The bill, H.B. No. 141, introduces new restrictions on political contributions from out-of-state contributors in Texas. It adds Section 253.044 to the Election Code, which prohibits candidates or 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 by the end of the reporting period or within five days of acceptance.

Additionally, the bill establishes a civil penalty for violations, allowing the commission to impose a fine of up to three times the amount of the improperly accepted contributions, following a formal hearing process. The commission is also tasked with adopting necessary rules to implement this section. The provisions of this bill will apply only to contributions accepted on or after its effective date, ensuring that contributions made prior to this date are governed by the existing law. The act is set to take effect 91 days after the conclusion of the legislative session.

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