What this is
Texas Senate Bill 19 blocks political donations to state officials and lawmakers during special sessions held before September 1 in odd years.
Senate Bill 19 creates new rules to keep campaign money out of politics during special legislative sessions in Texas. When the Texas Legislature holds a special session before September 1 in odd-numbered years, no one can give money to state elected officials or lawmakers during that session. This ban lasts from the first day the session starts until it ends.
The law stops donations to three types of recipients: statewide officeholders like the governor, individual state lawmakers, and groups that support or oppose these officials. Anyone who receives a donation during the banned period must return it within 30 days. The goal is to reduce the influence of money during these short, focused sessions.
Not all donations are blocked. The law allows some exceptions. Donations sent by mail before the session begins do not count as received during the ban. Campaign money for election contests can still be given. Donations to someone who lost their last election can also be made. And candidates running in elections during the session can accept contributions after they hire a campaign treasurer.
Read full text
Senate Bill 19 affects only donations made after the law takes effect. This change helps ensure that lawmakers can focus on the work of the special session without pressure from campaign fundraising during that time.
Key details
- Session timing: Special sessions before September 1 in odd-numbered years
- Ban period: From first day of special session through final adjournment
- Return deadline: 30 days after receipt
- Recipients restricted: Statewide officeholders, lawmakers, and supporting committees
About Texas Legislature
The Texas Legislature is the state legislature of Texas, consisting of the House of Representatives with 150 members and the Senate with 31 members. Meeting in regular session every two years, the legislature passes stat…
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How this affects households
Under $30,000
This law doesn't directly affect your household budget or daily expenses. Campaign donation limits are about political process, not personal finances.
$30,000-$60,000
This law doesn't change your household income or expenses. The campaign donation rules affect political fundraising, not your family's money.
$60,000-$100,000
This law doesn't impact your household finances directly. Campaign donation limits during special sessions don't affect your income or spending.
Over $100,000
This law doesn't affect your household budget. If you donate to political campaigns, you'll need to time donations around special sessions.
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