TexasHB 1889th Legislature 2nd Called SessionHouse

Relating to a restriction on the acceptance of political contributions and the making of certain political expenditures by a member of the legislature and certain political committees during certain periods in which a member is absent from a legislative session; authorizing a civil penalty.

Sponsored By: Stan Gerdes, Adam Hinojosa (Republican), Matt Shaheen, Valoree Swanson

Became Law

EthicsLegislatureSalaries & ExpensesPOLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONSFIFTEENTH COURT OF APPEALS

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.

When the new rules take effect

The law takes effect on the 91st day after the last day of the legislative session. It applies only to contributions accepted or spending made on or after that date. It does not apply to actions taken before the effective date.

Legislators: no fundraising during walkouts

During a legislative session, if a member is outside Texas and their chamber has compelled attendance, ordered arrests, and issued civil warrants, the member is in an impeding absence. While in that status and not on approved leave or back in the chamber, the member and any supporting specific‑purpose committee or legislative caucus cannot accept donations from a single person over the per‑diem set by the Texas Ethics Commission for each day of the session. They also cannot spend campaign funds on travel, food, or lodging tied to that absence. If a banned contribution is received, it must be returned within five days. Mail or carrier deliveries sent before the absence are dated by the postmark or carrier records.

Quick court review and $5,000 fines

Any member of the same chamber can file a statement of facts showing a likely violation with the presiding officer. The presiding officer must certify it to the district court where the person lived at the time; for legislators, that is the county of their residence homestead. Within 72 hours, the court must give notice and order the person to show cause. After a hearing, the court decides if a violation happened and can fine up to $5,000 for each illegal contribution or expenditure. Appeals go only to the Fifteenth Court of Appeals, and the usual continuance rule in Section 30.003 does not apply.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Stan Gerdes

    House

  • Adam Hinojosa

    Republican • Senate

  • Matt Shaheen

    House

  • Valoree Swanson

    House

Cosponsors

  • Keith Bell

    House

  • Greg Bonnen

    House

  • Brad Buckley

    House

  • Angie Chen Button

    House

  • Giovanni Capriglione

    House

  • Charles Cunningham

    House

  • Richard Hayes

    House

  • Cole Hefner

    House

  • Carrie Isaac

    House

  • Ken King

    House

  • Marc LaHood

    House

  • Janie Lopez

    House

  • Shelley Luther

    House

  • Will Metcalf

    House

  • Mayes Middleton

    Republican • Senate

  • Matt Morgan

    House

  • Tom Oliverson

    House

  • Angelia Orr

    House

  • Jared Patterson

    House

  • Dennis Paul

    House

  • Katrina Pierson

    House

  • Keresa Richardson

    House

  • David Spiller

    House

  • Cody Vasut

    House

  • Trey Wharton

    House

  • Terry M. Wilson

    House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 748 • No: 427

Senate vote 9/4/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 30

Senate vote 9/3/2025

Record vote

Yes: 30 • No: 0

Senate vote 9/3/2025

Record vote

Yes: 30 • No: 0

House vote 9/2/2025

Record vote

Yes: 86 • No: 46

House vote 9/2/2025

Record vote

Yes: 86 • No: 46

House vote 9/2/2025

Record vote

Yes: 86 • No: 46

House vote 9/2/2025

Record vote

Yes: 86 • No: 46

House vote 9/2/2025

Record vote

Yes: 86 • No: 46

House vote 9/2/2025

Record vote

Yes: 86 • No: 46

Senate vote 9/2/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 29

House vote 9/2/2025

Record vote

Yes: 86 • No: 46

House vote 9/2/2025

Record vote

Yes: 86 • No: 46

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (December 4, 2025)

    9/17/2025House
  2. Signed by the Governor

    9/17/2025House
  3. Sent to the Governor

    9/4/2025House
  4. Signed in the Senate

    9/4/2025Senate
  5. Signed in the House

    9/4/2025House
  6. Reported enrolled

    9/4/2025House
  7. Senate passage reported

    9/4/2025House
  8. Record vote

    9/4/2025Senate
  9. Passed

    9/4/2025Senate
  10. Read 3rd time

    9/4/2025Senate
  11. Laid before the Senate

    9/4/2025Senate
  12. Record vote

    9/3/2025Senate
  13. Read 2nd time & passed to 3rd reading

    9/3/2025Senate
  14. Record vote

    9/3/2025Senate
  15. Rules suspended-Regular order of business

    9/3/2025Senate
  16. Printing rule suspended

    9/3/2025Senate
  17. Committee report printed and distributed

    9/3/2025Senate
  18. Reported favorably w/o amendments

    9/3/2025Senate
  19. Vote taken in committee

    9/3/2025Senate
  20. Testimony taken in committee

    9/3/2025Senate
  21. Considered in public hearing

    9/3/2025Senate
  22. Scheduled for public hearing on . . .

    9/3/2025Senate
  23. Co-sponsor authorized

    9/3/2025Senate
  24. Record vote

    9/2/2025Senate
  25. Posting rule suspended

    9/2/2025Senate

Bill Text

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