S.B. No. 19 introduces a prohibition on political contributions during special legislative sessions in Texas. The bill amends Section 253.034 of the Election Code, changing the heading to "RESTRICTIONS ON CONTRIBUTIONS DURING AND FOLLOWING LEGISLATIVE SESSION" and adding a new subsection (a-1). This new subsection specifies that during a special legislative session that begins before September 1 in an odd-numbered year, individuals are prohibited from knowingly making political contributions to statewide officeholders, members of the legislature, or specific-purpose committees supporting them. Additionally, the bill clarifies that contributions received during this period must be refused and returned within 30 days.

The bill also modifies existing subsections (b) and (c) to align with the new restrictions. It states that contributions made with the intent to be used in elections held during the specified period, to cover election contest expenses, or by individuals defeated in the previous general election are exempt from these restrictions. The changes will apply only to contributions made on or after the effective date of the Act, ensuring that any contributions made prior to this date will be governed by the previous law. The Act will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature; otherwise, it will take effect 91 days after the legislative session concludes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 253.034 (Election Code 253)
Engrossed: Election Code 253.034 (Election Code 253)