Bill Text: TX HB3018 | 2023-2024 | 88th Legislature | Introduced

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Bill Title: Relating to the offense of unlawful use of public funds for communications relating to a measure.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2023-03-14 - Referred to State Affairs [HB3018 Detail]

Download: Texas-2023-HB3018-Introduced.html

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88R8578 TSS-D
By: Harrison H.B. No. 3018

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the offense of unlawful use of public funds for
communications relating to a measure.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. The heading to Section 255.003, Election Code,
is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 255.003. UNLAWFUL USE OF PUBLIC FUNDS BY EMPLOYEE OR
OFFICER OF POLITICAL SUBDIVISION [FOR POLITICAL ADVERTISING].
SECTION 2. Sections 255.003(a) and (c), Election Code, are
amended to read as follows:
(a) An officer or employee of a political subdivision may
not knowingly spend or authorize the spending of public funds for:
(1) political advertising; or
(2) a communication relating to a measure submitted at
an election as a result of an official action adopted or approved by
the political subdivision, other than notice required under Chapter
4.
(c) A person who violates Subsection (a) [or (b-1)] commits
an offense. An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
SECTION 3. Sections 255.003(b) and (b-1), Election Code,
are repealed.
SECTION 4. The change in law made by this Act applies only
to the use of public funds or resources that occurs on or after the
effective date of this Act. The use of public funds or resources
that occurs before the effective date of this Act is governed by the
law in effect before the effective date of this Act, and that law is
continued in effect for that purpose.
SECTION 5. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.