Texas Law on Campaign Money During Special Sessions

HB 310 is a Texas state law that sets new rules for campaign contributions during special legislative sessions. Sponsored by Representative Ann Johnson, this bill aims to regulate when state leaders and lawmakers can receive campaign money. The law takes effect on September 1, 2025.

The main rule is clear: during a special legislative session, most people cannot give money to statewide officeholders (like the governor), state lawmakers, or their campaign committees. This ban lasts from when the special session starts until it officially ends. The law also applies to committees that support or oppose these officials.

However, the bill includes important exceptions. Campaign contributions are still allowed if they will be used in an election happening during the special session. People who lost recent elections can also still raise money. Additionally, money raised to pay for election contests or campaigns where someone has already appointed a campaign treasurer is permitted.

The bill also sets clear rules for accepting and refusing contributions. If a statewide official or legislator receives a contribution during the restricted period, they must refuse it and return it within 30 days. The law considers when mail is postmarked to determine if a contribution arrived during the restricted time.

This law helps ensure that campaign money flows fairly and that special legislative sessions focus on their business without being influenced by major fundraising efforts. Texas residents can learn more about how these rules work and what they mean for elections in their communities.

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