H.B. No. 2981 seeks to enhance the integrity and transparency of funding for ballot measure campaigns by prohibiting contributions and expenditures from foreign nationals to specific-purpose committees that support or oppose such measures. The bill requires campaign treasurers to certify that their committees have not received funding from foreign nationals for activities related to the ballot measure, including polling and drafting language. It introduces definitions for "foreign national" and outlines the conditions under which contributions from these entities are prohibited. Additionally, the bill mandates that committees maintain records of contributions and expenditures for a specified period 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 measures including civil actions by the commission against non-compliant individuals or committees. The bill also clarifies that the new requirements will only apply to campaign treasurer appointments and reports filed after the effective date of the Act, set for September 1, 2025, ensuring that prior filings remain valid under existing law. Overall, the legislation aims to strengthen the regulatory framework governing campaign financing for ballot measures.

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