H.B. No. 3592 introduces new restrictions on political contributions from out-of-state contributors in Texas. The bill adds Section 253.044 to the Election Code, which prohibits candidates and officeholders from knowingly accepting political contributions from individuals whose principal address is outside Texas if those contributions exceed specified limits: $5,000 for statewide offices, $2,500 for district offices, and $1,000 for county offices. If a candidate or officeholder accepts a contribution in violation of this section, they are required to return the contribution within a specified timeframe.

Additionally, the bill establishes a civil penalty for violations, allowing for penalties up to three times the amount of the improperly accepted contributions. The Texas commission is tasked with implementing rules necessary for this section, and the law will apply only to contributions accepted on or after the effective date of September 1, 2025. Contributions accepted prior to this date will be governed by the existing laws at that time.

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