Bill > HB18

This bill introduces new restrictions on political contributions and expenditures for Texas legislators during what the bill defines as an "impeding absence" - a situation where a legislator is deliberately absent from a legislative session and located outside of Texas in a way that prevents their legislative body from conducting business. Specifically, during such an absence, legislators and their supporting political committees are prohibited from accepting political contributions that exceed the daily per diem rate set by the Texas Ethics Commission, and they cannot make political expenditures for travel, food, or lodging related to the absence. If a prohibited contribution is received, it must be returned to the contributor within five days. The bill establishes a civil penalty of up to $5,000 for each violation, with violations determined through a specific legal process involving the legislative chamber's presiding officer certifying a statement of facts to a district court, which will then hold a hearing to determine if a violation occurred. The bill also specifies that the Fifteenth Court of Appeals has exclusive jurisdiction over appeals related to these proceedings. These provisions are designed to discourage legislators from deliberately avoiding their legislative duties and to maintain the integrity of the legislative process.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=892&Bill=HB18