TexasHB 1889th Legislature 2nd Called SessionHouseWALLET

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

Signed by Governor

EthicsLegislatureSalaries & ExpensesPOLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONSFIFTEENTH COURT OF APPEALS

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Texas lawmakers face fundraising limits during walkouts

The law limits political fundraising and spending during a Texas lawmaker’s unexcused absence outside Texas to block the chamber’s work. The chamber must have compelled attendance, ordered arrests by its sergeant-at-arms, or issued civil arrest warrants. The lawmaker must remain outside Texas and show that fact through words or actions, without leave or a return to the chamber. During that absence, the lawmaker and supporting specific-purpose political committees or legislative caucuses cannot knowingly accept contributions above the limit. The limit covers total contributions from one donor and equals the state’s daily allowance for lawmakers for each session day. They also cannot knowingly spend political money on travel, food, or lodging tied to the absence. Prohibited contributions must be returned to donors within five days after receipt. Properly addressed contributions mailed or sent by carrier before the absence are exempt if delivery charges were paid or arranged. Postmarks or carrier records establish the sending date unless other evidence proves otherwise. Each prohibited contribution accepted and each prohibited expenditure carries a separate civil penalty of up to $5,000. Reports of probable violations go through the chamber’s presiding officer to a district court in the accused person’s county of residence. For lawmakers, that county is where they claim their residence homestead. Within 72 hours after receiving the certified report, the court must issue an order giving notice and requiring a response. After a hearing, the court decides whether a violation occurred and imposes a penalty for any violation. Appeals go only to the Fifteenth Court of Appeals; special procedures govern these cases rather than the Civil Practice and Remedies Code. These rules cover contributions accepted and expenditures made on or after the 91st day after the legislative session ends.

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

  • Phil King

    Republican • Senate

  • 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: 14 • No: 1

Senate vote • 9/4/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote • 9/3/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote • 9/3/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote • 9/2/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote • 9/2/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote • 9/2/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote • 9/2/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote • 9/2/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote • 9/2/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote • 9/2/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote • 9/2/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote • 9/2/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote • Unknown

Committee vote: Elections

Yes: 5 • No: 0

Senate vote • Unknown

Committee vote: State Affairs

Yes: 9 • No: 1

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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