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TexasSB 278189th Legislature Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Relating to the imposition of civil penalties for certain violations with respect to political contributions and expenditures made by certain persons who engage in lobbying activities.

Sponsored By: Brian Birdwell (Republican), Matt Shaheen

Signed by Governor

Civil Remedies & LiabilitiesElections--Campaign FinancingEthicsLOBBYISTS & LOBBYINGPOLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

New campaign spending limits and lobbyist fines

Beginning September 1, 2025, people required to register as Texas lobbyists face new limits on using campaign donations. They cannot knowingly make or authorize political donations to candidates, officeholders, or political committees, or direct campaign spending, using covered funds. Covered funds include donations accepted in their role as a candidate or officeholder, or by a committee supporting their candidacy or officeholding. The rule also covers funds from a political committee that received donations from either source during the preceding two years. Violations carry a civil fine of up to twice the prohibited donation or spending amount. Separately, violations of Election Code Section 253.007 carry a civil fine of up to twice all contributions or spending covered by subsection (b) that the violator made or authorized during the two years before the violation. These changes apply only to violations on or after September 1, 2025; earlier violations remain under prior law.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Brian Birdwell

    Republican • Senate

  • Matt Shaheen

    House

Cosponsors

  • Sarah Eckhardt

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 247 • No: 53

House vote • 5/28/2025

Record vote

Yes: 108 • No: 27

House vote • 5/27/2025

Record vote

Yes: 117 • No: 24

Senate vote • 5/8/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/8/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote • Unknown

Committee vote: State Affairs

Yes: 12 • No: 2

Senate vote • Unknown

Committee vote: State Affairs

Yes: 10 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective on 9/1/25

    6/20/2025House

  2. Signed by the Governor

    6/20/2025House

  3. Sent to the Governor

    6/1/2025House

  4. Signed in the House

    6/1/2025House

  5. Signed in the Senate

    5/30/2025Senate

  6. Reported enrolled

    5/28/2025Senate

  7. House passage reported

    5/28/2025Senate

  8. Statement(s) of vote recorded in Journal

    5/28/2025House

  9. Record vote (RV#3905)

    5/28/2025House

  10. Passed

    5/28/2025House

  11. Read 3rd time

    5/28/2025House

  12. Statement(s) of vote recorded in Journal

    5/27/2025House

  13. Record vote (RV#3807)

    5/27/2025House

  14. Passed to 3rd reading

    5/27/2025House

  15. Read 2nd time

    5/27/2025House

  16. Placed on General State Calendar

    5/25/2025House

  17. Considered in Calendars

    5/23/2025House

  18. Committee report sent to Calendars

    5/22/2025House

  19. Committee report distributed

    5/22/2025House

  20. Comte report filed with Committee Coordinator

    5/22/2025House

  21. Reported favorably w/o amendment(s)

    5/20/2025House

  22. Considered in formal meeting

    5/20/2025House

  23. Referred to State Affairs

    5/12/2025House

  24. Read first time

    5/12/2025House

  25. Received from the Senate

    5/9/2025House

Bill Text

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