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Statutes > Texas > Election-code > Title-15-regulating-political-funds-and-campaigns > Chapter-254-political-reporting

ELECTION CODE

TITLE 15. REGULATING POLITICAL FUNDS AND CAMPAIGNS

CHAPTER 254. POLITICAL REPORTING

SUBCHAPTER A. RECORDKEEPING

Sec. 254.001. RECORDKEEPING REQUIRED. (a) Each candidate and

each officeholder shall maintain a record of all reportable

activity.

(b) Each campaign treasurer of a political committee shall

maintain a record of all reportable activity.

(c) The record must contain the information that is necessary

for filing the reports required by this chapter.

(d) A person required to maintain a record under this section

shall preserve the record for at least two years beginning on the

filing deadline for the report containing the information in the

record.

(e) A person who violates this section commits an offense. An

offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

SUBCHAPTER B. POLITICAL REPORTING GENERALLY

Sec. 254.031. GENERAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS. (a) Except as

otherwise provided by this chapter, each report filed under this

chapter must include:

(1) the amount of political contributions from each person that

in the aggregate exceed $50 and that are accepted during the

reporting period by the person or committee required to file a

report under this chapter, the full name and address of the

person making the contributions, and the dates of the

contributions;

(2) the amount of loans that are made during the reporting

period for campaign or officeholder purposes to the person or

committee required to file the report and that in the aggregate

exceed $50, the dates the loans are made, the interest rate, the

maturity date, the type of collateral for the loans, if any, the

full name and address of the person or financial institution

making the loans, the full name and address, principal

occupation, and name of the employer of each guarantor of the

loans, the amount of the loans guaranteed by each guarantor, and

the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding loans as of the

last day of the reporting period;

(3) the amount of political expenditures that in the aggregate

exceed $50 and that are made during the reporting period, the

full name and address of the persons to whom the expenditures are

made, and the dates and purposes of the expenditures;

(4) the amount of each payment made during the reporting period

from a political contribution if the payment is not a political

expenditure, the full name and address of the person to whom the

payment is made, and the date and purpose of the payment;

(5) the total amount or a specific listing of the political

contributions of $50 or less accepted and the total amount or a

specific listing of the political expenditures of $50 or less

made during the reporting period;

(6) the total amount of all political contributions accepted and

the total amount of all political expenditures made during the

reporting period;

(7) the name of each candidate or officeholder who benefits from

a direct campaign expenditure made during the reporting period by

the person or committee required to file the report, and the

office sought or held, excluding a direct campaign expenditure

that is made by the principal political committee of a political

party on behalf of a slate of two or more nominees of that party;

and

(8) as of the last day of a reporting period for which the

person is required to file a report, the total amount of

political contributions accepted, including interest or other

income on those contributions, maintained in one or more accounts

in which political contributions are deposited as of the last day

of the reporting period.

(a-1) A de minimis error in calculating or reporting a cash

balance under Subsection (a)(8) is not a violation of this

section.

(b) If no reportable activity occurs during a reporting period,

the person required to file a report shall indicate that fact in

the report.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 304, Sec. 5.10, eff. Jan. 1,

1992; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.091, eff. Sept. 1,

2003.

Sec. 254.0311. REPORT BY LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS. (a) A legislative

caucus shall file a report of contributions and expenditures as

required by this section.

(b) A report filed under this section must include:

(1) the amount of contributions from each person, other than a

caucus member, that in the aggregate exceed $50 and that are

accepted during the reporting period by the legislative caucus,

the full name and address of the person making the contributions,

and the dates of the contributions;

(2) the amount of loans that are made during the reporting

period to the legislative caucus and that in the aggregate exceed

$50, the dates the loans are made, the interest rate, the

maturity date, the type of collateral for the loans, if any, the

full name and address of the person or financial institution

making the loans, the full name and address, principal

occupation, and name of the employer of each guarantor of the

loans, the amount of the loans guaranteed by each guarantor, and

the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding loans as of the

last day of the reporting period;

(3) the amount of expenditures that in the aggregate exceed $50

and that are made during the reporting period, the full name and

address of the persons to whom the expenditures are made, and the

dates and purposes of the expenditures;

(4) the total amount or a specific listing of contributions of

$50 or less accepted from persons other than caucus members and

the total amount or a specific listing of expenditures of $50 or

less made during the reporting period; and

(5) the total amount of all contributions accepted, including

total contributions from caucus members, and the total amount of

all expenditures made during the reporting period.

(c) If no reportable activity occurs during a reporting period,

the legislative caucus shall indicate that fact in the report.

(d) A legislative caucus shall file with the commission two

reports for each year.

(e) The first report shall be filed not later than July 15. The

report covers the period beginning January 1 or the day the

legislative caucus is organized, as applicable, and continuing

through June 30.

(f) The second report shall be filed not later than January 15.

The report covers the period beginning July 1 or the day the

legislative caucus is organized, as applicable, and continuing

through December 31.

(g) A legislative caucus shall maintain a record of all

reportable activity under this section and shall preserve the

record for at least two years beginning on the filing deadline

for the report containing the information in the record.

(h) In this section, "legislative caucus" has the meaning

assigned by Section 253.0341.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 43, Sec. 2, eff. Aug. 28,

1995.

Sec. 254.0312. BEST EFFORTS. (a) A person required to file a

report under this chapter is considered to be in compliance with

Section 254.0612, 254.0912, or 254.1212 only if the person or the

person's campaign treasurer shows that the person has used best

efforts to obtain, maintain, and report the information required

by those sections. A person is considered to have used best

efforts to obtain, maintain, and report that information if the

person or the person's campaign treasurer complies with this

section.

(b) Each written solicitation for political contributions from

an individual must include:

(1) a clear request for the individual's full name and address,

the individual's principal occupation or job title, and the full

name of the individual's employer; and

(2) an accurate statement of state law regarding the collection

and reporting of individual contributor information, such as:

(A) "State law requires (certain candidates, officeholders, or

political committees, as applicable) to use best efforts to

collect and report the full name and address, principal

occupation or job title, and full name of employer of individuals

whose contributions equal or exceed $500 in a reporting period.";

or

(B) "To comply with state law, (certain candidates,

officeholders, or political committees, as applicable) must use

best efforts to obtain, maintain, and report the full name and

address, principal occupation or job title, and full name of

employer of individuals whose contributions equal or exceed $500

in a reporting period.".

(c) For each political contribution received from an individual

that, when aggregated with all other political contributions

received from the individual during the reporting period, equals

or exceeds $500 and for which the information required by Section

254.0612, 254.0912, or 254.1212 is not provided, the person must

make at least one oral or written request for the missing

information. A request under this subsection:

(1) must be made not later than the 30th day after the date the

contribution is received;

(2) must include a clear and conspicuous statement that complies

with Subsection (b);

(3) if made orally, must be documented in writing; and

(4) may not be made in conjunction with a solicitation for an

additional political contribution.

(d) A person must report any information required by Section

254.0612, 254.0912, or 254.1212 that is not provided by the

individual making the political contribution and that the person

has in the person's records of political contributions or

previous reports under this chapter.

(e) A person who receives information required by Section

254.0612, 254.0912, or 254.1212 after the filing deadline for the

report on which the contribution is reported must include the

missing information on the next report the person is required to

file under this chapter.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.10, eff. Sept. 1,

2003.

Sec. 254.032. NONREPORTABLE PERSONAL TRAVEL EXPENSE. A

political contribution consisting of personal travel expense

incurred by an individual is not required to be reported under

this chapter if the individual receives no reimbursement for the

expense.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

Sec. 254.033. NONREPORTABLE PERSONAL SERVICE. A political

contribution consisting of an individual's personal service is

not required to be reported under this chapter if the individual

receives no compensation for the service.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

Sec. 254.034. TIME OF ACCEPTING CONTRIBUTION. (a) A

determination to accept or refuse a political contribution that

is received by a candidate, officeholder, or political committee

shall be made not later than the end of the reporting period

during which the contribution is received.

(b) If the determination to accept or refuse a political

contribution is not made before the time required by Subsection

(a), for purposes of this chapter, the contribution is considered

to have been accepted on the last day of that reporting period.

(c) A political contribution that is received but not accepted

shall be returned to the contributor not later than the 30th day

after the deadline for filing a report for the reporting period

during which the contribution is received. A contribution not

returned within that time is considered to be accepted.

(d) A candidate, officeholder, or political committee commits an

offense if the person knowingly fails to return a political

contribution as required by Subsection (c).

(e) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 2, Sec. 7.16, eff. Aug. 28, 1989.

Sec. 254.035. TIME OF MAKING EXPENDITURE. (a) For purposes of

reporting under this chapter, a political expenditure is not

considered to have been made until the amount is readily

determinable by the person making the expenditure, except as

provided by Subsection (b).

(b) If the character of an expenditure is such that under normal

business practice the amount is not disclosed until receipt of a

periodic bill, the expenditure is not considered made until the

date the bill is received.

(c) The amount of a political expenditure made by credit card is

readily determinable by the person making the expenditure on the

date the person receives the credit card statement that includes

the expenditure.

(d) Subsection (c) does not apply to a political expenditure

made by credit card during the period covered by a report

required to be filed under Section 254.064(b) or (c), 254.124(b)

or (c), or 254.154(b) or (c).

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.11, eff. Sept. 1,

2003.

Sec. 254.036. FORM OF REPORT; AFFIDAVIT; MAILING OF FORMS. (a)

Each report filed under this chapter with an authority other than

the commission must be in a format prescribed by the commission.

A report filed with the commission that is not required to be

filed by computer diskette, modem, or other means of electronic

transfer must be on a form prescribed by the commission and

written in black ink or typed with black typewriter ribbon or, if

the report is a computer printout, the printout must conform to

the same format and paper size as the form prescribed by the

commission.

(b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), (e), or (f), each

report filed under this chapter with the commission must be filed

by computer diskette, modem, or other means of electronic

transfer, using computer software provided by the commission or

computer software that meets commission specifications for a

standard file format.

(c) A candidate, officeholder, or political committee that is

required to file reports with the commission may file reports

that comply with Subsection (a) if:

(1) the candidate, officeholder, or campaign treasurer of the

committee files with the commission an affidavit stating that the

candidate, officeholder, or committee, an agent of the candidate,

officeholder, or committee, or a person with whom the candidate,

officeholder, or committee contracts does not use computer

equipment to keep the current records of political contributions,

political expenditures, or persons making political contributions

to the candidate, officeholder, or committee; and

(2) the candidate, officeholder, or committee does not, in a

calendar year, accept political contributions that in the

aggregate exceed $20,000 or make political expenditures that in

the aggregate exceed $20,000.

(c-1) An affidavit under Subsection (c) must be filed with each

report filed under Subsection (a). The affidavit must include a

statement that the candidate, officeholder, or political

committee understands that the candidate, officeholder, or

committee shall file reports as required by Subsection (b) if:

(1) the candidate, officeholder, or committee, a consultant of

the candidate, officeholder, or committee, or a person with whom

the candidate, officeholder, or committee contracts uses computer

equipment for a purpose described by Subsection (c); or

(2) the candidate, officeholder, or committee exceeds $20,000 in

political contributions or political expenditures in a calendar

year.

(d) Repealed by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.26.

(e) A candidate for an office described by Section 252.005(5) or

a specific-purpose committee for supporting or opposing only

candidates for an office described by Section 252.005(5) or a

measure described by Section 252.007(5) may file reports that

comply with Subsection (a).

(f) An individual required to file a report with the commission

in connection with a direct campaign expenditure to which Section

253.062 applies may file a report that complies with Subsection

(a).

(g) Repealed by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.26.

(h) Each report filed under this chapter that is not filed by

electronic transfer must be accompanied by an affidavit executed

by the person required to file the report. The affidavit must

contain the statement: "I swear, or affirm, under penalty of

perjury, that the accompanying report is true and correct and

includes all information required to be reported by me under

Title 15, Election Code." Each report filed under this chapter by

electronic transfer must be under oath by the person required to

file the report and must contain, in compliance with commission

specifications, the digitized signature of the person required to

file the report. A report filed under this chapter is considered

to be under oath by the person required to file the report, and

the person is subject to prosecution under Chapter 37, Penal

Code, regardless of the absence of or a defect in the affidavit.

(i) Each person required to file reports with the commission

that comply with Subsection (b) shall file with the commission a

written statement providing the manner of electronic transfer

that the person will use to file the report. A statement under

this subsection must be filed not later than the 30th day before

the filing deadline for the first report a person is required to

file under Subsection (b). A person who intends to change the

manner of filing described by the person's most recent statement

shall notify the commission of the change not later than the 30th

day before the filing deadline for the report to which the change

applies. If a person does not file a statement under this

subsection, the commission may accept as authentic a report filed

in any manner that complies with Subsection (b). If the

commission receives a report that is not filed in the manner

described by the person's most recent statement under this

subsection, the commission shall promptly notify the person in

writing that the commission has received a report filed in a

different manner than expected.

(j) As part of the notification required by Section 251.033, the

commission shall mail the appropriate forms to each person

required to file a report with the commission during that

reporting period.

(k) The commission shall prescribe forms for purposes of

legislative caucus reports under Section 254.0311 that are

separate and distinct from forms for other reports under this

chapter.

(l) This section applies to a report that is filed

electronically or otherwise.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 304, Sec. 5.11, eff. Jan. 1,

1992; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 43, Sec. 3, eff. Aug. 28, 1995;

Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1134, Sec. 6, 7, eff. Sept. 1, 1997;

Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1434, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts

2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.12, 2.26, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1225, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 254.0362. USE OF PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE COMPUTER TERMINAL FOR

PREPARATION OF REPORTS. (a) Except as provided by Subsection

(d), a person who is required to file reports under this chapter

may use a publicly accessible computer terminal that has Internet

access and web browser software to prepare the reports.

(b) A public entity may prescribe reasonable restrictions on the

use of a publicly accessible computer terminal for preparation of

reports under this chapter, except that a public entity may not

prohibit a person from using a computer terminal for preparation

of reports during the public entity's regular business hours if

the person requests to use the computer terminal less than 48

hours before a reporting deadline to which the person is subject.

(c) This section does not require a public entity to provide a

person with consumable materials, including paper and computer

diskettes, in conjunction with the use of a publicly accessible

computer terminal.

(d) An officeholder may not use a computer issued to the

officeholder for official use to prepare a report under this

title.

(e) In this section:

(1) "Public entity" means a state agency, city, county, or

independent school district.

(2) "Publicly accessible computer terminal" means a computer

terminal that is normally available for use by members of the

public and that is owned by a state agency, an independent school

district, or a public library operated by a city or county.

Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1434, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1,

1999.

Sec. 254.037. FILING DEADLINE. (a) Except as provided by

Subsection (b), the deadline for filing a report required by this

chapter is 5 p.m. on the last day permitted under this chapter

for filing the report.

(b) The deadline for filing a report electronically with the

commission as required by this chapter is midnight on the last

day for filing the report.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

Amended by:

Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

472, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.

Sec. 254.038. SPECIAL REPORT NEAR ELECTION BY CERTAIN CANDIDATES

AND POLITICAL COMMITTEES. (a) In addition to other reports

required by this chapter, the following persons shall file

additional reports during the period beginning the ninth day

before election day and ending at 12 noon on the day before

election day:

(1) a candidate for an office specified by Section 252.005(1)

who accepts political contributions from a person that in the

aggregate exceed $1,000 during that reporting period; and

(2) a specific-purpose committee for supporting or opposing a

candidate described by Subdivision (1) and that accepts political

contributions from a person that in the aggregate exceed $1,000

during that reporting period.

(b) Each report required by this section must include the amount

of the contributions specified by Subsection (a), the full name

and address of the person making the contributions, and the dates

of the contributions.

(c) A report under this section shall be filed electronically,

by telegram or telephonic facsimile machine, or by hand, in the

form required by Section 254.036. The commission must receive a

report under this section filed by telegram, telephonic facsimile

machine, or hand not later than 5 p.m. of the first business day

after the date the contribution is accepted. The commission must

receive a report under this section filed electronically not

later than midnight of the first business day after the date the

contribution is accepted. A report under this section is not

required to be accompanied by the affidavit required under

Section 254.036(h) or to be submitted on a form prescribed by the

commission. A report under this section that complies with

Section 254.036(a) must be accompanied by an affidavit under

Section 254.036(c)(1) unless the candidate or committee has

submitted an affidavit under Section 254.036(c)(1) with another

report filed in connection with the election for which a report

is required under this section.

(d) To the extent of a conflict between this section and Section

254.036, this section controls.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 994, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989;

Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 107, Sec. 3.14, eff. Aug. 30, 1993;

Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1428, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts

2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.13, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

174, Sec. 1, eff. October 1, 2005.

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

174, Sec. 2, eff. October 1, 2005.

Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

472, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2007.

Sec. 254.039. SPECIAL REPORT NEAR ELECTION BY CERTAIN

GENERAL-PURPOSE COMMITTEES. (a) In addition to other reports

required by this chapter, a general-purpose committee shall file

additional reports during the period beginning the ninth day

before election day and ending at 12 noon on the day before

election day if the committee:

(1) accepts political contributions from a person that in the

aggregate exceed $5,000 during that reporting period; or

(2) makes direct campaign expenditures supporting or opposing

either a single candidate that in the aggregate exceed $1,000 or

a group of candidates that in the aggregate exceed $15,000 during

that reporting period.

(a-1) A report under this section shall be filed electronically,

by telegram or telephonic facsimile machine, or by hand, in the

form required by Section 254.036. The commission must receive a

report under this section not later than 5 p.m. of the first

business day after the date the contribution is accepted or the

expenditure is made. A report under this section is not required

to be accompanied by the affidavit required under Section

254.036(h) or to be submitted on a form prescribed by the

commission. A report under this section that complies with

Section 254.036(a) must be accompanied by an affidavit under

Section 254.036(c)(1) unless the committee has submitted an

affidavit under Section 254.036(c)(1) with another report filed

in connection with the election for which a report is required

under this section.

(a-2) Each report required by Subsection (a)(1) must include the

amount of the contributions specified by that subsection, the

full name and address of the person making the contributions, and

the dates of the contributions.

(b) Each report required by Subsection (a)(2) must include the

amount of the expenditures, the full name and address of the

persons to whom the expenditures are made, and the dates and

purposes of the expenditures.

(c) To the extent of a conflict between this section and Section

254.036, this section controls.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 994, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1989;

Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 107, Sec. 3.15, eff. Aug. 30, 1993.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

174, Sec. 3, eff. October 1, 2005.

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

174, Sec. 4, eff. October 1, 2005.

Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

1294, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.

Sec. 254.0391. REPORT DURING SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE SESSION. (a)

A statewide officeholder, a member of the legislature, or a

specific-purpose committee for supporting, opposing, or assisting

a statewide officeholder or member of the legislature, or a

candidate for statewide office or the legislature or a

specific-purpose committee for supporting or opposing the

candidate, that accepts a political contribution during the

period beginning on the date the governor signs the proclamation

calling a special legislative session and continuing through the

date of final adjournment shall report the contribution to the

commission not later than the 30th day after the date of final

adjournment.

(b) A determination to accept or refuse the political

contribution shall be made not later than the third day after the

date the contribution is received.

(c) Each report required by this section must include the amount

of the political contribution, the full name and address of the

person making the contribution, and the date of the contribution.

(d) A report is not required under this section if a person

covered by Subsection (a) is required to file another report

under this chapter not later than the 10th day after the date a

report required under this section would be due.

Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 304, Sec. 5.12, eff. Jan. 1,

1992.

Sec. 254.040. PRESERVATION OF REPORTS; RECORD OF INSPECTION.

(a) Each report filed under this chapter shall be preserved by

the authority with whom it is filed for at least two years after

the date it is filed.

(b) Each time a person requests to inspect a report, the

commission shall place in the file a statement of the person's

name and address, whom the person represents, and the date of the

request. The commission shall retain that statement in the file

for one year after the date the requested report is filed. This

subsection does not apply to a request to inspect a report by:

(1) a member or employee of the commission acting on official

business; or

(2) an individual acting on the individual's own behalf.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1134, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

Sec. 254.0401. AVAILABILITY OF ELECTRONIC REPORTS ON INTERNET.

(a) The commission shall make each report filed with the

commission under Section 254.036(b) available to the public on

the Internet not later than the second business day after the

date the report is filed.

(b), (c) Repealed by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.26.

Text of subsec. (b) as amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 567,

Sec. 1.

(b) Except as otherwise provided by this subsection, the

commission shall make a report filed with the commission under

Section 254.036(b) for a reporting deadline by any candidate for

a particular office or by a specific-purpose committee for

supporting or opposing only one candidate for a particular office

available to the public on the Internet if each candidate for

that office that is nominated by or seeking the nomination of a

political party required to nominate candidates by primary

election, and each specific-purpose committee for supporting or

opposing only one candidate for that office that is nominated by

or seeking the nomination of a political party required to

nominate candidates by primary election, other than a candidate

or committee to which Section 254.036(c) or (d) applies, has

filed a report for that reporting deadline. Regardless of whether

each candidate for a particular office that is nominated by or

seeking the nomination of a political party required to nominate

candidates by primary election, and each specific-purpose

committee for supporting or opposing only one candidate for that

office that is nominated by or seeking the nomination of a

political party required to nominate candidates by primary

election, has filed a report for a filing deadline, the

commission shall make each report in connection with that office

available on the Internet and by any other electronic means on:

(1) the 21st day after the date of the filing deadline, for a

report other than a report required to be filed under Section

254.064(c); or

(2) the fourth day after the date of the filing deadline, for a

report required to be filed under Section 254.064(c).

(d) The access allowed by this section to reports is in addition

to the public's access to the information through other

electronic or print distribution of the information.

(e) Before making a report filed under Section 254.036(b)

available on the Internet, the commission shall remove each

portion, other than city, state, and zip code, of the address of

a person listed as having made a political contribution to the

person filing the report. The address information removed must

remain available on the report maintained in the commission's

office but may not be available electronically at that office.

(f) The commission shall clearly state on the Internet website

on which reports are provided under Subsection (b) that reports

filed by an independent candidate, a third-party candidate, or a

specific-purpose committee for supporting or opposing an

independent or third-party candidate will not be available if the

candidate or committee has not yet filed a report.

Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1434, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1,

1999. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.14, 2.26,

eff. Sept. 1, 2003; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 567, Sec. 1, eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Sec. 254.0402. PUBLIC INSPECTION OF REPORTS. (a)

Notwithstanding Section 552.222(a), Government Code, the

authority with whom a report is filed under this chapter may not

require a person examining the report to provide any information

or identification.

(b) The commission shall make information from reports filed

with the commission under Section 254.036(b) available by

electronic means, including:

(1) providing access to computer terminals at the commission's

office;

(2) providing information on computer diskette for purchase at a

reasonable cost; and

(3) providing modem or other electronic access to the

information.

Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1434, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1,

1999.

Sec. 254.041. CRIMINAL PENALTY FOR UNTIMELY OR INCOMPLETE

REPORT. (a) A person who is required by this chapter to file a

report commits an offense if the person knowingly fails:

(1) to file the report on time;

(2) to file a report by computer diskette, modem, or other means

of electronic transfer, if the person is required to file reports

that comply with Section 254.036(b); or

(3) to include in the report information that is required by

this title to be included.

(b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), an offense under this

section is a Class C misdemeanor.

(c) A violation of Subsection (a)(3) by a candidate or

officeholder is a Class A misdemeanor if the report fails to

include information required by Section 254.061(3) or Section

254.091(2), as applicable.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1434, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1999;

Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 4A.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.

Sec. 254.042. CIVIL PENALTY FOR LATE REPORT. (a) The

commission shall determine from any available evidence whether a

report required to be filed with the commission under this

chapter is late. On making that determination, the commission

shall immediately mail a notice of the determination to the

person required to file the report.

(b) If a report other than a report under Section 254.064(c),

254.124(c), or 254.154(c) or the first report under Section

254.063 or 254.123 that is required to be filed following the

primary or general election is determined to be late, the person

required to file the report is liable to the state for a civil

penalty of $500. If a report under Section 254.064(c),

254.124(c), or 254.154(c) or the first report under Section

254.063 or 254.153 that is required to be filed following the

primary or general election is determined to be late, the person

required to file the report is liable to the state for a civil

penalty of $500 for the first day the report is late and $100 for

each day thereafter that the report is late. If a report is more

than 30 days late, the commission shall issue a warning of

liability by registered mail to the person required to file the

report. If the penalty is not paid before the 10th day after the

date on which the warning is received, the person is liable for a

civil penalty in an amount determined by commission rule, but not

to exceed $10,000.

(c) A penalty paid voluntarily under this section shall be

deposited in the State Treasury to the credit of the General

Revenue Fund.

(d) Repealed by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 304, Sec. 5.20, eff.

Jan. 1, 1992.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 304, Sec. 5.13, eff. Jan. 1,

1992; Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 107, Sec. 3.16, eff. Aug. 30,

1993; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.15, eff. Sept. 1,

2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

1294, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2007.

Sec. 254.043. ACTION TO REQUIRE COMPLIANCE. (a) This section

applies only to:

(1) a person required to file reports under this chapter with

the commission; or

(2) a person required to file reports under this chapter with an

authority other than the commission in connection with an office

of a political subdivision in a county with a population of at

least 500,000.

(b) A resident of the territory served by an office may bring an

action for injunctive relief against a candidate for or holder of

that office or a specific-purpose committee for supporting or

opposing such a candidate or assisting such an officeholder to

require the person to file a report under this chapter that the

person has failed to timely file.

(c) An action under this section may be brought against a person

required to file reports under this chapter only if:

(1) the report is not filed before the 60th day after the date

on which the report was required to be filed;

(2) not earlier than the 60th day after the date on which the

report was required to be filed, the person bringing the action

delivers written notice by certified mail to the person required

to file the report, stating:

(A) the person's intention to bring an action under this section

if the report is not filed; and

(B) that an action to require the filing of the report may be

filed if the report is not filed before the 30th day after the

date on which the person required to file the report receives the

notice; and

(3) the report is not filed before the 30th day after the date

on which the person required to file the report receives the

notice required by Subdivision (2).

(d) The court shall award a plaintiff who prevails in an action

under this section reasonable attorney's fees and court costs.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.16, eff. Sept. 1,

2003.

SUBCHAPTER C. REPORTING BY CANDIDATE

Sec. 254.061. ADDITIONAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS. In addition to

the contents required by Section 254.031, each report by a

candidate must include:

(1) the candidate's full name and address, the office sought,

and the identity and date of the election for which the report is

filed;

(2) the campaign treasurer's name, residence or business street

address, and telephone number;

(3) for each political committee from which the candidate

received notice under Section 254.128 or 254.161:

(A) the committee's full name and address;

(B) an indication of whether the committee is a general-purpose

committee or a specific-purpose committee; and

(C) the full name and address of the committee's campaign

treasurer;

(4) the full name and address of each individual acting as a

campaign treasurer of a political committee under Section 253.062

from whom the candidate received notice under Section 254.128 or

254.161; and

(5) on a separate page or pages of the report, the

identification of any payment from political contributions made

to a business in which the candidate has a participating interest

of more than 10 percent, holds a position on the governing body

of the business, or serves as an officer of the business.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 304, Sec. 5.14, eff. Jan. 1,

1992.

Sec. 254.0611. ADDITIONAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS BY CERTAIN

JUDICIAL CANDIDATES. (a) In addition to the contents required

by Sections 254.031 and 254.061, each report by a candidate for a

judicial office covered by Subchapter F, Chapter 253, must

include:

(1) the total amount of political contributions, including

interest or other income, maintained in one or more accounts in

which political contributions are deposited as of the last day of

the reporting period;

(2) for each individual from whom the person filing the report

has accepted political contributions that in the aggregate exceed

$50 and that are accepted during the reporting period:

(A) the principal occupation and job title of the individual and

the full name of the employer of the individual or of the law

firm of which the individual or the individual's spouse is a

member, if any; or

(B) if the individual is a child, the full name of the law firm

of which either of the individual's parents is a member, if any;

(3) a specific listing of each asset valued at $500 or more that

was purchased with political contributions and on hand as of the

last day of the reporting period;

(4) for each political contribution accepted by the person

filing the report but not received as of the last day of the

reporting period:

(A) the full name and address of the person making the

contribution;

(B) the amount of the contribution; and

(C) the date of the contribution; and

(5) for each outstanding loan to the person filing the report as

of the last day of the reporting period:

(A) the full name and address of the person or financial

institution making the loan; and

(B) the full name and address of each guarantor of the loan

other than the candidate.

(b) In this section:

(1) "Child" has the meaning assigned by Section 253.158.

(2) "Law firm" and "member" have the meanings assigned by

Section 253.157.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 763, Sec. 3, eff. July 1,

1995.

Sec. 254.0612. ADDITIONAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS BY CANDIDATE FOR

STATEWIDE EXECUTIVE OFFICE OR LEGISLATIVE OFFICE. In addition to

the contents required by Sections 254.031 and 254.061, each

report by a candidate for a statewide office in the executive

branch or a legislative office must include, for each individual

from whom the person filing the report has accepted political

contributions that in the aggregate equal or exceed $500 and that

are accepted during the reporting period:

(1) the individual's principal occupation or job title; and

(2) the full name of the individual's employer.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.17, eff. Sept. 1,

2003.

Sec. 254.062. CERTAIN OFFICEHOLDER ACTIVITY INCLUDED. If an

officeholder who becomes a candidate has reportable activity that

is not reported under Subchapter D before the end of the period

covered by the first report the candidate is required to file

under this subchapter, the reportable activity shall be included

in the first report filed under this subchapter instead of in a

report filed under Subchapter D.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

Sec. 254.063. SEMIANNUAL REPORTING SCHEDULE FOR CANDIDATE. (a)

A candidate shall file two reports for each year as provided by

this section.

(b) The first report shall be filed not later than July 15. The

report covers the period beginning January 1, the day the

candidate's campaign treasurer appointment is filed, or the first

day after the period covered by the last report required to be

filed under this subchapter, as applicable, and continuing

through June 30.

(c) The second report shall be filed not later than January 15.

The report covers the period beginning July 1, the day the

candidate's campaign treasurer appointment is filed, or the first

day after the period covered by the last report required to be

filed under this subchapter, as applicable, and continuing

through December 31.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

Sec. 254.064. ADDITIONAL REPORTS OF OPPOSED CANDIDATE. (a) In

addition to other required reports, for each election in which a

person is a candidate and has an opponent whose name is to appear

on the ballot, the person shall file two reports.

(b) The first report must be received by the authority with whom

the report is required to be filed not later than the 30th day

before election day. The report covers the period beginning the

day the candidate's campaign treasurer appointment is filed or

the first day after the period covered by the last report

required to be filed under this chapter, as applicable, and

continuing through the 40th day before election day.

(c) The second report must be received by the authority with

whom the report is required to be filed not later than the eighth

day before election day. The report covers the period beginning

the 39th day before election day and continuing through the 10th

day before election day.

(d) If a person becomes an opposed candidate after a reporting

period prescribed by Subsection (b) or (c), the person's first

report must be received by the authority with whom the report is

required to be filed not later than the regular deadline for the

report covering the period during which the person becomes an

opposed candidate. The period covered by the first report begins

the day the candidate's campaign treasurer appointment is filed.

(e) In addition to other required reports, an opposed candidate

in a runoff election shall file one report for that election.

The runoff election report must be received by the authority with

whom the report is required to be filed not later than the eighth

day before runoff election day. The report covers the period

beginning the ninth day before the date of the main election and

continuing through the 10th day before runoff election day.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 864, Sec. 245, eff. Sept. 1,

1997.

Amended by:

Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

673, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.

Sec. 254.065. FINAL REPORT. (a) If a candidate expects no

reportable activity in connection with the candidacy to occur

after the period covered by a report filed under this subchapter,

the candidate may designate the report as a "final" report.

(b) The designation of a report as a final report:

(1) relieves the candidate of the duty to file additional

reports under this subchapter, except as provided by Subsection

(c); and

(2) terminates the candidate's campaign treasurer appointment.

(c) If, after a candidate's final report is filed, reportable

activity with respect to the candidacy occurs, the candidate

shall file the appropriate reports under this subchapter and is

otherwise subject to the provisions of this title applicable to

candidates. A report filed under this subsection may be

designated as a final report.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

Sec. 254.066. AUTHORITY WITH WHOM REPORTS FILED. Reports under

this subchapter shall be filed with the authority with whom the

candidate's campaign treasurer appointment is required to be

filed.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 511, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.

Amended by:

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.

518, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.

SUBCHAPTER D. REPORTING BY OFFICEHOLDER

Sec. 254.091. ADDITIONAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS. In addition to

the contents required by Section 254.031, each report by an

officeholder must include:

(1) the officeholder's full name and address and the office

held;

(2) for each political committee from which the officeholder

received notice under Section 254.128 or 254.161:

(A) the committee's full name and address;

(B) an indication of whether the committee is a general-purpose

committee or a specific-purpose committee; and

(C) the full name and address of the committee's campaign

treasurer; and

(3) on a separate page or pages of the report, the

identification of any payment from political contributions made

to a business in which the officeholder has a participating

interest of more than 10 percent, holds a position on the

governing body of the business, or serves as an officer of the

business.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 304, Sec. 5.15, eff. Jan. 1,

1992.

Sec. 254.0911. ADDITIONAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS BY CERTAIN

JUDICIAL OFFICEHOLDERS. In addition to the contents required by

Sections 254.031 and 254.091, each report by a holder of a

judicial office covered by Subchapter F, Chapter 253, must

include the contents prescribed by Section 254.0611.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 763, Sec. 4, eff. July 1,

1995.

Sec. 254.0912. ADDITIONAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS BY STATEWIDE

EXECUTIVE OFFICEHOLDERS AND LEGISLATIVE OFFICEHOLDERS. In

addition to the contents required by Sections 254.031 and

254.091, each report by a holder of a statewide office in the

executive branch or a legislative office must include the

contents prescribed by Section 254.0612.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.18, eff. Sept. 1,

2003.

Sec. 254.092. CERTAIN OFFICEHOLDER EXPENDITURES EXCLUDED. An

officeholder is not required to report officeholder expenditures

made from the officeholder's personal funds, except as provided

by Section 253.035(h).

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 304, Sec. 5.16, eff. Jan. 1,

1992.

Sec. 254.093. SEMIANNUAL REPORTING SCHEDULE FOR OFFICEHOLDER.

(a) An officeholder shall file two reports for each year as

provided by this section.

(b) The first report shall be filed not later than July 15. The

report covers the period beginning January 1, the day the

officeholder takes office, or the first day after the period

covered by the last report required to be filed under this

chapter, as applicable, and continuing through June 30.

(c) The second report shall be filed not later than January 15.

The report covers the period beginning July 1, the day the

officeholder takes office, or the first day after the period

covered by the last report required to be filed under this

chapter, as applicable, and continuing through December 31.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

Sec. 254.094. REPORT FOLLOWING APPOINTMENT OF CAMPAIGN

TREASURER. (a) An officeholder who appoints a campaign

treasurer shall file a report as provided by this section.

(b) The report covers the period beginning the first day after

the period covered by the last report required to be filed under

this chapter or the day the officeholder takes office, as

applicable, and continuing through the day before the date the

officeholder's campaign treasurer is appointed.

(c) The report shall be filed not later than the 15th day after

the date the officeholder's campaign treasurer is appointed.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

Sec. 254.095. REPORT NOT REQUIRED. If at the end of any

reporting period prescribed by this subchapter an officeholder

who is required to file a report with an authority other than the

commission has not accepted political contributions that in the

aggregate exceed $500 or made political expenditures that in the

aggregate exceed $500, the officeholder is not required to file a

report covering that period.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 107, Sec. 3.17, eff. Aug. 30,

1993.

Sec. 254.096. OFFICEHOLDER WHO BECOMES CANDIDATE. An

officeholder who becomes a candidate is subject to Subchapter C

during each period covered by a report required to be filed under

Subchapter C.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

Sec. 254.097. AUTHORITY WITH WHOM REPORTS FILED. Reports under

this subchapter shall be filed with the authority with whom a

campaign treasurer appointment by a candidate for the office held

by the officeholder is required to be filed.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 511, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.

Amended by:

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.

518, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.

SUBCHAPTER E. REPORTING BY SPECIFIC-PURPOSE COMMITTEE

Sec. 254.121. ADDITIONAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS. In addition to

the contents required by Section 254.031, each report by a

campaign treasurer of a specific-purpose committee must include:

(1) the committee's full name and address;

(2) the full name, residence or business street address, and

telephone number of the committee's campaign treasurer;

(3) the identity and date of the election for which the report

is filed, if applicable;

(4) the name of each candidate and each measure supported or

opposed by the committee, indicating for each whether the

committee supports or opposes;

(5) the name of each officeholder assisted by the committee;

(6) the amount of each political expenditure in the form of a

political contribution that is made to a candidate, officeholder,

or another political committee and that is returned to the

committee during the reporting period, the name of the person to

whom the expenditure was originally made, and the date it is

returned;

(7) on a separate page or pages of the report, the

identification of any payment from political contributions made

to a business in which the candidate or officeholder has a

participating interest of more than 10 percent, holds a position

on the governing body of the business, or serves as an officer of

the business; and

(8) on a separate page or pages of the report, the

identification of any contribution from a corporation or labor

organization made and accepted under Subchapter D, Chapter 253.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 304, Sec. 5.17, eff. Jan. 1,

1992.

Sec. 254.1211. ADDITIONAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS OF CERTAIN

COMMITTEES. In addition to the contents required by Sections

254.031 and 254.121, each report by a specific-purpose committee

for supporting or opposing a candidate for or assisting a holder

of a judicial office covered by Subchapter F, Chapter 253, must

include the contents prescribed by Section 254.0611.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 763, Sec. 5, eff. July 1,

1995.

Sec. 254.1212. ADDITIONAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS OF COMMITTEE

SUPPORTING OR OPPOSING CANDIDATE FOR STATEWIDE EXECUTIVE

OFFICEHOLDERS OR LEGISLATIVE OFFICEHOLDERS OR ASSISTING STATEWIDE

EXECUTIVE OFFICEHOLDERS OR LEGISLATIVE OFFICEHOLDERS. In

addition to the contents required by Sections 254.031 and

254.121, each report by a specific-purpose committee for

supporting or opposing a candidate for or assisting a holder of a

statewide office in the executive branch or a legislative office

must include the contents prescribed by Section 254.0612.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.19, eff. Sept. 1,

2003.

Sec. 254.122. INVOLVEMENT IN MORE THAN ONE ELECTION BY CERTAIN

COMMITTEES. If a specific-purpose committee for supporting or

opposing more than one candidate becomes involved in more than

one election for which the reporting periods prescribed by

Section 254.124 overlap, the reportable activity that occurs

during the overlapping period is not required to be included in a

report filed after the first report in which the activity is

required to be reported.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

Sec. 254.123. SEMIANNUAL REPORTING SCHEDULE FOR COMMITTEE. (a)

The campaign treasurer of a specific-purpose committee shall file

two reports for each year as provided by this section.

(b) The first report shall be filed not later than July 15. The

report covers the period beginning January 1, the day the

committee's campaign treasurer appointment is filed, or the first

day after the period covered by the last report required to be

filed under this subchapter, as applicable, and continuing

through June 30.

(c) The second report shall be filed not later than January 15.

The report covers the period beginning July 1, the day the

committee's campaign treasurer appointment is filed, or the first

day after the period covered by the last report required to be

filed under this subchapter, as applicable, and continuing

through December 31.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

Sec. 254.124. ADDITIONAL REPORTS OF COMMITTEE FOR SUPPORTING OR

OPPOSING CANDIDATE OR MEASURE. (a) In addition to other

required reports, for each election in which a specific-purpose

committee supports or opposes a candidate or measure, the

committee's campaign treasurer shall file two reports.

(b) The first report must be received by the authority with whom

the report is required to be filed not later than the 30th day

before election day. The report covers the period beginning the

day the committee's campaign treasurer appointment is filed or

the first day after the period covered by the committee's last

required report, as applicable, and continuing through the 40th

day before election day.

(c) The second report must be received by the authority with

whom the report is required to be filed not later than the eighth

day before election day. The report covers the period beginning

the 39th day before election day and continuing through the 10th

day before election day.

(d) If a specific-purpose committee supports or opposes a

candidate or measure in an election after a reporting period

prescribed by Subsection (b) or (c), the first report must be

received by the authority with whom the report is required to be

filed not later than the regular deadline for the report covering

the period during which the committee becomes involved in the

election. The period covered by the first report begins the day

the committee's campaign treasurer appointment is filed or the

first day after the period covered by the committee's last

required report, as applicable.

(e) In addition to other required reports, the campaign

treasurer of a specific-purpose committee that supports or

opposes a candidate in a runoff election shall file one report

for the runoff election. The runoff election report must be

received by the authority with whom the report is required to be

filed not later than the eighth day before runoff election day.

The report covers the period beginning the ninth day before the

date of the main election and continuing through the 10th day

before runoff election day.

(f) This section does not apply to a specific-purpose committee

supporting only candidates who do not have opponents whose names

are to appear on the ballot.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 2, Sec. 7.17(a), eff. Aug. 28,

1989.

Amended by:

Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

673, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2007.

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.

553, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.

Sec. 254.125. FINAL REPORT OF COMMITTEE FOR SUPPORTING OR

OPPOSING CANDIDATE OR MEASURE. (a) If a specific-purpose

committee for supporting or opposing a candidate or measure

expects no reportable activity in connection with the election to

occur after the period covered by a report filed under this

subchapter, the committee's campaign treasurer may designate the

report as a "final" report.

(b) The designation of a report as a final report:

(1) relieves the campaign treasurer of the duty to file

additional reports under this subchapter, except as provided by

Subsection (c); and

(2) terminates the committee's campaign treasurer appointment.

(c) If, after a committee's final report is filed, reportable

activity with respect to the election occurs, the committee must

file the appropriate reports under this subchapter and is

otherwise subject to the provisions of this title applicable to

political committees. A report filed under this subsection may be

designated as a final report.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

Sec. 254.126. DISSOLUTION REPORT OF COMMITTEE FOR ASSISTING

OFFICEHOLDER. (a) If a specific-purpose committee for assisting

an officeholder expects no reportable activity to occur after the

period covered by a report filed under this subchapter, the

committee's campaign treasurer may designate the report as a

"dissolution" report.

(b) The filing of a report designated as a dissolution report:

(1) relieves the campaign treasurer of the duty to file

additional reports under this subchapter; and

(2) terminates the committee's campaign treasurer appointment.

(c) A dissolution report must contain an affidavit, executed by

the committee's campaign treasurer, tha

State Codes and Statutes

Statutes > Texas > Election-code > Title-15-regulating-political-funds-and-campaigns > Chapter-254-political-reporting

ELECTION CODE

TITLE 15. REGULATING POLITICAL FUNDS AND CAMPAIGNS

CHAPTER 254. POLITICAL REPORTING

SUBCHAPTER A. RECORDKEEPING

Sec. 254.001. RECORDKEEPING REQUIRED. (a) Each candidate and

each officeholder shall maintain a record of all reportable

activity.

(b) Each campaign treasurer of a political committee shall

maintain a record of all reportable activity.

(c) The record must contain the information that is necessary

for filing the reports required by this chapter.

(d) A person required to maintain a record under this section

shall preserve the record for at least two years beginning on the

filing deadline for the report containing the information in the

record.

(e) A person who violates this section commits an offense. An

offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

SUBCHAPTER B. POLITICAL REPORTING GENERALLY

Sec. 254.031. GENERAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS. (a) Except as

otherwise provided by this chapter, each report filed under this

chapter must include:

(1) the amount of political contributions from each person that

in the aggregate exceed $50 and that are accepted during the

reporting period by the person or committee required to file a

report under this chapter, the full name and address of the

person making the contributions, and the dates of the

contributions;

(2) the amount of loans that are made during the reporting

period for campaign or officeholder purposes to the person or

committee required to file the report and that in the aggregate

exceed $50, the dates the loans are made, the interest rate, the

maturity date, the type of collateral for the loans, if any, the

full name and address of the person or financial institution

making the loans, the full name and address, principal

occupation, and name of the employer of each guarantor of the

loans, the amount of the loans guaranteed by each guarantor, and

the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding loans as of the

last day of the reporting period;

(3) the amount of political expenditures that in the aggregate

exceed $50 and that are made during the reporting period, the

full name and address of the persons to whom the expenditures are

made, and the dates and purposes of the expenditures;

(4) the amount of each payment made during the reporting period

from a political contribution if the payment is not a political

expenditure, the full name and address of the person to whom the

payment is made, and the date and purpose of the payment;

(5) the total amount or a specific listing of the political

contributions of $50 or less accepted and the total amount or a

specific listing of the political expenditures of $50 or less

made during the reporting period;

(6) the total amount of all political contributions accepted and

the total amount of all political expenditures made during the

reporting period;

(7) the name of each candidate or officeholder who benefits from

a direct campaign expenditure made during the reporting period by

the person or committee required to file the report, and the

office sought or held, excluding a direct campaign expenditure

that is made by the principal political committee of a political

party on behalf of a slate of two or more nominees of that party;

and

(8) as of the last day of a reporting period for which the

person is required to file a report, the total amount of

political contributions accepted, including interest or other

income on those contributions, maintained in one or more accounts

in which political contributions are deposited as of the last day

of the reporting period.

(a-1) A de minimis error in calculating or reporting a cash

balance under Subsection (a)(8) is not a violation of this

section.

(b) If no reportable activity occurs during a reporting period,

the person required to file a report shall indicate that fact in

the report.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 304, Sec. 5.10, eff. Jan. 1,

1992; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.091, eff. Sept. 1,

2003.

Sec. 254.0311. REPORT BY LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS. (a) A legislative

caucus shall file a report of contributions and expenditures as

required by this section.

(b) A report filed under this section must include:

(1) the amount of contributions from each person, other than a

caucus member, that in the aggregate exceed $50 and that are

accepted during the reporting period by the legislative caucus,

the full name and address of the person making the contributions,

and the dates of the contributions;

(2) the amount of loans that are made during the reporting

period to the legislative caucus and that in the aggregate exceed

$50, the dates the loans are made, the interest rate, the

maturity date, the type of collateral for the loans, if any, the

full name and address of the person or financial institution

making the loans, the full name and address, principal

occupation, and name of the employer of each guarantor of the

loans, the amount of the loans guaranteed by each guarantor, and

the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding loans as of the

last day of the reporting period;

(3) the amount of expenditures that in the aggregate exceed $50

and that are made during the reporting period, the full name and

address of the persons to whom the expenditures are made, and the

dates and purposes of the expenditures;

(4) the total amount or a specific listing of contributions of

$50 or less accepted from persons other than caucus members and

the total amount or a specific listing of expenditures of $50 or

less made during the reporting period; and

(5) the total amount of all contributions accepted, including

total contributions from caucus members, and the total amount of

all expenditures made during the reporting period.

(c) If no reportable activity occurs during a reporting period,

the legislative caucus shall indicate that fact in the report.

(d) A legislative caucus shall file with the commission two

reports for each year.

(e) The first report shall be filed not later than July 15. The

report covers the period beginning January 1 or the day the

legislative caucus is organized, as applicable, and continuing

through June 30.

(f) The second report shall be filed not later than January 15.

The report covers the period beginning July 1 or the day the

legislative caucus is organized, as applicable, and continuing

through December 31.

(g) A legislative caucus shall maintain a record of all

reportable activity under this section and shall preserve the

record for at least two years beginning on the filing deadline

for the report containing the information in the record.

(h) In this section, "legislative caucus" has the meaning

assigned by Section 253.0341.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 43, Sec. 2, eff. Aug. 28,

1995.

Sec. 254.0312. BEST EFFORTS. (a) A person required to file a

report under this chapter is considered to be in compliance with

Section 254.0612, 254.0912, or 254.1212 only if the person or the

person's campaign treasurer shows that the person has used best

efforts to obtain, maintain, and report the information required

by those sections. A person is considered to have used best

efforts to obtain, maintain, and report that information if the

person or the person's campaign treasurer complies with this

section.

(b) Each written solicitation for political contributions from

an individual must include:

(1) a clear request for the individual's full name and address,

the individual's principal occupation or job title, and the full

name of the individual's employer; and

(2) an accurate statement of state law regarding the collection

and reporting of individual contributor information, such as:

(A) "State law requires (certain candidates, officeholders, or

political committees, as applicable) to use best efforts to

collect and report the full name and address, principal

occupation or job title, and full name of employer of individuals

whose contributions equal or exceed $500 in a reporting period.";

or

(B) "To comply with state law, (certain candidates,

officeholders, or political committees, as applicable) must use

best efforts to obtain, maintain, and report the full name and

address, principal occupation or job title, and full name of

employer of individuals whose contributions equal or exceed $500

in a reporting period.".

(c) For each political contribution received from an individual

that, when aggregated with all other political contributions

received from the individual during the reporting period, equals

or exceeds $500 and for which the information required by Section

254.0612, 254.0912, or 254.1212 is not provided, the person must

make at least one oral or written request for the missing

information. A request under this subsection:

(1) must be made not later than the 30th day after the date the

contribution is received;

(2) must include a clear and conspicuous statement that complies

with Subsection (b);

(3) if made orally, must be documented in writing; and

(4) may not be made in conjunction with a solicitation for an

additional political contribution.

(d) A person must report any information required by Section

254.0612, 254.0912, or 254.1212 that is not provided by the

individual making the political contribution and that the person

has in the person's records of political contributions or

previous reports under this chapter.

(e) A person who receives information required by Section

254.0612, 254.0912, or 254.1212 after the filing deadline for the

report on which the contribution is reported must include the

missing information on the next report the person is required to

file under this chapter.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.10, eff. Sept. 1,

2003.

Sec. 254.032. NONREPORTABLE PERSONAL TRAVEL EXPENSE. A

political contribution consisting of personal travel expense

incurred by an individual is not required to be reported under

this chapter if the individual receives no reimbursement for the

expense.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

Sec. 254.033. NONREPORTABLE PERSONAL SERVICE. A political

contribution consisting of an individual's personal service is

not required to be reported under this chapter if the individual

receives no compensation for the service.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

Sec. 254.034. TIME OF ACCEPTING CONTRIBUTION. (a) A

determination to accept or refuse a political contribution that

is received by a candidate, officeholder, or political committee

shall be made not later than the end of the reporting period

during which the contribution is received.

(b) If the determination to accept or refuse a political

contribution is not made before the time required by Subsection

(a), for purposes of this chapter, the contribution is considered

to have been accepted on the last day of that reporting period.

(c) A political contribution that is received but not accepted

shall be returned to the contributor not later than the 30th day

after the deadline for filing a report for the reporting period

during which the contribution is received. A contribution not

returned within that time is considered to be accepted.

(d) A candidate, officeholder, or political committee commits an

offense if the person knowingly fails to return a political

contribution as required by Subsection (c).

(e) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 2, Sec. 7.16, eff. Aug. 28, 1989.

Sec. 254.035. TIME OF MAKING EXPENDITURE. (a) For purposes of

reporting under this chapter, a political expenditure is not

considered to have been made until the amount is readily

determinable by the person making the expenditure, except as

provided by Subsection (b).

(b) If the character of an expenditure is such that under normal

business practice the amount is not disclosed until receipt of a

periodic bill, the expenditure is not considered made until the

date the bill is received.

(c) The amount of a political expenditure made by credit card is

readily determinable by the person making the expenditure on the

date the person receives the credit card statement that includes

the expenditure.

(d) Subsection (c) does not apply to a political expenditure

made by credit card during the period covered by a report

required to be filed under Section 254.064(b) or (c), 254.124(b)

or (c), or 254.154(b) or (c).

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.11, eff. Sept. 1,

2003.

Sec. 254.036. FORM OF REPORT; AFFIDAVIT; MAILING OF FORMS. (a)

Each report filed under this chapter with an authority other than

the commission must be in a format prescribed by the commission.

A report filed with the commission that is not required to be

filed by computer diskette, modem, or other means of electronic

transfer must be on a form prescribed by the commission and

written in black ink or typed with black typewriter ribbon or, if

the report is a computer printout, the printout must conform to

the same format and paper size as the form prescribed by the

commission.

(b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), (e), or (f), each

report filed under this chapter with the commission must be filed

by computer diskette, modem, or other means of electronic

transfer, using computer software provided by the commission or

computer software that meets commission specifications for a

standard file format.

(c) A candidate, officeholder, or political committee that is

required to file reports with the commission may file reports

that comply with Subsection (a) if:

(1) the candidate, officeholder, or campaign treasurer of the

committee files with the commission an affidavit stating that the

candidate, officeholder, or committee, an agent of the candidate,

officeholder, or committee, or a person with whom the candidate,

officeholder, or committee contracts does not use computer

equipment to keep the current records of political contributions,

political expenditures, or persons making political contributions

to the candidate, officeholder, or committee; and

(2) the candidate, officeholder, or committee does not, in a

calendar year, accept political contributions that in the

aggregate exceed $20,000 or make political expenditures that in

the aggregate exceed $20,000.

(c-1) An affidavit under Subsection (c) must be filed with each

report filed under Subsection (a). The affidavit must include a

statement that the candidate, officeholder, or political

committee understands that the candidate, officeholder, or

committee shall file reports as required by Subsection (b) if:

(1) the candidate, officeholder, or committee, a consultant of

the candidate, officeholder, or committee, or a person with whom

the candidate, officeholder, or committee contracts uses computer

equipment for a purpose described by Subsection (c); or

(2) the candidate, officeholder, or committee exceeds $20,000 in

political contributions or political expenditures in a calendar

year.

(d) Repealed by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.26.

(e) A candidate for an office described by Section 252.005(5) or

a specific-purpose committee for supporting or opposing only

candidates for an office described by Section 252.005(5) or a

measure described by Section 252.007(5) may file reports that

comply with Subsection (a).

(f) An individual required to file a report with the commission

in connection with a direct campaign expenditure to which Section

253.062 applies may file a report that complies with Subsection

(a).

(g) Repealed by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.26.

(h) Each report filed under this chapter that is not filed by

electronic transfer must be accompanied by an affidavit executed

by the person required to file the report. The affidavit must

contain the statement: "I swear, or affirm, under penalty of

perjury, that the accompanying report is true and correct and

includes all information required to be reported by me under

Title 15, Election Code." Each report filed under this chapter by

electronic transfer must be under oath by the person required to

file the report and must contain, in compliance with commission

specifications, the digitized signature of the person required to

file the report. A report filed under this chapter is considered

to be under oath by the person required to file the report, and

the person is subject to prosecution under Chapter 37, Penal

Code, regardless of the absence of or a defect in the affidavit.

(i) Each person required to file reports with the commission

that comply with Subsection (b) shall file with the commission a

written statement providing the manner of electronic transfer

that the person will use to file the report. A statement under

this subsection must be filed not later than the 30th day before

the filing deadline for the first report a person is required to

file under Subsection (b). A person who intends to change the

manner of filing described by the person's most recent statement

shall notify the commission of the change not later than the 30th

day before the filing deadline for the report to which the change

applies. If a person does not file a statement under this

subsection, the commission may accept as authentic a report filed

in any manner that complies with Subsection (b). If the

commission receives a report that is not filed in the manner

described by the person's most recent statement under this

subsection, the commission shall promptly notify the person in

writing that the commission has received a report filed in a

different manner than expected.

(j) As part of the notification required by Section 251.033, the

commission shall mail the appropriate forms to each person

required to file a report with the commission during that

reporting period.

(k) The commission shall prescribe forms for purposes of

legislative caucus reports under Section 254.0311 that are

separate and distinct from forms for other reports under this

chapter.

(l) This section applies to a report that is filed

electronically or otherwise.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 304, Sec. 5.11, eff. Jan. 1,

1992; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 43, Sec. 3, eff. Aug. 28, 1995;

Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1134, Sec. 6, 7, eff. Sept. 1, 1997;

Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1434, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts

2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.12, 2.26, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1225, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 254.0362. USE OF PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE COMPUTER TERMINAL FOR

PREPARATION OF REPORTS. (a) Except as provided by Subsection

(d), a person who is required to file reports under this chapter

may use a publicly accessible computer terminal that has Internet

access and web browser software to prepare the reports.

(b) A public entity may prescribe reasonable restrictions on the

use of a publicly accessible computer terminal for preparation of

reports under this chapter, except that a public entity may not

prohibit a person from using a computer terminal for preparation

of reports during the public entity's regular business hours if

the person requests to use the computer terminal less than 48

hours before a reporting deadline to which the person is subject.

(c) This section does not require a public entity to provide a

person with consumable materials, including paper and computer

diskettes, in conjunction with the use of a publicly accessible

computer terminal.

(d) An officeholder may not use a computer issued to the

officeholder for official use to prepare a report under this

title.

(e) In this section:

(1) "Public entity" means a state agency, city, county, or

independent school district.

(2) "Publicly accessible computer terminal" means a computer

terminal that is normally available for use by members of the

public and that is owned by a state agency, an independent school

district, or a public library operated by a city or county.

Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1434, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1,

1999.

Sec. 254.037. FILING DEADLINE. (a) Except as provided by

Subsection (b), the deadline for filing a report required by this

chapter is 5 p.m. on the last day permitted under this chapter

for filing the report.

(b) The deadline for filing a report electronically with the

commission as required by this chapter is midnight on the last

day for filing the report.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

Amended by:

Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

472, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.

Sec. 254.038. SPECIAL REPORT NEAR ELECTION BY CERTAIN CANDIDATES

AND POLITICAL COMMITTEES. (a) In addition to other reports

required by this chapter, the following persons shall file

additional reports during the period beginning the ninth day

before election day and ending at 12 noon on the day before

election day:

(1) a candidate for an office specified by Section 252.005(1)

who accepts political contributions from a person that in the

aggregate exceed $1,000 during that reporting period; and

(2) a specific-purpose committee for supporting or opposing a

candidate described by Subdivision (1) and that accepts political

contributions from a person that in the aggregate exceed $1,000

during that reporting period.

(b) Each report required by this section must include the amount

of the contributions specified by Subsection (a), the full name

and address of the person making the contributions, and the dates

of the contributions.

(c) A report under this section shall be filed electronically,

by telegram or telephonic facsimile machine, or by hand, in the

form required by Section 254.036. The commission must receive a

report under this section filed by telegram, telephonic facsimile

machine, or hand not later than 5 p.m. of the first business day

after the date the contribution is accepted. The commission must

receive a report under this section filed electronically not

later than midnight of the first business day after the date the

contribution is accepted. A report under this section is not

required to be accompanied by the affidavit required under

Section 254.036(h) or to be submitted on a form prescribed by the

commission. A report under this section that complies with

Section 254.036(a) must be accompanied by an affidavit under

Section 254.036(c)(1) unless the candidate or committee has

submitted an affidavit under Section 254.036(c)(1) with another

report filed in connection with the election for which a report

is required under this section.

(d) To the extent of a conflict between this section and Section

254.036, this section controls.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 994, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989;

Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 107, Sec. 3.14, eff. Aug. 30, 1993;

Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1428, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts

2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.13, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

174, Sec. 1, eff. October 1, 2005.

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

174, Sec. 2, eff. October 1, 2005.

Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

472, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2007.

Sec. 254.039. SPECIAL REPORT NEAR ELECTION BY CERTAIN

GENERAL-PURPOSE COMMITTEES. (a) In addition to other reports

required by this chapter, a general-purpose committee shall file

additional reports during the period beginning the ninth day

before election day and ending at 12 noon on the day before

election day if the committee:

(1) accepts political contributions from a person that in the

aggregate exceed $5,000 during that reporting period; or

(2) makes direct campaign expenditures supporting or opposing

either a single candidate that in the aggregate exceed $1,000 or

a group of candidates that in the aggregate exceed $15,000 during

that reporting period.

(a-1) A report under this section shall be filed electronically,

by telegram or telephonic facsimile machine, or by hand, in the

form required by Section 254.036. The commission must receive a

report under this section not later than 5 p.m. of the first

business day after the date the contribution is accepted or the

expenditure is made. A report under this section is not required

to be accompanied by the affidavit required under Section

254.036(h) or to be submitted on a form prescribed by the

commission. A report under this section that complies with

Section 254.036(a) must be accompanied by an affidavit under

Section 254.036(c)(1) unless the committee has submitted an

affidavit under Section 254.036(c)(1) with another report filed

in connection with the election for which a report is required

under this section.

(a-2) Each report required by Subsection (a)(1) must include the

amount of the contributions specified by that subsection, the

full name and address of the person making the contributions, and

the dates of the contributions.

(b) Each report required by Subsection (a)(2) must include the

amount of the expenditures, the full name and address of the

persons to whom the expenditures are made, and the dates and

purposes of the expenditures.

(c) To the extent of a conflict between this section and Section

254.036, this section controls.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 994, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1989;

Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 107, Sec. 3.15, eff. Aug. 30, 1993.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

174, Sec. 3, eff. October 1, 2005.

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

174, Sec. 4, eff. October 1, 2005.

Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

1294, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.

Sec. 254.0391. REPORT DURING SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE SESSION. (a)

A statewide officeholder, a member of the legislature, or a

specific-purpose committee for supporting, opposing, or assisting

a statewide officeholder or member of the legislature, or a

candidate for statewide office or the legislature or a

specific-purpose committee for supporting or opposing the

candidate, that accepts a political contribution during the

period beginning on the date the governor signs the proclamation

calling a special legislative session and continuing through the

date of final adjournment shall report the contribution to the

commission not later than the 30th day after the date of final

adjournment.

(b) A determination to accept or refuse the political

contribution shall be made not later than the third day after the

date the contribution is received.

(c) Each report required by this section must include the amount

of the political contribution, the full name and address of the

person making the contribution, and the date of the contribution.

(d) A report is not required under this section if a person

covered by Subsection (a) is required to file another report

under this chapter not later than the 10th day after the date a

report required under this section would be due.

Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 304, Sec. 5.12, eff. Jan. 1,

1992.

Sec. 254.040. PRESERVATION OF REPORTS; RECORD OF INSPECTION.

(a) Each report filed under this chapter shall be preserved by

the authority with whom it is filed for at least two years after

the date it is filed.

(b) Each time a person requests to inspect a report, the

commission shall place in the file a statement of the person's

name and address, whom the person represents, and the date of the

request. The commission shall retain that statement in the file

for one year after the date the requested report is filed. This

subsection does not apply to a request to inspect a report by:

(1) a member or employee of the commission acting on official

business; or

(2) an individual acting on the individual's own behalf.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1134, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

Sec. 254.0401. AVAILABILITY OF ELECTRONIC REPORTS ON INTERNET.

(a) The commission shall make each report filed with the

commission under Section 254.036(b) available to the public on

the Internet not later than the second business day after the

date the report is filed.

(b), (c) Repealed by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.26.

Text of subsec. (b) as amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 567,

Sec. 1.

(b) Except as otherwise provided by this subsection, the

commission shall make a report filed with the commission under

Section 254.036(b) for a reporting deadline by any candidate for

a particular office or by a specific-purpose committee for

supporting or opposing only one candidate for a particular office

available to the public on the Internet if each candidate for

that office that is nominated by or seeking the nomination of a

political party required to nominate candidates by primary

election, and each specific-purpose committee for supporting or

opposing only one candidate for that office that is nominated by

or seeking the nomination of a political party required to

nominate candidates by primary election, other than a candidate

or committee to which Section 254.036(c) or (d) applies, has

filed a report for that reporting deadline. Regardless of whether

each candidate for a particular office that is nominated by or

seeking the nomination of a political party required to nominate

candidates by primary election, and each specific-purpose

committee for supporting or opposing only one candidate for that

office that is nominated by or seeking the nomination of a

political party required to nominate candidates by primary

election, has filed a report for a filing deadline, the

commission shall make each report in connection with that office

available on the Internet and by any other electronic means on:

(1) the 21st day after the date of the filing deadline, for a

report other than a report required to be filed under Section

254.064(c); or

(2) the fourth day after the date of the filing deadline, for a

report required to be filed under Section 254.064(c).

(d) The access allowed by this section to reports is in addition

to the public's access to the information through other

electronic or print distribution of the information.

(e) Before making a report filed under Section 254.036(b)

available on the Internet, the commission shall remove each

portion, other than city, state, and zip code, of the address of

a person listed as having made a political contribution to the

person filing the report. The address information removed must

remain available on the report maintained in the commission's

office but may not be available electronically at that office.

(f) The commission shall clearly state on the Internet website

on which reports are provided under Subsection (b) that reports

filed by an independent candidate, a third-party candidate, or a

specific-purpose committee for supporting or opposing an

independent or third-party candidate will not be available if the

candidate or committee has not yet filed a report.

Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1434, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1,

1999. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.14, 2.26,

eff. Sept. 1, 2003; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 567, Sec. 1, eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Sec. 254.0402. PUBLIC INSPECTION OF REPORTS. (a)

Notwithstanding Section 552.222(a), Government Code, the

authority with whom a report is filed under this chapter may not

require a person examining the report to provide any information

or identification.

(b) The commission shall make information from reports filed

with the commission under Section 254.036(b) available by

electronic means, including:

(1) providing access to computer terminals at the commission's

office;

(2) providing information on computer diskette for purchase at a

reasonable cost; and

(3) providing modem or other electronic access to the

information.

Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1434, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1,

1999.

Sec. 254.041. CRIMINAL PENALTY FOR UNTIMELY OR INCOMPLETE

REPORT. (a) A person who is required by this chapter to file a

report commits an offense if the person knowingly fails:

(1) to file the report on time;

(2) to file a report by computer diskette, modem, or other means

of electronic transfer, if the person is required to file reports

that comply with Section 254.036(b); or

(3) to include in the report information that is required by

this title to be included.

(b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), an offense under this

section is a Class C misdemeanor.

(c) A violation of Subsection (a)(3) by a candidate or

officeholder is a Class A misdemeanor if the report fails to

include information required by Section 254.061(3) or Section

254.091(2), as applicable.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1434, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1999;

Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 4A.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.

Sec. 254.042. CIVIL PENALTY FOR LATE REPORT. (a) The

commission shall determine from any available evidence whether a

report required to be filed with the commission under this

chapter is late. On making that determination, the commission

shall immediately mail a notice of the determination to the

person required to file the report.

(b) If a report other than a report under Section 254.064(c),

254.124(c), or 254.154(c) or the first report under Section

254.063 or 254.123 that is required to be filed following the

primary or general election is determined to be late, the person

required to file the report is liable to the state for a civil

penalty of $500. If a report under Section 254.064(c),

254.124(c), or 254.154(c) or the first report under Section

254.063 or 254.153 that is required to be filed following the

primary or general election is determined to be late, the person

required to file the report is liable to the state for a civil

penalty of $500 for the first day the report is late and $100 for

each day thereafter that the report is late. If a report is more

than 30 days late, the commission shall issue a warning of

liability by registered mail to the person required to file the

report. If the penalty is not paid before the 10th day after the

date on which the warning is received, the person is liable for a

civil penalty in an amount determined by commission rule, but not

to exceed $10,000.

(c) A penalty paid voluntarily under this section shall be

deposited in the State Treasury to the credit of the General

Revenue Fund.

(d) Repealed by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 304, Sec. 5.20, eff.

Jan. 1, 1992.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 304, Sec. 5.13, eff. Jan. 1,

1992; Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 107, Sec. 3.16, eff. Aug. 30,

1993; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.15, eff. Sept. 1,

2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

1294, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2007.

Sec. 254.043. ACTION TO REQUIRE COMPLIANCE. (a) This section

applies only to:

(1) a person required to file reports under this chapter with

the commission; or

(2) a person required to file reports under this chapter with an

authority other than the commission in connection with an office

of a political subdivision in a county with a population of at

least 500,000.

(b) A resident of the territory served by an office may bring an

action for injunctive relief against a candidate for or holder of

that office or a specific-purpose committee for supporting or

opposing such a candidate or assisting such an officeholder to

require the person to file a report under this chapter that the

person has failed to timely file.

(c) An action under this section may be brought against a person

required to file reports under this chapter only if:

(1) the report is not filed before the 60th day after the date

on which the report was required to be filed;

(2) not earlier than the 60th day after the date on which the

report was required to be filed, the person bringing the action

delivers written notice by certified mail to the person required

to file the report, stating:

(A) the person's intention to bring an action under this section

if the report is not filed; and

(B) that an action to require the filing of the report may be

filed if the report is not filed before the 30th day after the

date on which the person required to file the report receives the

notice; and

(3) the report is not filed before the 30th day after the date

on which the person required to file the report receives the

notice required by Subdivision (2).

(d) The court shall award a plaintiff who prevails in an action

under this section reasonable attorney's fees and court costs.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.16, eff. Sept. 1,

2003.

SUBCHAPTER C. REPORTING BY CANDIDATE

Sec. 254.061. ADDITIONAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS. In addition to

the contents required by Section 254.031, each report by a

candidate must include:

(1) the candidate's full name and address, the office sought,

and the identity and date of the election for which the report is

filed;

(2) the campaign treasurer's name, residence or business street

address, and telephone number;

(3) for each political committee from which the candidate

received notice under Section 254.128 or 254.161:

(A) the committee's full name and address;

(B) an indication of whether the committee is a general-purpose

committee or a specific-purpose committee; and

(C) the full name and address of the committee's campaign

treasurer;

(4) the full name and address of each individual acting as a

campaign treasurer of a political committee under Section 253.062

from whom the candidate received notice under Section 254.128 or

254.161; and

(5) on a separate page or pages of the report, the

identification of any payment from political contributions made

to a business in which the candidate has a participating interest

of more than 10 percent, holds a position on the governing body

of the business, or serves as an officer of the business.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 304, Sec. 5.14, eff. Jan. 1,

1992.

Sec. 254.0611. ADDITIONAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS BY CERTAIN

JUDICIAL CANDIDATES. (a) In addition to the contents required

by Sections 254.031 and 254.061, each report by a candidate for a

judicial office covered by Subchapter F, Chapter 253, must

include:

(1) the total amount of political contributions, including

interest or other income, maintained in one or more accounts in

which political contributions are deposited as of the last day of

the reporting period;

(2) for each individual from whom the person filing the report

has accepted political contributions that in the aggregate exceed

$50 and that are accepted during the reporting period:

(A) the principal occupation and job title of the individual and

the full name of the employer of the individual or of the law

firm of which the individual or the individual's spouse is a

member, if any; or

(B) if the individual is a child, the full name of the law firm

of which either of the individual's parents is a member, if any;

(3) a specific listing of each asset valued at $500 or more that

was purchased with political contributions and on hand as of the

last day of the reporting period;

(4) for each political contribution accepted by the person

filing the report but not received as of the last day of the

reporting period:

(A) the full name and address of the person making the

contribution;

(B) the amount of the contribution; and

(C) the date of the contribution; and

(5) for each outstanding loan to the person filing the report as

of the last day of the reporting period:

(A) the full name and address of the person or financial

institution making the loan; and

(B) the full name and address of each guarantor of the loan

other than the candidate.

(b) In this section:

(1) "Child" has the meaning assigned by Section 253.158.

(2) "Law firm" and "member" have the meanings assigned by

Section 253.157.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 763, Sec. 3, eff. July 1,

1995.

Sec. 254.0612. ADDITIONAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS BY CANDIDATE FOR

STATEWIDE EXECUTIVE OFFICE OR LEGISLATIVE OFFICE. In addition to

the contents required by Sections 254.031 and 254.061, each

report by a candidate for a statewide office in the executive

branch or a legislative office must include, for each individual

from whom the person filing the report has accepted political

contributions that in the aggregate equal or exceed $500 and that

are accepted during the reporting period:

(1) the individual's principal occupation or job title; and

(2) the full name of the individual's employer.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.17, eff. Sept. 1,

2003.

Sec. 254.062. CERTAIN OFFICEHOLDER ACTIVITY INCLUDED. If an

officeholder who becomes a candidate has reportable activity that

is not reported under Subchapter D before the end of the period

covered by the first report the candidate is required to file

under this subchapter, the reportable activity shall be included

in the first report filed under this subchapter instead of in a

report filed under Subchapter D.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

Sec. 254.063. SEMIANNUAL REPORTING SCHEDULE FOR CANDIDATE. (a)

A candidate shall file two reports for each year as provided by

this section.

(b) The first report shall be filed not later than July 15. The

report covers the period beginning January 1, the day the

candidate's campaign treasurer appointment is filed, or the first

day after the period covered by the last report required to be

filed under this subchapter, as applicable, and continuing

through June 30.

(c) The second report shall be filed not later than January 15.

The report covers the period beginning July 1, the day the

candidate's campaign treasurer appointment is filed, or the first

day after the period covered by the last report required to be

filed under this subchapter, as applicable, and continuing

through December 31.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

Sec. 254.064. ADDITIONAL REPORTS OF OPPOSED CANDIDATE. (a) In

addition to other required reports, for each election in which a

person is a candidate and has an opponent whose name is to appear

on the ballot, the person shall file two reports.

(b) The first report must be received by the authority with whom

the report is required to be filed not later than the 30th day

before election day. The report covers the period beginning the

day the candidate's campaign treasurer appointment is filed or

the first day after the period covered by the last report

required to be filed under this chapter, as applicable, and

continuing through the 40th day before election day.

(c) The second report must be received by the authority with

whom the report is required to be filed not later than the eighth

day before election day. The report covers the period beginning

the 39th day before election day and continuing through the 10th

day before election day.

(d) If a person becomes an opposed candidate after a reporting

period prescribed by Subsection (b) or (c), the person's first

report must be received by the authority with whom the report is

required to be filed not later than the regular deadline for the

report covering the period during which the person becomes an

opposed candidate. The period covered by the first report begins

the day the candidate's campaign treasurer appointment is filed.

(e) In addition to other required reports, an opposed candidate

in a runoff election shall file one report for that election.

The runoff election report must be received by the authority with

whom the report is required to be filed not later than the eighth

day before runoff election day. The report covers the period

beginning the ninth day before the date of the main election and

continuing through the 10th day before runoff election day.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 864, Sec. 245, eff. Sept. 1,

1997.

Amended by:

Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

673, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.

Sec. 254.065. FINAL REPORT. (a) If a candidate expects no

reportable activity in connection with the candidacy to occur

after the period covered by a report filed under this subchapter,

the candidate may designate the report as a "final" report.

(b) The designation of a report as a final report:

(1) relieves the candidate of the duty to file additional

reports under this subchapter, except as provided by Subsection

(c); and

(2) terminates the candidate's campaign treasurer appointment.

(c) If, after a candidate's final report is filed, reportable

activity with respect to the candidacy occurs, the candidate

shall file the appropriate reports under this subchapter and is

otherwise subject to the provisions of this title applicable to

candidates. A report filed under this subsection may be

designated as a final report.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

Sec. 254.066. AUTHORITY WITH WHOM REPORTS FILED. Reports under

this subchapter shall be filed with the authority with whom the

candidate's campaign treasurer appointment is required to be

filed.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 511, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.

Amended by:

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.

518, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.

SUBCHAPTER D. REPORTING BY OFFICEHOLDER

Sec. 254.091. ADDITIONAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS. In addition to

the contents required by Section 254.031, each report by an

officeholder must include:

(1) the officeholder's full name and address and the office

held;

(2) for each political committee from which the officeholder

received notice under Section 254.128 or 254.161:

(A) the committee's full name and address;

(B) an indication of whether the committee is a general-purpose

committee or a specific-purpose committee; and

(C) the full name and address of the committee's campaign

treasurer; and

(3) on a separate page or pages of the report, the

identification of any payment from political contributions made

to a business in which the officeholder has a participating

interest of more than 10 percent, holds a position on the

governing body of the business, or serves as an officer of the

business.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 304, Sec. 5.15, eff. Jan. 1,

1992.

Sec. 254.0911. ADDITIONAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS BY CERTAIN

JUDICIAL OFFICEHOLDERS. In addition to the contents required by

Sections 254.031 and 254.091, each report by a holder of a

judicial office covered by Subchapter F, Chapter 253, must

include the contents prescribed by Section 254.0611.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 763, Sec. 4, eff. July 1,

1995.

Sec. 254.0912. ADDITIONAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS BY STATEWIDE

EXECUTIVE OFFICEHOLDERS AND LEGISLATIVE OFFICEHOLDERS. In

addition to the contents required by Sections 254.031 and

254.091, each report by a holder of a statewide office in the

executive branch or a legislative office must include the

contents prescribed by Section 254.0612.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.18, eff. Sept. 1,

2003.

Sec. 254.092. CERTAIN OFFICEHOLDER EXPENDITURES EXCLUDED. An

officeholder is not required to report officeholder expenditures

made from the officeholder's personal funds, except as provided

by Section 253.035(h).

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 304, Sec. 5.16, eff. Jan. 1,

1992.

Sec. 254.093. SEMIANNUAL REPORTING SCHEDULE FOR OFFICEHOLDER.

(a) An officeholder shall file two reports for each year as

provided by this section.

(b) The first report shall be filed not later than July 15. The

report covers the period beginning January 1, the day the

officeholder takes office, or the first day after the period

covered by the last report required to be filed under this

chapter, as applicable, and continuing through June 30.

(c) The second report shall be filed not later than January 15.

The report covers the period beginning July 1, the day the

officeholder takes office, or the first day after the period

covered by the last report required to be filed under this

chapter, as applicable, and continuing through December 31.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

Sec. 254.094. REPORT FOLLOWING APPOINTMENT OF CAMPAIGN

TREASURER. (a) An officeholder who appoints a campaign

treasurer shall file a report as provided by this section.

(b) The report covers the period beginning the first day after

the period covered by the last report required to be filed under

this chapter or the day the officeholder takes office, as

applicable, and continuing through the day before the date the

officeholder's campaign treasurer is appointed.

(c) The report shall be filed not later than the 15th day after

the date the officeholder's campaign treasurer is appointed.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

Sec. 254.095. REPORT NOT REQUIRED. If at the end of any

reporting period prescribed by this subchapter an officeholder

who is required to file a report with an authority other than the

commission has not accepted political contributions that in the

aggregate exceed $500 or made political expenditures that in the

aggregate exceed $500, the officeholder is not required to file a

report covering that period.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 107, Sec. 3.17, eff. Aug. 30,

1993.

Sec. 254.096. OFFICEHOLDER WHO BECOMES CANDIDATE. An

officeholder who becomes a candidate is subject to Subchapter C

during each period covered by a report required to be filed under

Subchapter C.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

Sec. 254.097. AUTHORITY WITH WHOM REPORTS FILED. Reports under

this subchapter shall be filed with the authority with whom a

campaign treasurer appointment by a candidate for the office held

by the officeholder is required to be filed.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 511, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.

Amended by:

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.

518, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.

SUBCHAPTER E. REPORTING BY SPECIFIC-PURPOSE COMMITTEE

Sec. 254.121. ADDITIONAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS. In addition to

the contents required by Section 254.031, each report by a

campaign treasurer of a specific-purpose committee must include:

(1) the committee's full name and address;

(2) the full name, residence or business street address, and

telephone number of the committee's campaign treasurer;

(3) the identity and date of the election for which the report

is filed, if applicable;

(4) the name of each candidate and each measure supported or

opposed by the committee, indicating for each whether the

committee supports or opposes;

(5) the name of each officeholder assisted by the committee;

(6) the amount of each political expenditure in the form of a

political contribution that is made to a candidate, officeholder,

or another political committee and that is returned to the

committee during the reporting period, the name of the person to

whom the expenditure was originally made, and the date it is

returned;

(7) on a separate page or pages of the report, the

identification of any payment from political contributions made

to a business in which the candidate or officeholder has a

participating interest of more than 10 percent, holds a position

on the governing body of the business, or serves as an officer of

the business; and

(8) on a separate page or pages of the report, the

identification of any contribution from a corporation or labor

organization made and accepted under Subchapter D, Chapter 253.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 304, Sec. 5.17, eff. Jan. 1,

1992.

Sec. 254.1211. ADDITIONAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS OF CERTAIN

COMMITTEES. In addition to the contents required by Sections

254.031 and 254.121, each report by a specific-purpose committee

for supporting or opposing a candidate for or assisting a holder

of a judicial office covered by Subchapter F, Chapter 253, must

include the contents prescribed by Section 254.0611.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 763, Sec. 5, eff. July 1,

1995.

Sec. 254.1212. ADDITIONAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS OF COMMITTEE

SUPPORTING OR OPPOSING CANDIDATE FOR STATEWIDE EXECUTIVE

OFFICEHOLDERS OR LEGISLATIVE OFFICEHOLDERS OR ASSISTING STATEWIDE

EXECUTIVE OFFICEHOLDERS OR LEGISLATIVE OFFICEHOLDERS. In

addition to the contents required by Sections 254.031 and

254.121, each report by a specific-purpose committee for

supporting or opposing a candidate for or assisting a holder of a

statewide office in the executive branch or a legislative office

must include the contents prescribed by Section 254.0612.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.19, eff. Sept. 1,

2003.

Sec. 254.122. INVOLVEMENT IN MORE THAN ONE ELECTION BY CERTAIN

COMMITTEES. If a specific-purpose committee for supporting or

opposing more than one candidate becomes involved in more than

one election for which the reporting periods prescribed by

Section 254.124 overlap, the reportable activity that occurs

during the overlapping period is not required to be included in a

report filed after the first report in which the activity is

required to be reported.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

Sec. 254.123. SEMIANNUAL REPORTING SCHEDULE FOR COMMITTEE. (a)

The campaign treasurer of a specific-purpose committee shall file

two reports for each year as provided by this section.

(b) The first report shall be filed not later than July 15. The

report covers the period beginning January 1, the day the

committee's campaign treasurer appointment is filed, or the first

day after the period covered by the last report required to be

filed under this subchapter, as applicable, and continuing

through June 30.

(c) The second report shall be filed not later than January 15.

The report covers the period beginning July 1, the day the

committee's campaign treasurer appointment is filed, or the first

day after the period covered by the last report required to be

filed under this subchapter, as applicable, and continuing

through December 31.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

Sec. 254.124. ADDITIONAL REPORTS OF COMMITTEE FOR SUPPORTING OR

OPPOSING CANDIDATE OR MEASURE. (a) In addition to other

required reports, for each election in which a specific-purpose

committee supports or opposes a candidate or measure, the

committee's campaign treasurer shall file two reports.

(b) The first report must be received by the authority with whom

the report is required to be filed not later than the 30th day

before election day. The report covers the period beginning the

day the committee's campaign treasurer appointment is filed or

the first day after the period covered by the committee's last

required report, as applicable, and continuing through the 40th

day before election day.

(c) The second report must be received by the authority with

whom the report is required to be filed not later than the eighth

day before election day. The report covers the period beginning

the 39th day before election day and continuing through the 10th

day before election day.

(d) If a specific-purpose committee supports or opposes a

candidate or measure in an election after a reporting period

prescribed by Subsection (b) or (c), the first report must be

received by the authority with whom the report is required to be

filed not later than the regular deadline for the report covering

the period during which the committee becomes involved in the

election. The period covered by the first report begins the day

the committee's campaign treasurer appointment is filed or the

first day after the period covered by the committee's last

required report, as applicable.

(e) In addition to other required reports, the campaign

treasurer of a specific-purpose committee that supports or

opposes a candidate in a runoff election shall file one report

for the runoff election. The runoff election report must be

received by the authority with whom the report is required to be

filed not later than the eighth day before runoff election day.

The report covers the period beginning the ninth day before the

date of the main election and continuing through the 10th day

before runoff election day.

(f) This section does not apply to a specific-purpose committee

supporting only candidates who do not have opponents whose names

are to appear on the ballot.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 2, Sec. 7.17(a), eff. Aug. 28,

1989.

Amended by:

Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

673, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2007.

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.

553, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.

Sec. 254.125. FINAL REPORT OF COMMITTEE FOR SUPPORTING OR

OPPOSING CANDIDATE OR MEASURE. (a) If a specific-purpose

committee for supporting or opposing a candidate or measure

expects no reportable activity in connection with the election to

occur after the period covered by a report filed under this

subchapter, the committee's campaign treasurer may designate the

report as a "final" report.

(b) The designation of a report as a final report:

(1) relieves the campaign treasurer of the duty to file

additional reports under this subchapter, except as provided by

Subsection (c); and

(2) terminates the committee's campaign treasurer appointment.

(c) If, after a committee's final report is filed, reportable

activity with respect to the election occurs, the committee must

file the appropriate reports under this subchapter and is

otherwise subject to the provisions of this title applicable to

political committees. A report filed under this subsection may be

designated as a final report.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

Sec. 254.126. DISSOLUTION REPORT OF COMMITTEE FOR ASSISTING

OFFICEHOLDER. (a) If a specific-purpose committee for assisting

an officeholder expects no reportable activity to occur after the

period covered by a report filed under this subchapter, the

committee's campaign treasurer may designate the report as a

"dissolution" report.

(b) The filing of a report designated as a dissolution report:

(1) relieves the campaign treasurer of the duty to file

additional reports under this subchapter; and

(2) terminates the committee's campaign treasurer appointment.

(c) A dissolution report must contain an affidavit, executed by

the committee's campaign treasurer, tha


State Codes and Statutes

State Codes and Statutes

Statutes > Texas > Election-code > Title-15-regulating-political-funds-and-campaigns > Chapter-254-political-reporting

ELECTION CODE

TITLE 15. REGULATING POLITICAL FUNDS AND CAMPAIGNS

CHAPTER 254. POLITICAL REPORTING

SUBCHAPTER A. RECORDKEEPING

Sec. 254.001. RECORDKEEPING REQUIRED. (a) Each candidate and

each officeholder shall maintain a record of all reportable

activity.

(b) Each campaign treasurer of a political committee shall

maintain a record of all reportable activity.

(c) The record must contain the information that is necessary

for filing the reports required by this chapter.

(d) A person required to maintain a record under this section

shall preserve the record for at least two years beginning on the

filing deadline for the report containing the information in the

record.

(e) A person who violates this section commits an offense. An

offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

SUBCHAPTER B. POLITICAL REPORTING GENERALLY

Sec. 254.031. GENERAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS. (a) Except as

otherwise provided by this chapter, each report filed under this

chapter must include:

(1) the amount of political contributions from each person that

in the aggregate exceed $50 and that are accepted during the

reporting period by the person or committee required to file a

report under this chapter, the full name and address of the

person making the contributions, and the dates of the

contributions;

(2) the amount of loans that are made during the reporting

period for campaign or officeholder purposes to the person or

committee required to file the report and that in the aggregate

exceed $50, the dates the loans are made, the interest rate, the

maturity date, the type of collateral for the loans, if any, the

full name and address of the person or financial institution

making the loans, the full name and address, principal

occupation, and name of the employer of each guarantor of the

loans, the amount of the loans guaranteed by each guarantor, and

the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding loans as of the

last day of the reporting period;

(3) the amount of political expenditures that in the aggregate

exceed $50 and that are made during the reporting period, the

full name and address of the persons to whom the expenditures are

made, and the dates and purposes of the expenditures;

(4) the amount of each payment made during the reporting period

from a political contribution if the payment is not a political

expenditure, the full name and address of the person to whom the

payment is made, and the date and purpose of the payment;

(5) the total amount or a specific listing of the political

contributions of $50 or less accepted and the total amount or a

specific listing of the political expenditures of $50 or less

made during the reporting period;

(6) the total amount of all political contributions accepted and

the total amount of all political expenditures made during the

reporting period;

(7) the name of each candidate or officeholder who benefits from

a direct campaign expenditure made during the reporting period by

the person or committee required to file the report, and the

office sought or held, excluding a direct campaign expenditure

that is made by the principal political committee of a political

party on behalf of a slate of two or more nominees of that party;

and

(8) as of the last day of a reporting period for which the

person is required to file a report, the total amount of

political contributions accepted, including interest or other

income on those contributions, maintained in one or more accounts

in which political contributions are deposited as of the last day

of the reporting period.

(a-1) A de minimis error in calculating or reporting a cash

balance under Subsection (a)(8) is not a violation of this

section.

(b) If no reportable activity occurs during a reporting period,

the person required to file a report shall indicate that fact in

the report.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 304, Sec. 5.10, eff. Jan. 1,

1992; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.091, eff. Sept. 1,

2003.

Sec. 254.0311. REPORT BY LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS. (a) A legislative

caucus shall file a report of contributions and expenditures as

required by this section.

(b) A report filed under this section must include:

(1) the amount of contributions from each person, other than a

caucus member, that in the aggregate exceed $50 and that are

accepted during the reporting period by the legislative caucus,

the full name and address of the person making the contributions,

and the dates of the contributions;

(2) the amount of loans that are made during the reporting

period to the legislative caucus and that in the aggregate exceed

$50, the dates the loans are made, the interest rate, the

maturity date, the type of collateral for the loans, if any, the

full name and address of the person or financial institution

making the loans, the full name and address, principal

occupation, and name of the employer of each guarantor of the

loans, the amount of the loans guaranteed by each guarantor, and

the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding loans as of the

last day of the reporting period;

(3) the amount of expenditures that in the aggregate exceed $50

and that are made during the reporting period, the full name and

address of the persons to whom the expenditures are made, and the

dates and purposes of the expenditures;

(4) the total amount or a specific listing of contributions of

$50 or less accepted from persons other than caucus members and

the total amount or a specific listing of expenditures of $50 or

less made during the reporting period; and

(5) the total amount of all contributions accepted, including

total contributions from caucus members, and the total amount of

all expenditures made during the reporting period.

(c) If no reportable activity occurs during a reporting period,

the legislative caucus shall indicate that fact in the report.

(d) A legislative caucus shall file with the commission two

reports for each year.

(e) The first report shall be filed not later than July 15. The

report covers the period beginning January 1 or the day the

legislative caucus is organized, as applicable, and continuing

through June 30.

(f) The second report shall be filed not later than January 15.

The report covers the period beginning July 1 or the day the

legislative caucus is organized, as applicable, and continuing

through December 31.

(g) A legislative caucus shall maintain a record of all

reportable activity under this section and shall preserve the

record for at least two years beginning on the filing deadline

for the report containing the information in the record.

(h) In this section, "legislative caucus" has the meaning

assigned by Section 253.0341.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 43, Sec. 2, eff. Aug. 28,

1995.

Sec. 254.0312. BEST EFFORTS. (a) A person required to file a

report under this chapter is considered to be in compliance with

Section 254.0612, 254.0912, or 254.1212 only if the person or the

person's campaign treasurer shows that the person has used best

efforts to obtain, maintain, and report the information required

by those sections. A person is considered to have used best

efforts to obtain, maintain, and report that information if the

person or the person's campaign treasurer complies with this

section.

(b) Each written solicitation for political contributions from

an individual must include:

(1) a clear request for the individual's full name and address,

the individual's principal occupation or job title, and the full

name of the individual's employer; and

(2) an accurate statement of state law regarding the collection

and reporting of individual contributor information, such as:

(A) "State law requires (certain candidates, officeholders, or

political committees, as applicable) to use best efforts to

collect and report the full name and address, principal

occupation or job title, and full name of employer of individuals

whose contributions equal or exceed $500 in a reporting period.";

or

(B) "To comply with state law, (certain candidates,

officeholders, or political committees, as applicable) must use

best efforts to obtain, maintain, and report the full name and

address, principal occupation or job title, and full name of

employer of individuals whose contributions equal or exceed $500

in a reporting period.".

(c) For each political contribution received from an individual

that, when aggregated with all other political contributions

received from the individual during the reporting period, equals

or exceeds $500 and for which the information required by Section

254.0612, 254.0912, or 254.1212 is not provided, the person must

make at least one oral or written request for the missing

information. A request under this subsection:

(1) must be made not later than the 30th day after the date the

contribution is received;

(2) must include a clear and conspicuous statement that complies

with Subsection (b);

(3) if made orally, must be documented in writing; and

(4) may not be made in conjunction with a solicitation for an

additional political contribution.

(d) A person must report any information required by Section

254.0612, 254.0912, or 254.1212 that is not provided by the

individual making the political contribution and that the person

has in the person's records of political contributions or

previous reports under this chapter.

(e) A person who receives information required by Section

254.0612, 254.0912, or 254.1212 after the filing deadline for the

report on which the contribution is reported must include the

missing information on the next report the person is required to

file under this chapter.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.10, eff. Sept. 1,

2003.

Sec. 254.032. NONREPORTABLE PERSONAL TRAVEL EXPENSE. A

political contribution consisting of personal travel expense

incurred by an individual is not required to be reported under

this chapter if the individual receives no reimbursement for the

expense.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

Sec. 254.033. NONREPORTABLE PERSONAL SERVICE. A political

contribution consisting of an individual's personal service is

not required to be reported under this chapter if the individual

receives no compensation for the service.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

Sec. 254.034. TIME OF ACCEPTING CONTRIBUTION. (a) A

determination to accept or refuse a political contribution that

is received by a candidate, officeholder, or political committee

shall be made not later than the end of the reporting period

during which the contribution is received.

(b) If the determination to accept or refuse a political

contribution is not made before the time required by Subsection

(a), for purposes of this chapter, the contribution is considered

to have been accepted on the last day of that reporting period.

(c) A political contribution that is received but not accepted

shall be returned to the contributor not later than the 30th day

after the deadline for filing a report for the reporting period

during which the contribution is received. A contribution not

returned within that time is considered to be accepted.

(d) A candidate, officeholder, or political committee commits an

offense if the person knowingly fails to return a political

contribution as required by Subsection (c).

(e) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 2, Sec. 7.16, eff. Aug. 28, 1989.

Sec. 254.035. TIME OF MAKING EXPENDITURE. (a) For purposes of

reporting under this chapter, a political expenditure is not

considered to have been made until the amount is readily

determinable by the person making the expenditure, except as

provided by Subsection (b).

(b) If the character of an expenditure is such that under normal

business practice the amount is not disclosed until receipt of a

periodic bill, the expenditure is not considered made until the

date the bill is received.

(c) The amount of a political expenditure made by credit card is

readily determinable by the person making the expenditure on the

date the person receives the credit card statement that includes

the expenditure.

(d) Subsection (c) does not apply to a political expenditure

made by credit card during the period covered by a report

required to be filed under Section 254.064(b) or (c), 254.124(b)

or (c), or 254.154(b) or (c).

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.11, eff. Sept. 1,

2003.

Sec. 254.036. FORM OF REPORT; AFFIDAVIT; MAILING OF FORMS. (a)

Each report filed under this chapter with an authority other than

the commission must be in a format prescribed by the commission.

A report filed with the commission that is not required to be

filed by computer diskette, modem, or other means of electronic

transfer must be on a form prescribed by the commission and

written in black ink or typed with black typewriter ribbon or, if

the report is a computer printout, the printout must conform to

the same format and paper size as the form prescribed by the

commission.

(b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), (e), or (f), each

report filed under this chapter with the commission must be filed

by computer diskette, modem, or other means of electronic

transfer, using computer software provided by the commission or

computer software that meets commission specifications for a

standard file format.

(c) A candidate, officeholder, or political committee that is

required to file reports with the commission may file reports

that comply with Subsection (a) if:

(1) the candidate, officeholder, or campaign treasurer of the

committee files with the commission an affidavit stating that the

candidate, officeholder, or committee, an agent of the candidate,

officeholder, or committee, or a person with whom the candidate,

officeholder, or committee contracts does not use computer

equipment to keep the current records of political contributions,

political expenditures, or persons making political contributions

to the candidate, officeholder, or committee; and

(2) the candidate, officeholder, or committee does not, in a

calendar year, accept political contributions that in the

aggregate exceed $20,000 or make political expenditures that in

the aggregate exceed $20,000.

(c-1) An affidavit under Subsection (c) must be filed with each

report filed under Subsection (a). The affidavit must include a

statement that the candidate, officeholder, or political

committee understands that the candidate, officeholder, or

committee shall file reports as required by Subsection (b) if:

(1) the candidate, officeholder, or committee, a consultant of

the candidate, officeholder, or committee, or a person with whom

the candidate, officeholder, or committee contracts uses computer

equipment for a purpose described by Subsection (c); or

(2) the candidate, officeholder, or committee exceeds $20,000 in

political contributions or political expenditures in a calendar

year.

(d) Repealed by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.26.

(e) A candidate for an office described by Section 252.005(5) or

a specific-purpose committee for supporting or opposing only

candidates for an office described by Section 252.005(5) or a

measure described by Section 252.007(5) may file reports that

comply with Subsection (a).

(f) An individual required to file a report with the commission

in connection with a direct campaign expenditure to which Section

253.062 applies may file a report that complies with Subsection

(a).

(g) Repealed by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.26.

(h) Each report filed under this chapter that is not filed by

electronic transfer must be accompanied by an affidavit executed

by the person required to file the report. The affidavit must

contain the statement: "I swear, or affirm, under penalty of

perjury, that the accompanying report is true and correct and

includes all information required to be reported by me under

Title 15, Election Code." Each report filed under this chapter by

electronic transfer must be under oath by the person required to

file the report and must contain, in compliance with commission

specifications, the digitized signature of the person required to

file the report. A report filed under this chapter is considered

to be under oath by the person required to file the report, and

the person is subject to prosecution under Chapter 37, Penal

Code, regardless of the absence of or a defect in the affidavit.

(i) Each person required to file reports with the commission

that comply with Subsection (b) shall file with the commission a

written statement providing the manner of electronic transfer

that the person will use to file the report. A statement under

this subsection must be filed not later than the 30th day before

the filing deadline for the first report a person is required to

file under Subsection (b). A person who intends to change the

manner of filing described by the person's most recent statement

shall notify the commission of the change not later than the 30th

day before the filing deadline for the report to which the change

applies. If a person does not file a statement under this

subsection, the commission may accept as authentic a report filed

in any manner that complies with Subsection (b). If the

commission receives a report that is not filed in the manner

described by the person's most recent statement under this

subsection, the commission shall promptly notify the person in

writing that the commission has received a report filed in a

different manner than expected.

(j) As part of the notification required by Section 251.033, the

commission shall mail the appropriate forms to each person

required to file a report with the commission during that

reporting period.

(k) The commission shall prescribe forms for purposes of

legislative caucus reports under Section 254.0311 that are

separate and distinct from forms for other reports under this

chapter.

(l) This section applies to a report that is filed

electronically or otherwise.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 304, Sec. 5.11, eff. Jan. 1,

1992; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 43, Sec. 3, eff. Aug. 28, 1995;

Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1134, Sec. 6, 7, eff. Sept. 1, 1997;

Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1434, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts

2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.12, 2.26, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1225, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 254.0362. USE OF PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE COMPUTER TERMINAL FOR

PREPARATION OF REPORTS. (a) Except as provided by Subsection

(d), a person who is required to file reports under this chapter

may use a publicly accessible computer terminal that has Internet

access and web browser software to prepare the reports.

(b) A public entity may prescribe reasonable restrictions on the

use of a publicly accessible computer terminal for preparation of

reports under this chapter, except that a public entity may not

prohibit a person from using a computer terminal for preparation

of reports during the public entity's regular business hours if

the person requests to use the computer terminal less than 48

hours before a reporting deadline to which the person is subject.

(c) This section does not require a public entity to provide a

person with consumable materials, including paper and computer

diskettes, in conjunction with the use of a publicly accessible

computer terminal.

(d) An officeholder may not use a computer issued to the

officeholder for official use to prepare a report under this

title.

(e) In this section:

(1) "Public entity" means a state agency, city, county, or

independent school district.

(2) "Publicly accessible computer terminal" means a computer

terminal that is normally available for use by members of the

public and that is owned by a state agency, an independent school

district, or a public library operated by a city or county.

Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1434, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1,

1999.

Sec. 254.037. FILING DEADLINE. (a) Except as provided by

Subsection (b), the deadline for filing a report required by this

chapter is 5 p.m. on the last day permitted under this chapter

for filing the report.

(b) The deadline for filing a report electronically with the

commission as required by this chapter is midnight on the last

day for filing the report.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

Amended by:

Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

472, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.

Sec. 254.038. SPECIAL REPORT NEAR ELECTION BY CERTAIN CANDIDATES

AND POLITICAL COMMITTEES. (a) In addition to other reports

required by this chapter, the following persons shall file

additional reports during the period beginning the ninth day

before election day and ending at 12 noon on the day before

election day:

(1) a candidate for an office specified by Section 252.005(1)

who accepts political contributions from a person that in the

aggregate exceed $1,000 during that reporting period; and

(2) a specific-purpose committee for supporting or opposing a

candidate described by Subdivision (1) and that accepts political

contributions from a person that in the aggregate exceed $1,000

during that reporting period.

(b) Each report required by this section must include the amount

of the contributions specified by Subsection (a), the full name

and address of the person making the contributions, and the dates

of the contributions.

(c) A report under this section shall be filed electronically,

by telegram or telephonic facsimile machine, or by hand, in the

form required by Section 254.036. The commission must receive a

report under this section filed by telegram, telephonic facsimile

machine, or hand not later than 5 p.m. of the first business day

after the date the contribution is accepted. The commission must

receive a report under this section filed electronically not

later than midnight of the first business day after the date the

contribution is accepted. A report under this section is not

required to be accompanied by the affidavit required under

Section 254.036(h) or to be submitted on a form prescribed by the

commission. A report under this section that complies with

Section 254.036(a) must be accompanied by an affidavit under

Section 254.036(c)(1) unless the candidate or committee has

submitted an affidavit under Section 254.036(c)(1) with another

report filed in connection with the election for which a report

is required under this section.

(d) To the extent of a conflict between this section and Section

254.036, this section controls.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 994, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989;

Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 107, Sec. 3.14, eff. Aug. 30, 1993;

Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1428, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts

2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.13, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

174, Sec. 1, eff. October 1, 2005.

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

174, Sec. 2, eff. October 1, 2005.

Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

472, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2007.

Sec. 254.039. SPECIAL REPORT NEAR ELECTION BY CERTAIN

GENERAL-PURPOSE COMMITTEES. (a) In addition to other reports

required by this chapter, a general-purpose committee shall file

additional reports during the period beginning the ninth day

before election day and ending at 12 noon on the day before

election day if the committee:

(1) accepts political contributions from a person that in the

aggregate exceed $5,000 during that reporting period; or

(2) makes direct campaign expenditures supporting or opposing

either a single candidate that in the aggregate exceed $1,000 or

a group of candidates that in the aggregate exceed $15,000 during

that reporting period.

(a-1) A report under this section shall be filed electronically,

by telegram or telephonic facsimile machine, or by hand, in the

form required by Section 254.036. The commission must receive a

report under this section not later than 5 p.m. of the first

business day after the date the contribution is accepted or the

expenditure is made. A report under this section is not required

to be accompanied by the affidavit required under Section

254.036(h) or to be submitted on a form prescribed by the

commission. A report under this section that complies with

Section 254.036(a) must be accompanied by an affidavit under

Section 254.036(c)(1) unless the committee has submitted an

affidavit under Section 254.036(c)(1) with another report filed

in connection with the election for which a report is required

under this section.

(a-2) Each report required by Subsection (a)(1) must include the

amount of the contributions specified by that subsection, the

full name and address of the person making the contributions, and

the dates of the contributions.

(b) Each report required by Subsection (a)(2) must include the

amount of the expenditures, the full name and address of the

persons to whom the expenditures are made, and the dates and

purposes of the expenditures.

(c) To the extent of a conflict between this section and Section

254.036, this section controls.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 994, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1989;

Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 107, Sec. 3.15, eff. Aug. 30, 1993.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

174, Sec. 3, eff. October 1, 2005.

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

174, Sec. 4, eff. October 1, 2005.

Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

1294, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.

Sec. 254.0391. REPORT DURING SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE SESSION. (a)

A statewide officeholder, a member of the legislature, or a

specific-purpose committee for supporting, opposing, or assisting

a statewide officeholder or member of the legislature, or a

candidate for statewide office or the legislature or a

specific-purpose committee for supporting or opposing the

candidate, that accepts a political contribution during the

period beginning on the date the governor signs the proclamation

calling a special legislative session and continuing through the

date of final adjournment shall report the contribution to the

commission not later than the 30th day after the date of final

adjournment.

(b) A determination to accept or refuse the political

contribution shall be made not later than the third day after the

date the contribution is received.

(c) Each report required by this section must include the amount

of the political contribution, the full name and address of the

person making the contribution, and the date of the contribution.

(d) A report is not required under this section if a person

covered by Subsection (a) is required to file another report

under this chapter not later than the 10th day after the date a

report required under this section would be due.

Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 304, Sec. 5.12, eff. Jan. 1,

1992.

Sec. 254.040. PRESERVATION OF REPORTS; RECORD OF INSPECTION.

(a) Each report filed under this chapter shall be preserved by

the authority with whom it is filed for at least two years after

the date it is filed.

(b) Each time a person requests to inspect a report, the

commission shall place in the file a statement of the person's

name and address, whom the person represents, and the date of the

request. The commission shall retain that statement in the file

for one year after the date the requested report is filed. This

subsection does not apply to a request to inspect a report by:

(1) a member or employee of the commission acting on official

business; or

(2) an individual acting on the individual's own behalf.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1134, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

Sec. 254.0401. AVAILABILITY OF ELECTRONIC REPORTS ON INTERNET.

(a) The commission shall make each report filed with the

commission under Section 254.036(b) available to the public on

the Internet not later than the second business day after the

date the report is filed.

(b), (c) Repealed by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.26.

Text of subsec. (b) as amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 567,

Sec. 1.

(b) Except as otherwise provided by this subsection, the

commission shall make a report filed with the commission under

Section 254.036(b) for a reporting deadline by any candidate for

a particular office or by a specific-purpose committee for

supporting or opposing only one candidate for a particular office

available to the public on the Internet if each candidate for

that office that is nominated by or seeking the nomination of a

political party required to nominate candidates by primary

election, and each specific-purpose committee for supporting or

opposing only one candidate for that office that is nominated by

or seeking the nomination of a political party required to

nominate candidates by primary election, other than a candidate

or committee to which Section 254.036(c) or (d) applies, has

filed a report for that reporting deadline. Regardless of whether

each candidate for a particular office that is nominated by or

seeking the nomination of a political party required to nominate

candidates by primary election, and each specific-purpose

committee for supporting or opposing only one candidate for that

office that is nominated by or seeking the nomination of a

political party required to nominate candidates by primary

election, has filed a report for a filing deadline, the

commission shall make each report in connection with that office

available on the Internet and by any other electronic means on:

(1) the 21st day after the date of the filing deadline, for a

report other than a report required to be filed under Section

254.064(c); or

(2) the fourth day after the date of the filing deadline, for a

report required to be filed under Section 254.064(c).

(d) The access allowed by this section to reports is in addition

to the public's access to the information through other

electronic or print distribution of the information.

(e) Before making a report filed under Section 254.036(b)

available on the Internet, the commission shall remove each

portion, other than city, state, and zip code, of the address of

a person listed as having made a political contribution to the

person filing the report. The address information removed must

remain available on the report maintained in the commission's

office but may not be available electronically at that office.

(f) The commission shall clearly state on the Internet website

on which reports are provided under Subsection (b) that reports

filed by an independent candidate, a third-party candidate, or a

specific-purpose committee for supporting or opposing an

independent or third-party candidate will not be available if the

candidate or committee has not yet filed a report.

Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1434, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1,

1999. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.14, 2.26,

eff. Sept. 1, 2003; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 567, Sec. 1, eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Sec. 254.0402. PUBLIC INSPECTION OF REPORTS. (a)

Notwithstanding Section 552.222(a), Government Code, the

authority with whom a report is filed under this chapter may not

require a person examining the report to provide any information

or identification.

(b) The commission shall make information from reports filed

with the commission under Section 254.036(b) available by

electronic means, including:

(1) providing access to computer terminals at the commission's

office;

(2) providing information on computer diskette for purchase at a

reasonable cost; and

(3) providing modem or other electronic access to the

information.

Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1434, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1,

1999.

Sec. 254.041. CRIMINAL PENALTY FOR UNTIMELY OR INCOMPLETE

REPORT. (a) A person who is required by this chapter to file a

report commits an offense if the person knowingly fails:

(1) to file the report on time;

(2) to file a report by computer diskette, modem, or other means

of electronic transfer, if the person is required to file reports

that comply with Section 254.036(b); or

(3) to include in the report information that is required by

this title to be included.

(b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), an offense under this

section is a Class C misdemeanor.

(c) A violation of Subsection (a)(3) by a candidate or

officeholder is a Class A misdemeanor if the report fails to

include information required by Section 254.061(3) or Section

254.091(2), as applicable.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1434, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1999;

Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 4A.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.

Sec. 254.042. CIVIL PENALTY FOR LATE REPORT. (a) The

commission shall determine from any available evidence whether a

report required to be filed with the commission under this

chapter is late. On making that determination, the commission

shall immediately mail a notice of the determination to the

person required to file the report.

(b) If a report other than a report under Section 254.064(c),

254.124(c), or 254.154(c) or the first report under Section

254.063 or 254.123 that is required to be filed following the

primary or general election is determined to be late, the person

required to file the report is liable to the state for a civil

penalty of $500. If a report under Section 254.064(c),

254.124(c), or 254.154(c) or the first report under Section

254.063 or 254.153 that is required to be filed following the

primary or general election is determined to be late, the person

required to file the report is liable to the state for a civil

penalty of $500 for the first day the report is late and $100 for

each day thereafter that the report is late. If a report is more

than 30 days late, the commission shall issue a warning of

liability by registered mail to the person required to file the

report. If the penalty is not paid before the 10th day after the

date on which the warning is received, the person is liable for a

civil penalty in an amount determined by commission rule, but not

to exceed $10,000.

(c) A penalty paid voluntarily under this section shall be

deposited in the State Treasury to the credit of the General

Revenue Fund.

(d) Repealed by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 304, Sec. 5.20, eff.

Jan. 1, 1992.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 304, Sec. 5.13, eff. Jan. 1,

1992; Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 107, Sec. 3.16, eff. Aug. 30,

1993; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.15, eff. Sept. 1,

2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

1294, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2007.

Sec. 254.043. ACTION TO REQUIRE COMPLIANCE. (a) This section

applies only to:

(1) a person required to file reports under this chapter with

the commission; or

(2) a person required to file reports under this chapter with an

authority other than the commission in connection with an office

of a political subdivision in a county with a population of at

least 500,000.

(b) A resident of the territory served by an office may bring an

action for injunctive relief against a candidate for or holder of

that office or a specific-purpose committee for supporting or

opposing such a candidate or assisting such an officeholder to

require the person to file a report under this chapter that the

person has failed to timely file.

(c) An action under this section may be brought against a person

required to file reports under this chapter only if:

(1) the report is not filed before the 60th day after the date

on which the report was required to be filed;

(2) not earlier than the 60th day after the date on which the

report was required to be filed, the person bringing the action

delivers written notice by certified mail to the person required

to file the report, stating:

(A) the person's intention to bring an action under this section

if the report is not filed; and

(B) that an action to require the filing of the report may be

filed if the report is not filed before the 30th day after the

date on which the person required to file the report receives the

notice; and

(3) the report is not filed before the 30th day after the date

on which the person required to file the report receives the

notice required by Subdivision (2).

(d) The court shall award a plaintiff who prevails in an action

under this section reasonable attorney's fees and court costs.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.16, eff. Sept. 1,

2003.

SUBCHAPTER C. REPORTING BY CANDIDATE

Sec. 254.061. ADDITIONAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS. In addition to

the contents required by Section 254.031, each report by a

candidate must include:

(1) the candidate's full name and address, the office sought,

and the identity and date of the election for which the report is

filed;

(2) the campaign treasurer's name, residence or business street

address, and telephone number;

(3) for each political committee from which the candidate

received notice under Section 254.128 or 254.161:

(A) the committee's full name and address;

(B) an indication of whether the committee is a general-purpose

committee or a specific-purpose committee; and

(C) the full name and address of the committee's campaign

treasurer;

(4) the full name and address of each individual acting as a

campaign treasurer of a political committee under Section 253.062

from whom the candidate received notice under Section 254.128 or

254.161; and

(5) on a separate page or pages of the report, the

identification of any payment from political contributions made

to a business in which the candidate has a participating interest

of more than 10 percent, holds a position on the governing body

of the business, or serves as an officer of the business.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 304, Sec. 5.14, eff. Jan. 1,

1992.

Sec. 254.0611. ADDITIONAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS BY CERTAIN

JUDICIAL CANDIDATES. (a) In addition to the contents required

by Sections 254.031 and 254.061, each report by a candidate for a

judicial office covered by Subchapter F, Chapter 253, must

include:

(1) the total amount of political contributions, including

interest or other income, maintained in one or more accounts in

which political contributions are deposited as of the last day of

the reporting period;

(2) for each individual from whom the person filing the report

has accepted political contributions that in the aggregate exceed

$50 and that are accepted during the reporting period:

(A) the principal occupation and job title of the individual and

the full name of the employer of the individual or of the law

firm of which the individual or the individual's spouse is a

member, if any; or

(B) if the individual is a child, the full name of the law firm

of which either of the individual's parents is a member, if any;

(3) a specific listing of each asset valued at $500 or more that

was purchased with political contributions and on hand as of the

last day of the reporting period;

(4) for each political contribution accepted by the person

filing the report but not received as of the last day of the

reporting period:

(A) the full name and address of the person making the

contribution;

(B) the amount of the contribution; and

(C) the date of the contribution; and

(5) for each outstanding loan to the person filing the report as

of the last day of the reporting period:

(A) the full name and address of the person or financial

institution making the loan; and

(B) the full name and address of each guarantor of the loan

other than the candidate.

(b) In this section:

(1) "Child" has the meaning assigned by Section 253.158.

(2) "Law firm" and "member" have the meanings assigned by

Section 253.157.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 763, Sec. 3, eff. July 1,

1995.

Sec. 254.0612. ADDITIONAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS BY CANDIDATE FOR

STATEWIDE EXECUTIVE OFFICE OR LEGISLATIVE OFFICE. In addition to

the contents required by Sections 254.031 and 254.061, each

report by a candidate for a statewide office in the executive

branch or a legislative office must include, for each individual

from whom the person filing the report has accepted political

contributions that in the aggregate equal or exceed $500 and that

are accepted during the reporting period:

(1) the individual's principal occupation or job title; and

(2) the full name of the individual's employer.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.17, eff. Sept. 1,

2003.

Sec. 254.062. CERTAIN OFFICEHOLDER ACTIVITY INCLUDED. If an

officeholder who becomes a candidate has reportable activity that

is not reported under Subchapter D before the end of the period

covered by the first report the candidate is required to file

under this subchapter, the reportable activity shall be included

in the first report filed under this subchapter instead of in a

report filed under Subchapter D.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

Sec. 254.063. SEMIANNUAL REPORTING SCHEDULE FOR CANDIDATE. (a)

A candidate shall file two reports for each year as provided by

this section.

(b) The first report shall be filed not later than July 15. The

report covers the period beginning January 1, the day the

candidate's campaign treasurer appointment is filed, or the first

day after the period covered by the last report required to be

filed under this subchapter, as applicable, and continuing

through June 30.

(c) The second report shall be filed not later than January 15.

The report covers the period beginning July 1, the day the

candidate's campaign treasurer appointment is filed, or the first

day after the period covered by the last report required to be

filed under this subchapter, as applicable, and continuing

through December 31.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

Sec. 254.064. ADDITIONAL REPORTS OF OPPOSED CANDIDATE. (a) In

addition to other required reports, for each election in which a

person is a candidate and has an opponent whose name is to appear

on the ballot, the person shall file two reports.

(b) The first report must be received by the authority with whom

the report is required to be filed not later than the 30th day

before election day. The report covers the period beginning the

day the candidate's campaign treasurer appointment is filed or

the first day after the period covered by the last report

required to be filed under this chapter, as applicable, and

continuing through the 40th day before election day.

(c) The second report must be received by the authority with

whom the report is required to be filed not later than the eighth

day before election day. The report covers the period beginning

the 39th day before election day and continuing through the 10th

day before election day.

(d) If a person becomes an opposed candidate after a reporting

period prescribed by Subsection (b) or (c), the person's first

report must be received by the authority with whom the report is

required to be filed not later than the regular deadline for the

report covering the period during which the person becomes an

opposed candidate. The period covered by the first report begins

the day the candidate's campaign treasurer appointment is filed.

(e) In addition to other required reports, an opposed candidate

in a runoff election shall file one report for that election.

The runoff election report must be received by the authority with

whom the report is required to be filed not later than the eighth

day before runoff election day. The report covers the period

beginning the ninth day before the date of the main election and

continuing through the 10th day before runoff election day.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 864, Sec. 245, eff. Sept. 1,

1997.

Amended by:

Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

673, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.

Sec. 254.065. FINAL REPORT. (a) If a candidate expects no

reportable activity in connection with the candidacy to occur

after the period covered by a report filed under this subchapter,

the candidate may designate the report as a "final" report.

(b) The designation of a report as a final report:

(1) relieves the candidate of the duty to file additional

reports under this subchapter, except as provided by Subsection

(c); and

(2) terminates the candidate's campaign treasurer appointment.

(c) If, after a candidate's final report is filed, reportable

activity with respect to the candidacy occurs, the candidate

shall file the appropriate reports under this subchapter and is

otherwise subject to the provisions of this title applicable to

candidates. A report filed under this subsection may be

designated as a final report.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

Sec. 254.066. AUTHORITY WITH WHOM REPORTS FILED. Reports under

this subchapter shall be filed with the authority with whom the

candidate's campaign treasurer appointment is required to be

filed.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 511, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.

Amended by:

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.

518, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.

SUBCHAPTER D. REPORTING BY OFFICEHOLDER

Sec. 254.091. ADDITIONAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS. In addition to

the contents required by Section 254.031, each report by an

officeholder must include:

(1) the officeholder's full name and address and the office

held;

(2) for each political committee from which the officeholder

received notice under Section 254.128 or 254.161:

(A) the committee's full name and address;

(B) an indication of whether the committee is a general-purpose

committee or a specific-purpose committee; and

(C) the full name and address of the committee's campaign

treasurer; and

(3) on a separate page or pages of the report, the

identification of any payment from political contributions made

to a business in which the officeholder has a participating

interest of more than 10 percent, holds a position on the

governing body of the business, or serves as an officer of the

business.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 304, Sec. 5.15, eff. Jan. 1,

1992.

Sec. 254.0911. ADDITIONAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS BY CERTAIN

JUDICIAL OFFICEHOLDERS. In addition to the contents required by

Sections 254.031 and 254.091, each report by a holder of a

judicial office covered by Subchapter F, Chapter 253, must

include the contents prescribed by Section 254.0611.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 763, Sec. 4, eff. July 1,

1995.

Sec. 254.0912. ADDITIONAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS BY STATEWIDE

EXECUTIVE OFFICEHOLDERS AND LEGISLATIVE OFFICEHOLDERS. In

addition to the contents required by Sections 254.031 and

254.091, each report by a holder of a statewide office in the

executive branch or a legislative office must include the

contents prescribed by Section 254.0612.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.18, eff. Sept. 1,

2003.

Sec. 254.092. CERTAIN OFFICEHOLDER EXPENDITURES EXCLUDED. An

officeholder is not required to report officeholder expenditures

made from the officeholder's personal funds, except as provided

by Section 253.035(h).

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 304, Sec. 5.16, eff. Jan. 1,

1992.

Sec. 254.093. SEMIANNUAL REPORTING SCHEDULE FOR OFFICEHOLDER.

(a) An officeholder shall file two reports for each year as

provided by this section.

(b) The first report shall be filed not later than July 15. The

report covers the period beginning January 1, the day the

officeholder takes office, or the first day after the period

covered by the last report required to be filed under this

chapter, as applicable, and continuing through June 30.

(c) The second report shall be filed not later than January 15.

The report covers the period beginning July 1, the day the

officeholder takes office, or the first day after the period

covered by the last report required to be filed under this

chapter, as applicable, and continuing through December 31.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

Sec. 254.094. REPORT FOLLOWING APPOINTMENT OF CAMPAIGN

TREASURER. (a) An officeholder who appoints a campaign

treasurer shall file a report as provided by this section.

(b) The report covers the period beginning the first day after

the period covered by the last report required to be filed under

this chapter or the day the officeholder takes office, as

applicable, and continuing through the day before the date the

officeholder's campaign treasurer is appointed.

(c) The report shall be filed not later than the 15th day after

the date the officeholder's campaign treasurer is appointed.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

Sec. 254.095. REPORT NOT REQUIRED. If at the end of any

reporting period prescribed by this subchapter an officeholder

who is required to file a report with an authority other than the

commission has not accepted political contributions that in the

aggregate exceed $500 or made political expenditures that in the

aggregate exceed $500, the officeholder is not required to file a

report covering that period.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 107, Sec. 3.17, eff. Aug. 30,

1993.

Sec. 254.096. OFFICEHOLDER WHO BECOMES CANDIDATE. An

officeholder who becomes a candidate is subject to Subchapter C

during each period covered by a report required to be filed under

Subchapter C.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

Sec. 254.097. AUTHORITY WITH WHOM REPORTS FILED. Reports under

this subchapter shall be filed with the authority with whom a

campaign treasurer appointment by a candidate for the office held

by the officeholder is required to be filed.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 511, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.

Amended by:

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.

518, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.

SUBCHAPTER E. REPORTING BY SPECIFIC-PURPOSE COMMITTEE

Sec. 254.121. ADDITIONAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS. In addition to

the contents required by Section 254.031, each report by a

campaign treasurer of a specific-purpose committee must include:

(1) the committee's full name and address;

(2) the full name, residence or business street address, and

telephone number of the committee's campaign treasurer;

(3) the identity and date of the election for which the report

is filed, if applicable;

(4) the name of each candidate and each measure supported or

opposed by the committee, indicating for each whether the

committee supports or opposes;

(5) the name of each officeholder assisted by the committee;

(6) the amount of each political expenditure in the form of a

political contribution that is made to a candidate, officeholder,

or another political committee and that is returned to the

committee during the reporting period, the name of the person to

whom the expenditure was originally made, and the date it is

returned;

(7) on a separate page or pages of the report, the

identification of any payment from political contributions made

to a business in which the candidate or officeholder has a

participating interest of more than 10 percent, holds a position

on the governing body of the business, or serves as an officer of

the business; and

(8) on a separate page or pages of the report, the

identification of any contribution from a corporation or labor

organization made and accepted under Subchapter D, Chapter 253.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 304, Sec. 5.17, eff. Jan. 1,

1992.

Sec. 254.1211. ADDITIONAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS OF CERTAIN

COMMITTEES. In addition to the contents required by Sections

254.031 and 254.121, each report by a specific-purpose committee

for supporting or opposing a candidate for or assisting a holder

of a judicial office covered by Subchapter F, Chapter 253, must

include the contents prescribed by Section 254.0611.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 763, Sec. 5, eff. July 1,

1995.

Sec. 254.1212. ADDITIONAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS OF COMMITTEE

SUPPORTING OR OPPOSING CANDIDATE FOR STATEWIDE EXECUTIVE

OFFICEHOLDERS OR LEGISLATIVE OFFICEHOLDERS OR ASSISTING STATEWIDE

EXECUTIVE OFFICEHOLDERS OR LEGISLATIVE OFFICEHOLDERS. In

addition to the contents required by Sections 254.031 and

254.121, each report by a specific-purpose committee for

supporting or opposing a candidate for or assisting a holder of a

statewide office in the executive branch or a legislative office

must include the contents prescribed by Section 254.0612.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 2.19, eff. Sept. 1,

2003.

Sec. 254.122. INVOLVEMENT IN MORE THAN ONE ELECTION BY CERTAIN

COMMITTEES. If a specific-purpose committee for supporting or

opposing more than one candidate becomes involved in more than

one election for which the reporting periods prescribed by

Section 254.124 overlap, the reportable activity that occurs

during the overlapping period is not required to be included in a

report filed after the first report in which the activity is

required to be reported.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

Sec. 254.123. SEMIANNUAL REPORTING SCHEDULE FOR COMMITTEE. (a)

The campaign treasurer of a specific-purpose committee shall file

two reports for each year as provided by this section.

(b) The first report shall be filed not later than July 15. The

report covers the period beginning January 1, the day the

committee's campaign treasurer appointment is filed, or the first

day after the period covered by the last report required to be

filed under this subchapter, as applicable, and continuing

through June 30.

(c) The second report shall be filed not later than January 15.

The report covers the period beginning July 1, the day the

committee's campaign treasurer appointment is filed, or the first

day after the period covered by the last report required to be

filed under this subchapter, as applicable, and continuing

through December 31.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

Sec. 254.124. ADDITIONAL REPORTS OF COMMITTEE FOR SUPPORTING OR

OPPOSING CANDIDATE OR MEASURE. (a) In addition to other

required reports, for each election in which a specific-purpose

committee supports or opposes a candidate or measure, the

committee's campaign treasurer shall file two reports.

(b) The first report must be received by the authority with whom

the report is required to be filed not later than the 30th day

before election day. The report covers the period beginning the

day the committee's campaign treasurer appointment is filed or

the first day after the period covered by the committee's last

required report, as applicable, and continuing through the 40th

day before election day.

(c) The second report must be received by the authority with

whom the report is required to be filed not later than the eighth

day before election day. The report covers the period beginning

the 39th day before election day and continuing through the 10th

day before election day.

(d) If a specific-purpose committee supports or opposes a

candidate or measure in an election after a reporting period

prescribed by Subsection (b) or (c), the first report must be

received by the authority with whom the report is required to be

filed not later than the regular deadline for the report covering

the period during which the committee becomes involved in the

election. The period covered by the first report begins the day

the committee's campaign treasurer appointment is filed or the

first day after the period covered by the committee's last

required report, as applicable.

(e) In addition to other required reports, the campaign

treasurer of a specific-purpose committee that supports or

opposes a candidate in a runoff election shall file one report

for the runoff election. The runoff election report must be

received by the authority with whom the report is required to be

filed not later than the eighth day before runoff election day.

The report covers the period beginning the ninth day before the

date of the main election and continuing through the 10th day

before runoff election day.

(f) This section does not apply to a specific-purpose committee

supporting only candidates who do not have opponents whose names

are to appear on the ballot.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987; Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 2, Sec. 7.17(a), eff. Aug. 28,

1989.

Amended by:

Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

673, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2007.

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.

553, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.

Sec. 254.125. FINAL REPORT OF COMMITTEE FOR SUPPORTING OR

OPPOSING CANDIDATE OR MEASURE. (a) If a specific-purpose

committee for supporting or opposing a candidate or measure

expects no reportable activity in connection with the election to

occur after the period covered by a report filed under this

subchapter, the committee's campaign treasurer may designate the

report as a "final" report.

(b) The designation of a report as a final report:

(1) relieves the campaign treasurer of the duty to file

additional reports under this subchapter, except as provided by

Subsection (c); and

(2) terminates the committee's campaign treasurer appointment.

(c) If, after a committee's final report is filed, reportable

activity with respect to the election occurs, the committee must

file the appropriate reports under this subchapter and is

otherwise subject to the provisions of this title applicable to

political committees. A report filed under this subsection may be

designated as a final report.

Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,

1987.

Sec. 254.126. DISSOLUTION REPORT OF COMMITTEE FOR ASSISTING

OFFICEHOLDER. (a) If a specific-purpose committee for assisting

an officeholder expects no reportable activity to occur after the

period covered by a report filed under this subchapter, the

committee's campaign treasurer may designate the report as a

"dissolution" report.

(b) The filing of a report designated as a dissolution report:

(1) relieves the campaign treasurer of the duty to file

additional reports under this subchapter; and

(2) terminates the committee's campaign treasurer appointment.

(c) A dissolution report must contain an affidavit, executed by

the committee's campaign treasurer, tha