The bill, H.B. No. 1804, introduces new provisions regarding the filing requirements for political contributions and expenditures, establishing compliance as a qualification for public elective office. It adds Section 141.005 to the Election Code, which states that individuals who fail to file required financial reports within 14 days of the due date will be ineligible to run for or hold public office. The bill mandates that authorities notify individuals of their failure to file and the deadline for compliance, and it requires reporting of non-compliance to the appropriate authority, which will then declare the individual ineligible.

Additionally, the bill adds Section 254.04015 to the Election Code, which requires the Texas Ethics Commission to monitor the availability of certain reports on political subdivision websites and allows for administrative penalties of up to $5,000 for non-compliance. It also establishes Chapter 181 in the Local Government Code, outlining the grounds and procedures for the judicial removal of public officers who fail to meet filing requirements. The provisions of this bill will apply to reports due on or after January 1, 2026, and the Texas Ethics Commission is tasked with adopting necessary rules by December 1, 2025. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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