The bill, H.B. No. 214, 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. Additionally, if a candidate or officeholder accepts a contribution in violation of this section, they are required to return the contribution within a specified timeframe.

The bill also imposes restrictions on political committees, stating that they cannot contribute to candidates or officeholders if more than 50% of their contributions in the preceding reporting period came from out-of-state individuals. Violations of this section can result in civil penalties up to three times the amount of the illegal contributions, with enforcement requiring a formal hearing. The bill mandates the commission to adopt necessary rules for implementation and specifies that it applies only to contributions accepted after the bill's effective date, which is set for 91 days after the legislative session concludes.

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