H.B. No. 2981 seeks to enhance the integrity of the electoral process by prohibiting specific-purpose committees from accepting contributions or making expenditures involving foreign nationals in relation to ballot measures. The bill requires these committees to appoint a campaign treasurer who must include an affidavit certifying that no funding has been received from foreign nationals. It introduces new definitions and restrictions, specifically barring contributions from foreign nationals or entities with a history of significant foreign funding for political purposes. Additionally, the bill mandates that committees maintain detailed records of contributions and expenditures for two years and obtain written affirmations from contributors regarding their foreign national status.

Violations of these provisions can lead to a Class B misdemeanor charge, with enforcement mechanisms including civil actions by the commission. The legislation also emphasizes donor confidentiality for nonprofit organizations and restricts individuals who violate these rules from engaging in lobbying activities for a specified period. Notably, the changes to the Election Code will only apply to campaign treasurer appointments and reports filed after the effective date of the Act, September 1, 2025, ensuring that prior filings remain valid under existing law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Civil Practice and Remedies Code 51.014, Chapter , Election Code 253.206 (Chapter , Election Code 253, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 51)