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 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. Additionally, political committees are restricted from contributing to candidates if more than 50% of their contributions in the preceding reporting period came from out-of-state sources.

Violations of these new provisions can result in civil penalties up to three times the amount of the illegal contributions, with enforcement requiring a formal hearing. The bill also mandates that the commission adopt necessary rules for implementation. It specifies that the new rules apply only to contributions accepted after the bill's effective date, ensuring that contributions made prior to this date are governed by existing laws. The act is set to take effect 91 days after the end of the legislative session.

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