIAL CANDIDATES, OFFICEHOLDERS, AND COMMITTEES RESTRICTED.  (a)  A judicial candidate or officeholder or a specific-purpose committee for supporting or opposing a judicial candidate or assisting a judicial officeholder may not use a political contribution to knowingly make political contributions that in the aggregate exceed $100 in a calendar year to a candidate or officeholder.
(b)  A judicial candidate or a specific-purpose committee for supporting or opposing a judicial candidate may not use a political contribution to knowingly make political contributions to a political committee in connection with a primary election.
(c)  A judicial candidate or a specific-purpose committee for supporting or opposing a judicial candidate may not use a political contribution to knowingly make a political contribution to a political committee that, when aggregated with each other political contribution to a political committee in connection with a general election, exceeds $500.
(d)  A judicial officeholder or a specific-purpose committee for assisting a judicial officeholder may not, in any calendar year in which the office held is not on the ballot, use a political contribution to knowingly make a political contribution to a political committee that, when aggregated with each other political contribution to a political committee in that calendar year, exceeds $250.
(e)  This section does not apply to a political contribution made to the principal political committee of the state executive committee or a county executive committee of a political party that provides goods or services, including political advertising or a campaign communication, to or for the benefit of judicial candidates.
(e-1)  This subsection applies only to a political party required to nominate candidates by primary election.  This section does not apply to a political contribution made, for the purpose of sponsoring or attending an event, to a political committee affiliated with:
(1)  an organization that has been designated as an auxiliary, coalition, or county chair association of a political party as provided by political party rule or state executive committee bylaw; or
(2)  a local chapter of an organization described by Subdivision (1).
(f)  Repealed by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 905 (H.B. 3903), Sec. 2, eff. June 15, 2017.
(g)  A person who violates this section is liable for a civil penalty not to exceed three times the amount of political contributions used in violation of this section.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 479, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 937, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 905 (H.B. 3903), Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2017.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 905 (H.B. 3903), Sec. 2, eff. June 15, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 253 - Restrictions on Contributions and Expenditures › Subchapter F. Judicial Campaign Fairness Act › Section 253.1612. Certain Campaign Activities Authorized

Sec. 253.1612.  CERTAIN CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES AUTHORIZED.  The Code of Judicial Conduct may not prohibit, and a judicial candidate may not be penalized for, a joint campaign activity conducted by two or more judicial candidates.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233), Sec. 9, eff. June 2, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 253 - Restrictions on Contributions and Expenditures › Subchapter F. Judicial Campaign Fairness Act › Section 253.162. Restrictions on Reimbursement of Personal Funds and Payments on Certain Loans

Sec. 253.162.  RESTRICTIONS ON REIMBURSEMENT OF PERSONAL FUNDS AND PAYMENTS ON CERTAIN LOANS.  (a)  A judicial candidate or officeholder who makes political expenditures from the person's personal funds or who accepts one or more political contributions in the form of a loan, including an extension of credit or guarantee of a loan or extension of credit, from one or more persons related to the candidate or officeholder within the second degree of affinity or consanguinity, as determined under Subchapter B, Chapter 573, Government Code, may not reimburse those personal funds or repay those loans from political contributions in amounts that in the aggregate exceed, for each election in which the person's name appears on the ballot:
(1)  for a statewide judicial office, $100,000; or
(2)  for an office other than a statewide judicial office, five times the applicable contribution limit under Section 253.155.
(b)  Repealed by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233), Sec. 17(5), eff. June 2, 2019.
(c)  A person who is both a candidate and an officeholder may reimburse the person's personal funds in only one capacity.
(d)  A person who violates this section is liable for a civil penalty not to exceed three times the amount by which the reimbursement made in violation of this section exceeds the applicable limit prescribed by Subsection (a).
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 763, Sec. 1, eff. June 16, 1995.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1096, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233), Sec. 10, eff. June 2, 2019.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233), Sec. 17(5), eff. June 2, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 253 - Restrictions on Contributions and Expenditures › Subchapter F. Judicial Campaign Fairness Act › Section 253.1621. Application of Contribution and Reimbursement Limits to Certain Candidates

Sec. 253.1621.  APPLICATION OF CONTRIBUTION AND REIMBURSEMENT LIMITS TO CERTAIN CANDIDATES.  (a)  For purposes of the contribution limits prescribed by Section 253.155 or 253.157 and the limit on reimbursement of personal funds and repayment of certain loans prescribed by Section 253.162, the general and primary elections are considered separate elections for a candidate whose name appears on the ballot.
(b)  For purposes of the contribution limits prescribed by Sections 253.155 and 253.157 and the limits on reimbursement of personal funds and repayment of certain loans prescribed by Section 253.162, a runoff election in which the candidate's name is on the ballot is considered a separate election.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1096, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233), Sec. 11, eff. June 2, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 253 - Restrictions on Contributions and Expenditures › Subchapter F. Judicial Campaign Fairness Act › Section 253.167. Certification of Population; Notice of Contribution Limits

Sec. 253.167.  CERTIFICATION OF POPULATION;  NOTICE OF CONTRIBUTION LIMITS.  (a)  For purposes of this subchapter only, not later than June 1 of each odd-numbered year, the commission shall:
(1)  make a written certification of the population of each judicial district for which a candidate for judge or justice must file a campaign treasurer appointment with the commission; and
(2)  deliver to the county clerk of each county a written certification of the county's population, if the county:
(A)  comprises an entire judicial district under Chapter 26, Government Code; or
(B)  has a statutory county court or statutory probate court, other than a multicounty statutory county court created under Subchapter D, Chapter 25, Government Code.
(b)  Following certification of population under Subsection (a), the commission or county clerk, as appropriate, shall make available to each candidate for an office covered by this subchapter written notice of the contribution limits applicable to the office the candidate seeks.
(c)  The commission shall post the written certification required by this section on the commission's Internet website.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 763, Sec. 1, eff. June 16, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1164 (H.B. 2817), Sec. 40, eff. September 1, 2011.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233), Sec. 12, eff. June 2, 2019.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233), Sec. 13, eff. June 2, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 253 - Restrictions on Contributions and Expenditures › Subchapter F. Judicial Campaign Fairness Act › Section 253.171. Contribution From or Direct Campaign Expenditure by Political Party

Sec. 253.171.  CONTRIBUTION FROM OR DIRECT CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURE BY POLITICAL PARTY.  A political expenditure that is made by the principal political committee of the state executive committee or a county executive committee of a political party for a generic get-out-the-vote campaign or to create and distribute a written list of two or more candidates is not considered a contribution to a judicial candidate who benefits from the get-out-the-vote campaign or is included in the written list and is not subject to the limits of Section 253.155 or 253.157 if the get-out-the-vote campaign or written list:
(1)  identifies the party's candidates by name and office sought, office held, or photograph;
(2)  does not include any reference to the judicial philosophy or positions on issues of the party's judicial candidates; and
(3)  is not broadcast, cablecast, published in a newspaper or magazine, or placed on a billboard.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 763, Sec. 1, eff. June 16, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233), Sec. 14, eff. June 2, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 253 - Restrictions on Contributions and Expenditures › Subchapter F. Judicial Campaign Fairness Act › Section 253.176. Civil Penalty

Sec. 253.176.  CIVIL PENALTY.  (a)  The commission may impose a civil penalty against a person as provided by this subchapter only after a formal hearing as provided by Subchapter E, Chapter 571, Government Code.
(b)  The commission shall base the amount of the penalty on:
(1)  the seriousness of the violation;
(2)  the history of previous violations;
(3)  the amount necessary to deter future violations;  and
(4)  any other matter that justice may require.
(c)  Repealed by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233), Sec. 17(7), eff. June 2, 2019.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 763, Sec. 1, eff. June 16, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233), Sec. 15, eff. June 2, 2019.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233), Sec. 17(7), eff. June 2, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 254 - Political Reporting › Subchapter A. Recordkeeping › Section 254.001. Recordkeeping Required

Sec. 254.001.  RECORDKEEPING REQUIRED.  (a)  Each candidate and each officeholder shall maintain a record of all reportable activity.
(b)  Each campaign treasurer of a political committee shall maintain a record of all reportable activity.
(c)  The record must contain the information that is necessary for filing the reports required by this chapter.
(d)  A person required to maintain a record under this section shall preserve the record for at least two years beginning on the filing deadline for the report containing the information in the record.
(e)  A person who violates this section commits an offense.  An offense under this section is a Class B 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 254 - Political Reporting › Subchapter B. Political Reporting Generally › Section 254.0311. Report by Legislative Caucus

Sec. 254.0311.  REPORT BY LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS.  (a)  A legislative caucus shall file a report of contributions and expenditures as required by this section.
(b)  A report filed under this section must include:
(1)  the amount of contributions from each person, other than a caucus member, that in the aggregate exceed $50 and that are accepted during the reporting period by the legislative caucus, the full name and address of the person making the contributions, and the dates of the contributions;
(2)  the amount of loans that are made during the reporting period to the legislative caucus and that in the aggregate exceed $50, the dates the loans are made, the interest rate, the maturity date, the type of collateral for the loans, if any, the full name and address of the person or financial institution making the loans, the full name and address, principal occupation, and name of the employer of each guarantor of the loans, the amount of the loans guaranteed by each guarantor, and the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding loans as of the last day of the reporting period;
(3)  the amount of expenditures that in the aggregate exceed $50 and that are made during the reporting period, the full name and address of the persons to whom the expenditures are made, and the dates and purposes of the expenditures;
(4)  the total amount or a specific listing of contributions of $50 or less accepted from persons other than caucus members and the total amount or a specific listing of expenditures of $50 or less made during the reporting period;  and
(5)  the total amount of all contributions accepted, including total contributions from caucus members, and the total amount of all expenditures made during the reporting period.
(c)  If no reportable activity occurs during a reporting period, the legislative caucus shall indicate that fact in the report.
(d)  A legislative caucus shall file with the commission two reports for each year.
(e)  The first report shall be filed not later than July 15.  The report covers the period beginning January 1 or the day the legislative caucus is organized, as applicable, and continuing through June 30.
(f)  The second report shall be filed not later than January 15.  The report covers the period beginning July 1 or the day the legislative caucus is organized, as applicable, and continuing through December 31.
(g)  A legislative caucus shall maintain a record of all reportable activity under this section and shall preserve the record for at least two years beginning on the filing deadline for the report containing the information in the record.
(h)  In this section, "legislative caucus" has the meaning assigned by Section 253.0341.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 43, Sec. 2, eff. Aug. 28, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Election Code › Title 15 - Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns › Chapter 254 - Political Reporting › Subchapter B. Political Reporting Generally › Section 254.0312. Best Efforts

Sec. 254.0312.  BEST EFFORTS.  (a)  A person required to file a report under this chapter is considered to be in compliance with Section 254.0612, 254.0912, or 254.1212 only if the person or the person's campaign treasurer shows that the person has used best efforts to obtain, maintain, and report the information required by those sections.  A person is considered to have used best efforts to obtain, maintain, and report that information if the person or the person's campaign treasurer complies with this section.
(b)  Each written solicitation for political contributions from an individual must include:
(1)  a clear request for the individual's full name and address, the individual's principal occupation or job title, and the full name of the individual's employer;  and
(2)  an accurate statement of state law regarding the collection and reporting of individual contributor information, such as:
(A)  "State law requires (certain candidates, officeholders, or political committees, as applicable) to use best efforts to collect and report the full name and address, principal occupation or job title, and full name of employer of individuals whose contributions equal or exceed $500 in a reporting period.";  or
(B)  "To comply with state law, (certain candidates, officeholders, or political committees, as applicable) must use best efforts to obtain, maintain, and report the full name and address, principal occupation or job title, and full name of employer of individuals whose contributions equal or exceed $500 in a reporting period.".
(c)  For each political contribution received from an individual that, when aggregated with all other political contributions received from the individual during the reporting period, equals or exceeds $500 and for which the information required by Section 254.0612, 254.0912, or 254.1212 is not provided, the person must make at least one oral or written request for the missing information.  A request under this subsection:
(1)  must be made not later than the 30th day after the date the contribution is received;
(2)  must include a clear and conspicuous statement that complies with Subsection (b);
(3)  if made orally, must be documented in writing;  and
(4)  may not be made in conjunction with a solicitation for an additional political contribution.
(d)  A person must report any information required by Section 254.0612, 254.0912, or 254.1212 that is not provided by the individual making the political contribution and that the person has in the person's records of political contributions or previous reports under this chapter.
(e)  A person who receives information required by Section 254.0612, 254.0912, or 254.1212 after the filing deadline for the report on which the contribution is reported must include the missing information on the next report the person is required to file under this chapter.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.10, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.