Texas officials would face political donation limits during special sessions

Donors could not knowingly give covered political donations during special sessions. Covered recipients could not knowingly accept them and would have to refuse them. The rules would cover donations to Texas statewide officeholders, legislators, and committees formed specifically to support, oppose, or assist them. Recipients would return refused donations within 30 days of receipt. Properly addressed donations mailed or given to a carrier before the session, with charges prepaid or arranged, would fall outside the receipt restriction. An exception would cover donations made and accepted for a candidate's election held or ordered during the session. Donations must be made after the candidate appoints a campaign treasurer and before the candidate is sworn into that office. Exceptions would cover donations made and accepted to pay election-dispute expenses or for use by state officeholders or legislators defeated in the general election immediately before the session. Committees supporting or assisting only that defeated person would also qualify. The rules would cover each special session from its opening date through final adjournment and donations made on or after the effective date. If enacted, the bill would take effect immediately with two-thirds approval in each chamber; otherwise, on the 91st day after the legislative session's last day.