Proposed Rules Title 1

TITLE 1. ADMINISTRATION

CHAPTER 18. GENERAL RULES CONCERNING REPORTS

The Texas Ethics Commission (the Commission) proposes amendments to Texas Ethics Commission rules in Chapter 18. Specifically, the Commission proposes amendments to §18.31, regarding Adjustments to Reporting Thresholds.

Section 571.064(b) of the Government Code requires the Commission to annually adjust reporting thresholds upward to the nearest multiple of $10 in accordance with the percentage increase for the previous year in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States Department of Labor. The laws under the Commission's authority that include reporting thresholds are Title 15 of the Election Code (campaign finance law), Chapter 305 of the Government Code (lobby law), Chapter 572 of the Government Code (personal financial statements), Chapters 302 and 303 of the Government Code (speaker election, governor for a day, and speaker's reunion day ceremony reports), and section 2155.003 of the Government Code (reporting requirements applicable to the comptroller).

The Commission first adopted adjustments to reporting thresholds in 2019, which were effective on January 1, 2020. These new adjustments, if adopted, will be effective on January 1, 2021, to apply to contributions and expenditures that occur on or after that date. The thresholds contained in the statutes listed in Figures 1 through 4 of 18.31 are also duplicated in numerous Commission rules, and therefore those rules must be similarly adjusted so they are consistent; amendments to these rules have been submitted concurrently with this proposal.

J.R. Johnson, General Counsel, has determined that for the first five-year period the rule amendment is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the proposed rule.

The General Counsel has also determined that for each year of the first five years the proposed amended rule is in effect, the public benefit will be consistency and clarity in the Commission's rules that set out reporting thresholds. There will not be an effect on small businesses, microbusinesses or rural communities. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the proposed amended rule.

The General Counsel has determined that during the first five years that the proposed amended rule is in effect, they will: not create or eliminate a government program; not require the creation of new employee positions or the elimination of existing employee positions; require an increase in future legislative appropriations to the agency; require an increase or decrease in fees paid to the agency; expand, limit, or repeal an existing regulation; not increase or decrease the number of individuals subject to the rules' applicability; or not positively or adversely affect this state's economy.

The Commission invites comments on the proposed amended rule from any member of the public. A written statement should be emailed to public_comment@ethics.state.tx.us, or mailed or delivered to Anne Temple Peters, Texas Ethics Commission, P.O. Box 12070, Austin, Texas 78711-2070. A person who wants to offer spoken comments to the Commission concerning the proposed amended rule may do so at any Commission meeting during the agenda item relating to the proposed amended rule. Information concerning the date, time, and location of Commission meetings is available by telephoning (512) 463-5800 or on the Commission's website at www.ethics.state.tx.us.

The amendments are proposed under Texas Government Code §571.062, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules to administer Title 15 of the Election Code, and Texas Government Code §571.064, which requires the Commission to annually adjust reporting thresholds in accordance with that statute.

The proposed amended rule affects Title 15 of the Election Code.

§18.31.Adjustments to Reporting Thresholds.

(a) Pursuant to section 571.064 of the Government Code, the reporting thresholds are adjusted as follows:

Figure 1: 1 TAC §18.31(a) (.pdf)

[~~Figure 1: 1 TAC §18.31(a)~~]

Figure 2: 1 TAC §18.31(a) (.pdf)

[~~Figure 2: 1 TAC §18.31(a)~~]

Figure 3: 1 TAC §18.31(a) (.pdf)

[~~Figure 3: 1 TAC §18.31(a)~~]

Figure 4: 1 TAC §18.31(a) (.pdf)

[~~Figure 4: 1 TAC §18.31(a)~~]

(b) The changes made by this rule apply only to conduct occurring on or after the effective date of this rule.

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 20, 2020.

TRD-202002967

J.R. Johnson

General Counsel

Texas Ethics Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 30, 2020

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5800

CHAPTER 20. REPORTING POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDITURES

The Texas Ethics Commission (the Commission) proposes amendments to Texas Ethics Commission rules in Chapter 20. Specifically, the Commission proposes amendments to §20.62, regarding Reporting Staff Reimbursement, and §20.65, regarding Reporting No Activity; §20.217, regarding Modified Reporting, §20.219, regarding Content of Candidate's Sworn Report of Contributions and Expenditures, §20.220, regarding Additional Disclosure for the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, and §20.221, regarding Special Pre-Election Report by Certain Candidates; §20.275, regarding Exception from Filing Requirement for Certain Local Officeholders, and §20.279, regarding Contents of Officeholder's Sworn Report of Contributions and Expenditures; §20.301, regarding Thresholds for Campaign Treasurer Appointment, §20.303, regarding Appointment of Campaign Treasurer, §20.313, regarding Converting to a General-Purpose Committee, §20.329, regarding Modified Reporting, §20.331, regarding Contents of Specific-Purpose Committee Sworn Report of Contributions and Expenditures, and §20.333, regarding Special Pre-Election Report by Certain Specific-Purpose Committees; §20.401, regarding Thresholds for Appointment of Campaign Treasurer by a General-Purpose Committee, §20.405, regarding Campaign Treasurer Appointment for a General-Purpose Political Committee, §20.433, regarding Contents of General-Purpose Committee Sworn Report of Contributions and Expenditures, §20.434, regarding Alternate Reporting Requirements for General-Purpose Committees, and §20.435, regarding Special Pre-Election Reports by Certain General-Purpose Committees; §20.553, regarding County Executive Committee Accepting Contributions or Making Expenditures Totaling $25,000 or Less, and §20.555, regarding County Executive Committee Accepting Contributions or Making Expenditures That Exceed $25,000.

The Commission first adopted adjustments to reporting thresholds in 2019, which were effective on January 1, 2020. These new adjustments, if adopted, will be effective on January 1, 2021, to apply to contributions and expenditures that occur on or after that date. The thresholds contained in these amended rules are also duplicated in numerous statutes, as referenced above; amendments to the affected statutes are included with the amendments to Figures 1 through 4 of 1 TAC §18.31, which has been submitted concurrently with this proposal.

J.R. Johnson, General Counsel, has determined that for the first five-year period the rule amendments are in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the proposed rules.

The General Counsel has also determined that for each year of the first five years the proposed amended rules are in effect, the public benefit will be consistency and clarity in the Commission's rules that set out reporting thresholds. There will not be an effect on small businesses, microbusinesses or rural communities. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the proposed amended rules.

The General Counsel has determined that during the first five years that the proposed amended rules are in effect, they will: not create or eliminate a government program; not require the creation of new employee positions or the elimination of existing employee positions; require an increase in future legislative appropriations to the agency; require an increase or decrease in fees paid to the agency; expand, limit, or repeal an existing regulation; not increase or decrease the number of individuals subject to the rules' applicability; or not positively or adversely affect this state's economy.

The Commission invites comments on the proposed amended rules from any member of the public. A written statement should be emailed to public_comment@ethics.state.tx.us, or mailed or delivered to Anne Temple Peters, Texas Ethics Commission, P.O. Box 12070, Austin, Texas 78711-2070. A person who wants to offer spoken comments to the Commission concerning the proposed amended rules may do so at any Commission meeting during the agenda item relating to the proposed amended rules. Information concerning the date, time, and location of Commission meetings is available by telephoning (512) 463-5800 or on the Commission's website at www.ethics.state.tx.us.

SUBCHAPTER B. GENERAL REPORTING RULES

1 TAC §20.62, §20.65

The proposed amended rules affect Title 15 of the Election Code.

§20.62.Reporting Staff Reimbursement.

(a) Political expenditures made out of personal funds by a staff member of an officeholder, a candidate, or a political committee with the intent to seek reimbursement from the officeholder, candidate, or political committee that in the aggregate do not exceed $6,370 [~~$6,130~~] during the reporting period may be reported as follows IF the reimbursement occurs during the same reporting period that the initial expenditure was made:

(1) the amount of political expenditures that in the aggregate exceed $190 [~~$180~~] 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; and

(2) included with the total amount or a specific listing of the political expenditures of $190 [~~$180~~] or less made during the reporting period.

(b) Except as provided by subsection (a) of this section, a political expenditure made out of personal funds by a staff member of an officeholder, a candidate, or a political committee with the intent to seek reimbursement from the officeholder, candidate, or political committee must be reported as follows:

(1) the aggregate amount of the expenditures made by the staff member as of the last day of the reporting period is reported as a loan to the officeholder, candidate, or political committee;

(2) the expenditure made by the staff member is reported as a political expenditure by the officeholder, candidate, or political committee; and

(3) the reimbursement to the staff member to repay the loan is reported as a political expenditure by the officeholder, candidate, or political committee.

§20.65.Reporting No Activity.

(a) As a general rule, a candidate or officeholder must file a report required by Subchapter C of this chapter (relating to Reporting Requirements for a Candidate) or Subchapter D of this chapter (relating to Reporting Requirements for an Officeholder Who Does Not Have a Campaign Treasurer Appointment on File) even if there has been no reportable activity during the period covered by the report.

(b) This general rule does not apply to:

(1) special pre-election reports;

(2) special session reports; or

(3) a local officeholder who does not have a campaign treasurer appointment on file and who does not accept more than $930 [~~$900~~] in political contributions or make more than $930 [~~$900~~] in political expenditures during the reporting period.

(c) If a required report will disclose that there has been no reportable activity during the reporting period, the filer shall submit only those pages of the report necessary to identify the filer and to swear to the lack of reportable activity.

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 20, 2020.

TRD-202002968

J.R. Johnson

General Counsel

Texas Ethics Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 30, 2020

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5800

SUBCHAPTER C. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR A CANDIDATE

1 TAC §§20.217, 20.219 - 20.221

The amendments are proposed under Texas Government Code §571.062, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules to administer Title 15 of the Election Code, Texas Government Code §571.064, which requires the Commission to annually adjust reporting thresholds in accordance with that statute; and Texas Government Code §2155.003, which requires the Commission to adopt rules to implement that section.

The proposed amended rules affect Title 15 of the Election Code.

§20.217.Modified Reporting.

(a) An opposed candidate who does not intend to accept more than $930 [~~$900~~] in political contributions or make more than $930 [~~$900~~] in political expenditures (excluding filing fees) in connection with any election in an election cycle may choose to file under the modified schedule.

(b) Under the modified schedule, an opposed candidate is not required to file pre-election reports or a runoff report.

(c) To select modified filing, a candidate must file a declaration of intent not to accept more than $930 [~~$900~~ ] in political contributions or make more than $930 [~~$900~~] in political expenditures (excluding filing fees) in connection with the election. The declaration must include a statement that the candidate understands that if either one of those limits is exceeded, the candidate will be required to file pre-election reports and, if necessary, a runoff report.

(d) A declaration under subsection (c) of this section is filed with the candidate's campaign treasurer appointment.

(e) To file under the modified schedule, a candidate must file the declaration required under subsection (c) of this section no later than the 30th day before the first election to which the declaration applies. A declaration filed under subsection (c) of this section is valid for one election cycle only.

(f) If an opposed candidate exceeds either of the $930 [~~$900~~] limits, the candidate must file reports under §20.213 of this title (relating to Pre-Election Reports) and §20.215 of this title (relating to Runoff Report).

(g) If an opposed candidate exceeds either of the $930 [~~$900~~] limits after the 30th day before the election, the candidate must file a report not later than 48 hours after exceeding the limit. If this is the candidate's first report filed, the report covers a period that begins on the day the candidate's campaign treasurer appointment was filed. Otherwise the period begins on the first day after the period covered by the last report required by this subchapter (other than a special pre-election report or a special session report) or Subchapter D of this chapter (relating to Reporting Requirements for an Officeholder Who Does Not Have a Campaign Treasurer Appointment on File). The period covered by the report continues through the day the candidate exceeded one of the limits for modified reporting.

§20.219.Content of Candidate's Sworn Report of Contributions and Expenditures.

Semiannual reports, pre-election reports, and runoff reports must cover reportable activity during the reporting period and must include the following information:

(1) the candidate's full name;

(2) the candidate's address;

(3) the office sought by the candidate, if known;

(4) the identity and date of the election for which the report is filed, if known;

(5) the campaign treasurer's name;

(6) the campaign treasurer's telephone number;

(7) the campaign treasurer's residence or business street address;

(8) for each political committee from which the candidate received notice under §20.319 of this title (relating to Notice to Candidate or Officeholder) or §20.421 of this title (relating to Notice to Candidate or Officeholder):

(A) the committee's full name;

(B) the committee's address;

(D) the full name of the committee's campaign treasurer; and

(E) the address of the committee's campaign treasurer;

(9) on a separate page, the following information for each expenditure from political contributions made to a business in which the candidate has a participating interest of more than 10%, holds a position on the governing body of the business, or serves as an officer of the business:

(A) the full name of the business to which the expenditure was made;

(B) the address of the person to whom the expenditure was made;

(D) the purpose of the expenditure; and

(E) the amount of the expenditure;

(10) for each person from whom the candidate accepted a political contribution (other than a pledge, loan, or a guarantee of a loan) of more than $90 in value or political contributions (other than pledges, loans, or guarantees of loans) that total more than $90 in value:

(A) the full name of the person making the contribution;

(B) the address of the person making the contribution;

(D) the date each contribution was accepted; and

(E) a description of any in-kind contribution;

(11) for each person from whom the candidate accepted a pledge or pledges to provide more than $90 in money or goods or services worth more than $90:

(A) the full name of the person making the pledge;

(B) the address of the person making the pledge;

(D) the date each pledge was accepted; and

(E) a description of any goods or services pledged; and

(F) the total of all pledges accepted during the period for $90 and less from a person, except those reported under subparagraphs (A) - (E) of this paragraph;

(12) for each person making a loan or loans to the candidate for campaign purposes if the total amount loaned by the person during the period is more than $90:

(A) the full name of the person or financial institution making the loan;

(B) the address of the person or financial institution making the loan;

(D) the date of the loan;

(E) the interest rate;

(F) the maturity date;

(G) the collateral for the loan, if any; and

(H) if the loan has guarantors:

(i) the full name of each guarantor;

(ii) the address of each guarantor;

(iii) the principal occupation of each guarantor;

(iv) the name of the employer of each guarantor; and

(v) the amount guaranteed by each guarantor;

(13) the total amount of loans accepted during the period for $90 and less from persons other than financial institutions engaged in the business of making loans for more than one year, except for a loan reported under paragraph (12) of this section;

(14) for political expenditures made during the reporting period that total more than $190 [~~$180~~] to a single payee, other than expenditures reported under paragraph (9) of this section:

(A) the full name of the person to whom each expenditure was made;

(B) the address of the person to whom the expenditure was made;

(D) the purpose of the expenditure; and

(E) the amount of the expenditure;

(15) for each political expenditure of any amount made out of personal funds for which reimbursement from political contributions is intended:

(A) the full name of the person to whom each expenditure as made;

(B) the address of the person to whom the expenditure was made;

(D) the purpose of the expenditure;

(E) a declaration that the expenditure was made out of personal funds;

(F) a declaration that reimbursement from political contributions is intended; and

(G) the amount of the expenditure;

(16) for each non-political expenditure made from political contributions, other than expenditures reported under paragraph (9) of this section:

(A) the date of each expenditure;

(B) the full name of the person to whom the expenditure was made;

(D) the purpose of the expenditure; and

(E) the amount of the expenditure;

(17) for each other candidate or officeholder who benefits from a direct campaign expenditure made by the candidate during the reporting period:

(A) the name of the candidate or officeholder; and

(B) the office sought or held by the candidate or officeholder;

(18) for each political contribution from an out-of-state political committee, the information required by §22.7 of this title (relating to Contribution from Out-of-State Committee);

(19) any credit, interest, rebate, refund, reimbursement, or return of a deposit fee resulting from the use of a political contribution or an asset purchased with a political contribution that is received during the reporting period and the amount of which exceeds $120; [~~$130;~~]

(20) any proceeds of the sale of an asset purchased with a political contribution that is received during the reporting period and the amount of which exceeds $120; [~~$130;~~]

(21) any other gain from a political contribution that is received during the reporting period and the amount of which exceeds $120; [~~$130;~~]

(22) any investment purchased with a political contribution that is received during the reporting period and the amount of which exceeds $120; [~~$130;~~]

(23) the full name and address of each person from whom an amount described by paragraph (19), (20), (21), or (22) of this section is received, the date the amount is received, and the purpose for which the amount is received;

(24) the following total amounts:

(A) the total principal amount of all outstanding loans as of the last day of the reporting period;

(B) the total amount or an itemized listing of political contributions (other than pledges, loans, or guarantees of loans) of $90 and less;

(D) the total amount or an itemized listing of the political expenditures of $190 [~~$180~~] and less; and

(E) the total amount of all political expenditures; and

(25) an affidavit, executed by the candidate, stating: "I swear, or affirm, that the accompanying report is true and correct and includes all information required to be reported by me under Title 15, Election Code."

§20.220.Additional Disclosure for the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

(a) For purposes of this section and §2155.003(e) of the Government Code, the term "vendor" means:

(1) a person, who during the comptroller's term of office, bids on or receives a contract under the comptroller's purchasing authority that was transferred to the comptroller by §2151.004 of the Government Code; and

(2) an employee or agent of a person described by subsection (a)(1) of this section who communicates directly with the chief clerk, or an employee of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts who exercises discretion in connection with the vendor's bid or contract, about a bid or contract.

(b) Each report filed by the comptroller or a specific-purpose committee created to support the comptroller, shall include:

(1) for each vendor whose aggregate campaign contributions equal or exceed $610 [~~$590~~] during the reporting period, a notation that:

(A) the contributor was a vendor during the reporting period or during the 12 month period preceding the last day covered by the report; and

(B) if the vendor is an individual, includes the name of the entity that employs or that is represented by the individual; and

(2) for each political committee directly established, administered, or controlled by a vendor whose aggregate campaign contributions equal or exceed $610 [~~$590~~] during the reporting period, a notation that the contributor was a political committee directly established, administered, or controlled by a vendor during the reporting period or during the 12 month period preceding the last day covered by the report.

(c) The comptroller, or a specific-purpose committee created to support the comptroller, is considered to be in compliance with this section if:

(1) each written solicitation for a campaign contribution includes a request for the information required by subsection (b) of this section; and

(2) for each contribution that is accepted for which the information required by this section is not provided at least one oral or written request is made for the missing information. A request under this subsection:

(A) must be made not later than the 30th day after the date the contribution is received;

(B) must include a clear and conspicuous statement requesting the information required by subsection (b) of this section;

(D) may not be made in conjunction with a solicitation for an additional campaign contribution.

(d) The comptroller, or a specific-purpose committee created to support the comptroller, must report the information required by subsection (b) of this section that is not provided by the person making the political contribution and that is in the comptroller's or committee's records of political contributions or previous campaign finance reports required to be filed under Title 15 of the Election Code filed by the comptroller or committee.

(e) If the comptroller, or a specific-purpose committee created to support the comptroller, receives the information required by this section after the filing deadline for the report on which the contribution is reported the comptroller or committee must include the missing information on the next required campaign finance report.

(f) The disclosure required under subsection (b) of this section applies only to a contributor who was a vendor or a political committee directly established, administered, or controlled by a vendor on or after September 1, 2007.

§20.221.Special Pre-Election Report by Certain Candidates.

(a) As provided by subsection (b) of this section, certain candidates must file reports about certain contributions accepted during the period that begins on the ninth day before an election and ends at noon on the day before an election. Reports under this section are known as "special pre-election" reports.

(b) An opposed candidate for an office specified by §252.005(1), Election Code, who, during the period described in subsection (a) of this section, accepts one or more political contributions from a person that in the aggregate exceed $1,860 [~~$1,800~~] must file special pre-election reports.

(c) Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, a candidate must file a special pre-election report so that the report is received by the commission no later than the first business day after the candidate accepts a contribution from a person that triggers the requirement to file the special pre-election report.

(d) If, during the reporting period for special pre-election contributions, a candidate receives additional contributions from a person whose previous contribution or contributions have triggered the requirement to file a special pre-election report during that period, the candidate must file an additional special pre-election report for each such contribution. Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, each such special pre-election report must be filed so that it is received by the commission no later than the first business day after the candidate accepts the contribution.

(e) A candidate must file a special pre-election report that is exempt from electronic filing under §254.036(c), Election Code, so that the report is received by the commission no later than 5 p.m. of the first business day after the candidate accepts a contribution from a person that triggers the requirement to file the special pre-election report.

(f) A candidate must file a special pre-election report for each person whose contribution or contributions made during the period for special pre-election reports exceed the threshold for special pre-election reports.

(g) A candidate must also report contributions reported on a special pre-election report on the next semiannual, pre-election, or runoff report filed, as applicable.

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 20, 2020.

TRD-202002969

J.R. Johnson

General Counsel

Texas Ethics Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 30, 2020

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5800

SUBCHAPTER D. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR AN OFFICEHOLDER WHO DOES NOT HAVE A CAMPAIGN TREASURER APPOINTMENT ON FILE

1 TAC §20.275, §20.279

The proposed amended rules affect Title 15 of the Election Code.

§20.275.Exception from Filing Requirement for Certain Local Officeholders.

An officeholder is not required to file a semiannual report of contributions and expenditures if the officeholder:

(1) is required to file with an authority other than the commission;

(2) does not have a campaign treasurer appointment on file; and

(3) does not accept more than $930 [~~$900~~] in political contributions or make more than $930 [~~$900~~] in political expenditures during the reporting period.

§20.279.Contents of Officeholder's Sworn Report of Contributions and Expenditures.

An officeholder's semiannual report of contributions and expenditures required by this subchapter must cover reportable activity during the reporting period and must include the following information:

(1) the officeholder's full name;

(2) the officeholder's address;

(3) the office held by the officeholder;

(4) for each political committee from which the officeholder received notice under §20.319 of this title (relating to Notice to Candidate or Officeholder) or §20.421 of this title (relating to Notice to Candidate or Officeholder):

(A) the committee's full name;

(B) the committee's address;

(D) the full name of the committee's campaign treasurer; and

(E) the address of the committee's campaign treasurer;

(5) on a separate page, the following information for each expenditure from political contributions made to a business in which the officeholder has a participating interest of more than 10%, holds a position on the governing body of the business, or serves as an officer of the business:

(A) the full name of the business to which the expenditure was made;

(B) the address of the business to which the expenditure was made;

(D) the purpose of the expenditure; and

(E) the amount of the expenditure;

(6) for each person from whom the officeholder accepted a political contribution (other than a pledge, loan, or a guarantee of a loan) of more than $90 in value or political contributions (other than pledges, loans, or guarantees of loans) that total more than $90 in value:

(A) the full name of the person making the contribution;

(B) the address of the person making the contribution;

(D) the date each contribution was accepted; and

(E) a description of any in-kind contribution;

(7) for each person from whom the officeholder accepted a pledge or pledges to provide more than $90 in money or goods or services worth more than $90:

(A) the full name of the person making the pledge;

(B) the address of the person making the pledge;

(D) the date each pledge was accepted; and

(E) a description of any goods or services pledged;

(8) the total of all pledges accepted during the period for $90 and less from a person, except those reported under paragraph (7) of this section;

(9) for each person making a loan or loans to the officeholder for officeholder purposes, if the total amount loaned by the person during the period is more than $90:

(A) the full name of the person or financial institution making the loan;

(B) the address of the person or financial institution making the loan;

(D) the date of the loan;

(E) the interest rate;

(F) the maturity date;

(G) the collateral for the loan, if any; and

(H) if the loan has guarantors:

(i) the full name of each guarantor;

(ii) the address of each guarantor;

(iii) the principal occupation of each guarantor;

(iv) the name of the employer of each guarantor; and

(v) the amount guaranteed by each guarantor;

(10) the total amount of loans accepted during the period for $90 and less from persons other than financial institutions engaged in the business of making loans for more than one year, except those reported under paragraph (9) of this section;

(11) for political expenditures made during the reporting period that total more than $190 [~~$180~~] to a single payee, other than expenditures reported under paragraph (5) of this section:

(A) the full name of the person to whom each expenditure was made;

(B) the address of the person to whom the expenditure was made;

(D) the purpose of the expenditure; and

(E) the amount of the expenditure;

(12) for each political expenditure of any amount made out of personal funds for which reimbursement from political contributions is intended:

(A) the full name of the person to whom each expenditure was made;

(B) the address of the person to whom the expenditure was made;

(D) the purpose of the expenditure;

(E) a declaration that the expenditure was made from personal funds;

(F) a declaration that reimbursement from political contributions is intended; and

(G) the amount of the expenditure;

(13) for each non-political expenditure made from political contributions, other than expenditures reported under paragraph (5) of this section:

(A) the date of each expenditure;

(B) the full name of the person to whom the expenditure was made;

(D) the purpose of the expenditure; and

(E) the amount of the expenditure;

(14) for each candidate or other officeholder who benefits from a direct campaign expenditure made by the officeholder during the reporting period:

(A) the name of the candidate or officeholder; and

(B) the office sought or held by the candidate or officeholder;

(15) for each political contribution from an out-of-state political committee, the information required by §22.7 of this title (relating to Contribution from Out-of-State Committee);

(16) any credit, interest, rebate, refund, reimbursement, or return of a deposit fee resulting from the use of a political contribution or an asset purchased with a political contribution that is received during the reporting period and the amount of which exceeds $120; [~~$130;~~]

(17) any proceeds of the sale of an asset purchased with a political contribution that is received during the reporting period and the amount of which exceeds $120; [~~$130;~~]

(18) any other gain from a political contribution that is received during the reporting period and the amount of which exceeds $120; [~~$130;~~]

(19) any investment purchased with a political contribution that is received during the reporting period and the amount of which exceeds $120; [~~$130;~~]

(20) the full name and address of each person from whom an amount described by paragraph (16), (17), (18), or (19) of this section is received, the date the amount is received, and the purpose for which the amount is received;

(21) the following total amounts:

(A) the total principal amount of all outstanding loans as of the last day of the reporting period;

(B) the total amount or an itemized listing of political contributions (other than pledges, loans, or guarantees of loans) of $90 and less;

(D) the total amount or an itemized listing of the political expenditures of $190 [~~$130~~] and less; and

(E) the total amount of all political expenditures; and

(22) an affidavit, executed by the officeholder, stating: "I swear, or affirm, that the accompanying report is true and correct and includes all information required to be reported by me under Title 15, Election Code."

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 20, 2020.

TRD-202002970

J.R. Johnson

General Counsel

Texas Ethics Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 30, 2020

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5800

SUBCHAPTER E. REPORTS BY A SPECIFIC-PURPOSE COMMITTEE

1 TAC §§20.301, 20.303, 20.313, 20.329, 20.331, 20.333

The proposed amended rules affect Title 15 of the Election Code.

§20.301.Thresholds for Campaign Treasurer Appointment.

(a) A specific-purpose committee may not accept political contributions exceeding $910 [~~$870~~] and may not make or authorize political expenditures exceeding $910[~~$870~~] without filing a campaign treasurer appointment with the appropriate filing authority.

(b) A specific-purpose committee may not knowingly make or authorize campaign contributions or campaign expenditures exceeding $910 [~~$870~~] to support or oppose a candidate in a primary or general election for an office listed below unless the committee's campaign treasurer appointment was filed not later than the 30th day before the appropriate election day:

(1) a statewide office;

(2) a seat in the state legislature;

(3) a seat on the State Board of Education;

(4) a multi-county district office; or

(5) a judicial district office filled by voters of only one county.

§20.303.Appointment of Campaign Treasurer.

(a) A specific-purpose committee may appoint a campaign treasurer at any time before exceeding the thresholds described in §20.301(a) of this title (relating to Thresholds for Campaign Treasurer Appointment).

(b) After a specific-purpose committee appoints a campaign treasurer, the campaign treasurer must comply with all the requirements of this subchapter, even if the committee has not yet exceeded $910 [~~$870~~] in political contributions or expenditures.

(c) With the exception of the campaign treasurer appointment, the individual named as a committee's campaign treasurer is legally responsible for filing all reports of the specific-purpose committee, including a report following the termination of his or her appointment as campaign treasurer. §20.313.Converting to a General-Purpose Committee.

(a) A specific-purpose committee that changes its operation and becomes a general-purpose committee is subject to the requirements applicable to a general-purpose committee as of the date it files its campaign treasurer appointment as a general-purpose committee with the commission.

(b) The campaign treasurer of a specific-purpose committee that becomes a general-purpose committee must deliver written notice of its change in status to the authority with whom the committee was required to file as a specific-purpose committee.

(c) The notice required under subsection (b) of this section is due no later than the next deadline for filing a report under this subchapter that:

(1) occurs after the committee's change in status; and

(2) would be applicable to the political committee if it were still a specific-purpose committee.

(d) The notice must state that future reports will be filed with the commission.

(e) The notice required under subsection (b) of this section is in addition to the requirement that the new general-purpose committee file a campaign treasurer appointment with the commission before it exceeds $910 [~~$870~~] in political expenditures or $910 [~~$870~~] in political contributions as a general-purpose committee.

§20.329.Modified Reporting.

(a) A specific-purpose committee that would otherwise be required to file pre-election reports and a runoff report, if necessary, may choose to file under the modified schedule if the committee does not intend to accept more than $930 [~~$900~~] in political contributions or make more than $930 [~~$900~~] in political expenditures (excluding filing fees) in connection with any election in an election cycle.

(b) Under the modified schedule, the campaign treasurer of a specific-purpose committee is not required to file pre-election reports or a runoff report.

(c) To select modified filing, a specific-purpose committee must file a declaration of the committee's intent not to accept more than $930 [~~$900~~] in political contributions or make more than $930 [~~$900~~] in political expenditures (excluding filing fees) in connection with the election. The declaration must include a statement that the committee understands that if either one of those limits is exceeded, the committee's campaign treasurer will be required to file pre-election reports and, if necessary, a runoff report.

(d) A declaration under subsection (c) of this section is filed with the committee's campaign treasurer appointment.

(e) To file under the modified schedule, a specific-purpose committee must file the declaration required under subsection (c) of this section no later than the 30th day before the first election to which the declaration applies. A declaration filed under subsection (c) of this section is valid for one election cycle only.

(f) Except as provided by subsection (g) of this section, a specific-purpose committee's campaign treasurer must file pre-election reports and, if necessary, a runoff report under the schedule set out in §20.325 of this title (relating to Pre-election Reports) and §20.327 of this title (relating to Runoff Report) if the committee exceeds either of the $930 [~~$900~~] limits for modified reporting.

(g) If a specific-purpose committee exceeds either of the $930 [~~$900~~] limits for modified reporting after the 30th day before the election, the committee's campaign treasurer must file a report not later than 48 hours after exceeding the limit.

(1) The period covered by a 48-hour report shall begin either on the day the committee's campaign treasurer appointment was filed (if it is the committee's first report of contributions and expenditures) or on the first day after the period covered by the last report (other than a special pre-election report or special session report) filed under this subchapter, as applicable.

(2) The period covered by a 48-hour report shall continue through the day the committee exceeded one of the limits for modified reporting.

(h) A specific-purpose committee that exceeds either of the $930 [~~$900~~] limits for modified reporting after the 30th day before the election and on or before the 10th day before the election must file a report under §20.325(f) of this title (relating to Pre-Election Reports), in addition to any required special pre-election reports.

§20.331.Contents of Specific-Purpose Committee Sworn Report of Contributions and Expenditures.

Semiannual reports, pre-election reports, and runoff reports must cover reportable activity during the reporting period and must include the following information:

(1) the full name of the specific-purpose committee;

(2) the address of the specific-purpose committee;

(3) the full name of the specific-purpose committee's campaign treasurer;

(4) the residence or business street address of the specific-purpose committee's campaign treasurer;

(5) the committee campaign treasurer's telephone number;

(6) the identity and date of the election for which the report is filed, if applicable;

(7) for each candidate supported or opposed by the specific-purpose committee:

(A) the full name of the candidate;

(B) the office sought by the candidate; and

(8) for each officeholder assisted by the specific-purpose committee:

(A) the full name of the officeholder;

(B) the office held by the officeholder; and

(9) for each measure supported or opposed by the specific-purpose committee:

(A) a description of the measure; and

(B) an indication of whether the committee supports or opposes the measure;

(10) for each political expenditure by the committee that was made as a political contribution to a candidate, officeholder, or another political committee and that was returned to the specific-purpose committee during the reporting period:

(A) the amount returned;

(B) the full name of the person to whom the expenditure was originally made;

(D) the date the expenditure was returned to the specific-purpose committee;

(11) on a separate page, the following information for each expenditure from political contributions made to a business in which the candidate has a participating interest of more than 10%, holds a position on the governing body of the business, or serves as an officer of the business:

(A) the full name of the business to which the expenditure was made;

(B) the address of the business to which the expenditure was made;

(D) the purpose of the expenditure; and

(E) the amount of the expenditure;

(12) if the specific-purpose committee supports or opposes measures exclusively, for each contribution accepted from a labor organization or corporation, as defined by §20.1 of this title (relating to Definitions):

(A) the date each contribution was accepted;

(B) the full name of the corporation or labor organization making the contribution;

(D) the amount of the contribution; and

(E) a description of any in-kind contribution;

(13) for each person from whom the specific-purpose committee accepted a political contribution (other than a pledge, loan, or a guarantee of a loan) of more than $90 in value or political contributions (other than pledges, loans, or guarantees of loans) that total more than $90 in value:

(A) the full name of the person;

(B) the address of the person;

(D) the date each contribution was accepted; and

(E) a description of any in-kind contribution;

(14) for each person from whom the specific-purpose committee accepted a pledge or pledges to provide more than $90 in money or to provide goods or services worth more than $90:

(A) the full name of the person making a pledge;

(B) the address of the person making a pledge;

(D) the date each pledge was accepted; and

(E) a description of any goods or services pledged;

(15) the total of all pledges accepted during the period for $90 and less from a person, except those reported under paragraph (14) of this section;

(16) for each person making a loan or loans to the specific-purpose committee for campaign or officeholder purposes if the total amount loaned by the person during the period is more than $90:

(A) the full name of the person or financial institution making the loan;

(B) the address of the person or financial institution making the loan;

(D) the date of the loan;

(E) the interest rate;

(F) the maturity date;

(G) the collateral for the loan, if any; and

(H) if the loan has guarantors:

(i) the full name of each guarantor;

(ii) the address of each guarantor;

(iii) the principal occupation of each guarantor;

(iv) the name of the employer of each guarantor; and

(v) the amount guaranteed by each guarantor;

(17) the total amount of loans accepted during the period for $90 and less from persons other than financial institutions engaged in the business of making loans for more than one year, except those reported under paragraph (16) of this section;

(18) for political expenditures made during the reporting period that total more than $190 [~~$180~~] to a single payee:

(A) the full name of the person to whom each expenditure was made;

(B) the address of the person to whom the expenditure was made;

(D) the purpose of the expenditure; and

(E) the amount of the expenditure;

(19) for each direct campaign expenditure benefiting a candidate or officeholder, except for a direct campaign expenditure made by a committee supporting only one candidate or officeholder:

(A) the name of the candidate or officeholder; and

(B) the office sought or held by the candidate or officeholder;

(20) for each non-political expenditure made from political contributions, other than expenditures reported under paragraph (11) of this section:

(A) the date of each expenditure;

(B) the full name of the person to whom the expenditure was made;

(D) the purpose of the expenditure; and

(E) the amount of the expenditure;

(21) for each political contribution accepted from an out-of-state political committee, the information required by §22.7 of this title (relating to Contribution from Out-of-State Committee);

(22) any credit, interest, rebate, refund, reimbursement, or return of a deposit fee resulting from the use of a political contribution or an asset purchased with a political contribution that is received during the reporting period and the amount of which exceeds $120; [~~$130;~~]

(23) any proceeds of the sale of an asset purchased with a political contribution that is received during the reporting period and the amount of which exceeds $120; [~~$130;~~]

(24) any other gain from a political contribution that is received during the reporting period and the amount of which exceeds $120; [~~$130;~~]

(25) any investment purchased with a political contribution that is received during the reporting period and the amount of which exceeds $120; [~~$130;~~]

(26) the full name and address of each person from whom an amount described by paragraph (22), (23), (24), or (25) of this section is received, the date the amount is received, and the purpose for which the amount is received;

(27) the following total amounts:

(A) the total principal amount of all outstanding loans as of the last day of the reporting period;

(B) the total amount or an itemized listing of political contributions (other than pledges, loans, or guarantees of loans) of $90 and less;

(D) the total amount or an itemized listing of the political expenditures of $190 [~~$180~~] and less; and

(E) the total amount of all political expenditures; and

(28) an affidavit, executed by the campaign treasurer, stating: "I swear, or affirm, that the accompanying report is true and correct and includes all information required to be reported by me under Title 15, Election Code."

§20.333.Special Pre-Election Report by Certain Specific-Purpose Committees.

(a) As provided by subsection (b) of this section, certain specific-purpose committees must file reports about certain contributions accepted during the period that begins on the ninth day before an election and ends at noon on the day before an election. Reports under this section are known as "special pre-election" reports.

(b) A campaign treasurer for a specific-purpose committee for supporting or opposing a candidate for an office specified by §252.005(1), Election Code, that, during the period described in subsection (a) of this section, accepts one or more political contributions from a person that in the aggregate exceed $1,860 [~~$1,790~~] must file special pre-election reports.

(c) Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, the campaign treasurer of a specific-purpose committee must file a report so that the report is received by the commission no later than the first business day after the committee accepts a contribution from a person that triggers the requirement to file the special pre-election report.

(d) If, during the reporting period for special pre-election contributions, a committee receives additional contributions from a person whose previous contribution or contributions have triggered the requirement to file a special pre-election report during the period, the campaign treasurer for the committee must file an additional special pre-election report for each such contribution. Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, each such special pre-election report must be filed so that it is received by the commission no later than the first business day after the committee accepts the contribution.

(e) The campaign treasurer of a specific-purpose committee must file a special pre-election report for each person whose contribution or contributions made during the period for special pre-election reports exceed the threshold for special pre-election reports.

(f) A campaign treasurer of a specific-purpose committee must also report contributions reported on a special pre-election report on the next semiannual, pre-election, or runoff report filed, as applicable.

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 20, 2020.

TRD-202002971

J.R. Johnson

General Counsel

Texas Ethics Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 30, 2020

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5800

SUBCHAPTER F. REPORTING REQUIREMENT FOR A GENERAL PURPOSE COMMITTEE

1 TAC §§20.401, 20.405, 20.433 - 20.435

The proposed amended rules affect Title 15 of the Election Code.

§20.401.Thresholds for Appointment of Campaign Treasurer by a General-Purpose Committee.

(a) A general-purpose committee may not accept political contributions exceeding $910 [~~$870~~] and may not make or authorize political expenditures exceeding $910 [~~$870~~] without filing a campaign treasurer appointment with the commission.

(b) Unless the committee's campaign treasurer appointment was filed not later than the 30th day before the appropriate election day, a general-purpose committee may not knowingly make or authorize campaign contributions or campaign expenditures exceeding $910 [~~$870~~] to support or oppose a candidate in a primary or general election for the following:

(1) a statewide office;

(2) a seat in the state legislature;

(3) a seat on the State Board of Education;

(4) a multi-county district office; or

(5) a judicial district office filled by voters of only one county.

§20.405.Campaign Treasurer Appointment for a General-Purpose Committee.

(a) A general-purpose committee may appoint a campaign treasurer at any time before exceeding the thresholds described in §20.401(a) of this title (relating to Thresholds for Appointment of Campaign Treasurer by a General-Purpose Committee).

(b) After a general-purpose committee appoints a campaign treasurer, the campaign treasurer must comply with all the requirements of this subchapter, even if the committee has not yet exceeded $910 [~~$870~~] in political contributions or expenditures.

(c) With the exception of the campaign treasurer appointment, the individual named as a committee's campaign treasurer is legally responsible for filing all reports of the general-purpose committee, including a report following the termination of his or her appointment as campaign treasurer.

§20.433.Contents of General-Purpose Committee Sworn Report of Contributions and Expenditures.

Semiannual reports, pre-election reports, and runoff reports must cover reportable activity during the reporting period and must include the following information:

(1) the full name of the general-purpose committee;

(2) the address of the general-purpose committee;

(3) the full name of the general-purpose committee's campaign treasurer;

(4) the residence or business street address of the general-purpose committee's campaign treasurer;

(5) the committee campaign treasurer's telephone number;

(6) the identity and date of the election for which the report is filed, if applicable;

(7) the full name of each identified candidate or measure or classification by party of candidates supported or opposed by the general-purpose committee and an indication of whether the general-purpose committee supports or opposes each listed candidate, measure, or classification by party of candidates;

(8) the full name of each identified officeholder or classification by party of officeholders assisted by the general-purpose committee;

(9) if the general-purpose committee supports or opposes measures exclusively, for each contribution accepted from a corporation as defined by §20.1 of this title (relating to Definitions):

(A) the date each contribution was accepted;

(B) the full name of the corporation or labor organization making the contribution;

(D) the amount of the contribution; and

(E) a description of any in-kind contribution;

(10) for each political expenditure by the general-purpose committee that was made as a political contribution to a candidate, officeholder, or another political committee and that was returned to the general-purpose committee during the reporting period:

(A) the amount returned;

(B) the full name of the person to whom the expenditure was originally made;

(D) the date the expenditure was returned to the general-purpose committee;

(11) for each person from whom the general-purpose committee accepted a political contribution other than a pledge or a loan of more than $90 in value, or political contributions other than pledges or loans that total more than $90 in value (or more than $20 for a general-purpose committee reporting monthly):

(A) the date each contribution was accepted;

(B) the full name of the person making the contribution;

(D) the principal occupation of the person making the contribution;

(E) the amount of the contribution; and

(F) a description of any in-kind contribution;

(12) for each person from whom the general-purpose committee accepted a pledge or pledges to provide more than $90 in money or to provide goods or services worth more than $90 (more than $20 for a general-purpose committee reporting monthly):

(A) the full name of the person making the pledge;

(B) the address of the person making the pledge;

(D) the amount of each pledge;

(E) the date each pledge was accepted; and

(F) a description of any goods or services pledged;

(13) the total of all pledges accepted during the period for $90 and less from a person, except for those reported under paragraph (12) of this section;

(14) for each person making a loan or loans to the general-purpose committee for campaign purposes if the total amount loaned by the person during the period is more than $90 (more than $20 for a general-purpose committee reporting monthly):

(A) the full name of the person or financial institution making the loan;

(B) the address of the person or financial institution making the loan;

(D) the date of the loan;

(E) the interest rate;

(F) the maturity date;

(G) the collateral for the loan, if any; and

(H) if the loan has guarantors:

(i) the full name of each guarantor;

(ii) the address of each guarantor;

(iii) the principal occupation of each guarantor;

(iv) the name of the employer of each guarantor; and

(v) the amount guaranteed by each guarantor;

(15) the total amount of loans accepted during the period for $90 and less from persons other than financial institutions engaged in the business of making loans for more than one year, except for those reported under paragraph (14) of this section;

(16) for political expenditures made during the reporting period that total more than $190 [~~$180~~] (more than $20 for a general-purpose committee reporting monthly) to a single payee:

(A) the full name of the person to whom each expenditure was made;

(B) the address of the person to whom the expenditure was made;

(D) the purpose of the expenditure;

(E) the amount of the expenditure; and

(F) indication for an expenditure paid in full or in part from corporations or labor organizations that it was paid from such sources.

(17) for each non-political expenditure made from political contributions:

(A) the date of each expenditure;

(B) the full name of the person to whom the expenditure was made;

(D) the purpose of the expenditure;

(E) the amount of the expenditure; and

(F) indication for an expenditure paid in full or in part from corporations or labor organizations that it was paid from such sources.

(18) for each candidate or officeholder who benefits from a direct campaign expenditure made by the committee:

(A) the name of the candidate or officeholder; and

(B) the office sought or held by the candidate or officeholder;

(19) for each political contribution from an out-of-state political committee, the information required by §22.7 of this title (relating to Contribution from Out-of-State Committee);

(20) any credit, interest, rebate, refund, reimbursement, or return of a deposit fee resulting from the use of a political contribution or an asset purchased with a political contribution that is received during the reporting period and the amount of which exceeds $120; [~~$130;~~]

(21) any proceeds of the sale of an asset purchased with a political contribution that is received during the reporting period and the amount of which exceeds $120; [~~$130;~~]

(22) any other gain from a political contribution that is received during the reporting period and the amount of which exceeds $120; [~~$130;~~]

(23) any investment purchased with a political contribution that is received during the reporting period and the amount of which exceeds $120; [~~$130;~~]

(24) the full name and address of each person from whom an amount described by paragraph (20), (21), (22), or (23) of this section is received, the date the amount is received, and the purpose for which the amount is received;

(25) the following total amounts:

(A) the total principal amount of all outstanding loans as of the last day of the reporting period;

(B) the total amount or an itemized listing of political contributions (other than pledges, loans, or guarantees of loans) of $90 and less ($20 and less for a general-purpose committee reporting monthly);

(D) the total amount or an itemized listing of the political expenditures of $190 [~~$180~~] and less ($20 and less for a general-purpose committee reporting monthly); and

(E) the total amount of all political expenditures; and

(26) an affidavit, executed by the campaign treasurer, stating: "I swear, or affirm, that the accompanying report is true and correct and includes all information required to be reported by me under Title 15, Election Code."

§20.434.Alternate Reporting Requirements for General-Purpose Committees.

(a) This section and Election Code §254.1541 apply only to a general-purpose committee with less than $27,000 [~~$25,860~~] in one or more accounts maintained by the committee in which political contributions are deposited, as of the last day of the preceding reporting period for which the committee was required to file a report.

(b) The alternative reporting requirement in Election Code §254.1541 applies only to contributions.

(c) A report by a campaign treasurer of a general-purpose committee to which this section and Election Code §254.154 apply shall include the information required by §20.433 of this title (Contents of General-Purpose Committee Sworn Report of Contributions and Expenditures), except that the campaign treasurer may choose a threshold reporting amount for political contributions of $190 [~~$180~~] instead of the threshold reporting amount of $90 set out in §20.433(a)(11) and (a)(20)(B) of this title.

(d) A monthly report by a campaign treasurer of a general-purpose committee to which this section and Election Code §254.154 apply shall include the information required by §20.433 of this title (Contents of General-Purpose Committee Sworn Report of Contributions and Expenditures), except that the campaign treasurer may choose a threshold reporting amount for political contributions of $40 instead of the threshold reporting amount of $20 set out in §20.433(a)(11) and (a)(20)(B) of this title.

§20.435.Special Pre-Election Reports by Certain General-Purpose Committees.

(a) In addition to other reports required by this chapter, a general-purpose committee must file a special pre-election report if the committee is involved in an election and if it:

(1) makes direct campaign expenditures supporting or opposing a single candidate that in the aggregate exceed $1,860 [~~$1,790~~] or a group of candidates that in the aggregate exceed $27,950 [~~$26,780~~] during the reporting period for special pre-election reports; or

(2) accepts political contributions from a person that in the aggregate exceed $6,370 [~~$6,090~~] during the reporting period for special pre-election reports.

(b) The period for special pre-election reports begins on the ninth day before election day and ends at noon on the day before election day.

(c) Except as provided by subsection (d) of this section, a report under this section must be received by the commission no later than the first business day after the contribution is accepted or the expenditure is made.

(d) A special pre-election report that is exempt from electronic filing under §254.036(c), Election Code, must be received by the commission no later than 5 p.m. of the first business day after the contribution is accepted or the expenditure is made.

(e) Expenditures and contributions reported under this section must be reported again in the next applicable sworn report of contributions and expenditures.

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 20, 2020.

TRD-202002972

J.R. Johnson

General Counsel

Texas Ethics Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 30, 2020

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5800

SUBCHAPTER I. RULES APPLICABLE TO A POLITICAL PARTY'S COUNTY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

1 TAC §20.553, §20.555

The proposed amended rules affect Title 15 of the Election Code.

§20.553.Campaign Treasurer Appointment Not Required for County Executive Committee Accepting Contributions or Making Expenditures under Certain Amount.

(a) A county executive committee accepting political contributions or making political expenditures totaling $33,750 [~~$32,320~~] or less in a calendar year is not required to:

(1) appoint a campaign treasurer before accepting political contributions or making political expenditures; or

(2) file the reports required by Subchapter F of this chapter (relating to Reporting Requirements for a General-Purpose Committee).

(b) A county executive committee described in subsection (a) of this section is required to comply with §20.551 of this title (relating to Obligation To Maintain Records).

§20.555.County Executive Committee Accepting Contributions or Making Expenditures That Exceed Certain Amount.

(a) A county executive committee described by subsection (b) of this section is subject to the requirements of Subchapter F of this chapter (relating to Reporting Requirements for a General-Purpose Committee), except where those rules conflict with this subchapter. In the case of conflict, this subchapter prevails over Subchapter F of this chapter.

(b) A county executive committee that accepts political contributions or that makes political expenditures that, in the aggregate, exceed $33,750 [~~$32,320~~] in a calendar year shall file:

(1) a campaign treasurer appointment with the commission no later than the 15th day after the date that amount is exceeded; and

(2) the reports required by Subchapter F of this chapter (relating to Reporting Requirements for a General-Purpose Committee). The first report filed must include all political contributions accepted and all political expenditures made before the county executive committee filed its campaign treasurer appointment.

(c) Contributions accepted from corporations and labor organizations under §253.104 of the Election Code and reported under Subchapter H of this chapter (relating to Accepting and Reporting Contributions from Corporations and Labor Organizations) do not count against the $33,750 [~~$32,320~~] thresholds described in subsection (b) of this section.

(d) A county executive committee that filed a campaign treasurer appointment may file a final report, which will notify the commission that the county executive committee does not intend to file future reports unless it exceeds one of the $33,750 [~~$32,320~~] thresholds. The final report may be filed:

(1) beginning on January 1 and by the January 15 filing deadline if the committee has exceeded one of the $33,750 [~~$32,320~~] thresholds in the previous calendar year; or

(2) at any time if the committee has not exceeded one of the $33,750 [~~$32,320~~] thresholds in the calendar year.

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 20, 2020.

TRD-202002973

J.R. Johnson

General Counsel

Texas Ethics Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 30, 2020

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5800

CHAPTER 22. RESTRICTIONS ON CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDITURES

1 TAC §§22.1, 22.6, 22.7

The Texas Ethics Commission (the Commission) proposes an amendment to Texas Ethics Commission rules in Chapter 22. Specifically, the Commission proposes amendments to §22.1, regarding Certain Campaign Treasurer Appointments Required before Political Activity Begins, §22.6, regarding Reporting Direct Campaign Expenditures, and §22.7, regarding Contribution from Out-of-State Committee.

The Commission first adopted adjustments to reporting thresholds in 2019, which were effective on January 1, 2020. These new adjustments, if adopted, will be effective on January 1, 2021, to apply to contributions and expenditures that occur on or after that date. The thresholds contained in these amended rules are also duplicated in numerous statutes, as referenced above; amendments to the affected statutes are included with the amendments to Figures 1 through 4 of 1 TAC §18.31, which have been submitted concurrently with this proposal.

The proposed amended rules affect Title 15 of the Election Code.

§22.1.Certain Campaign Treasurer Appointments Required before Political Activity Begins.

(a) An individual must file a campaign treasurer appointment with the proper authority before accepting a campaign contribution or making or authorizing a campaign expenditure.

(1) An officeholder may accept an officeholder contribution and make or authorize an officeholder expenditure without a campaign treasurer appointment on file.

(2) An officeholder who does not have a campaign treasurer appointment on file may not accept a campaign contribution or make or authorize a campaign expenditure.

(b) A political committee may not accept political contributions exceeding $910 [~~$870~~] and may not make or authorize political expenditures exceeding $910 [~~$870~~] without filing a campaign treasurer appointment with the appropriate filing authority.

(c) Unless the committee's campaign treasurer appointment was filed not later than the 30th day before the appropriate election day, a political committee may not knowingly make or authorize campaign contributions or campaign expenditures exceeding $910 [~~$870~~ ] to support or oppose a candidate in a primary or general election for the following:

(1) a statewide office;

(2) a seat in the state legislature;

(3) a seat on the State Board of Education;

(4) a multi-county district office; or

(5) a judicial district office filled by voters of only one county.

(d) This section does not apply to the county executive committee of a political party except as provided in Chapter 20, Subchapter I of this title (relating to Rules Applicable to a Political Party's County Executive Committee).

§22.6.Reporting Direct Campaign Expenditures.

Section 254.261 of the Election Code applies to a person who, not acting in concert with another person, makes one or more direct campaign expenditures that exceed $140 [~~$130~~] in an election from the person's own property. §22.7.Contribution from Out-of-State Committee.

(a) For each reporting period during which a candidate, officeholder, or political committee accepts a contribution or contributions from an out-of-state political committee totaling more than $930 [~~$900~~], the candidate, officeholder, or political committee must comply with subsections (b) and (c) of this section.

(b) The candidate, officeholder, or political committee covered by subsection (a) of this section must first obtain from the out-of-state committee one of the following documents before accepting the contribution that causes the total received from the out-of-state committee to exceed $930 [~~$900~~] during the reporting period:

(1) a written statement, certified by an officer of the out-of-state political committee, listing the full name and address of each person who contributed more than $190 [~~$180~~] to the out-of-state political committee during the 12 months immediately preceding the date of the contribution; or

(2) a copy of the out-of-state political committee's statement of organization filed as required by law with the Federal Election Commission and certified by an officer of the out-of-state committee.

(c) The document obtained pursuant to subsection (b) of this section shall be included as part of the report that covers the reporting period in which the candidate, officeholder, or political committee accepted the contribution that caused the total accepted from the out-of-state committee to exceed $930 [~~$900~~].

(d) A candidate, officeholder, or political committee that:

(1) receives contributions covered by subsection (a) of this section from the same out-of-state committee in successive reporting periods; and

(2) complies with subsection (b)(2) of this section before accepting the first contribution triggering subsection (a) of this section, may comply with subsection (c) of this section in successive reporting periods by submitting a copy of the certified document obtained before accepting the first contribution triggering subsection (a) of this section, rather than by obtaining and submitting an original certified document for each reporting period, provided the document has not been amended since the last submission.

(e) A candidate, officeholder, or political committee that accepts a contribution or contributions totaling $930 [~~$900~~] or less from an out-of-state political committee shall include as part of the report covering the reporting period in which the contribution or contributions are accepted either:

(1) a copy of the out-of-state committee's statement of organization filed as required by law with the Federal Election Commission and certified by an officer of the out-of-state committee; or

(2) the following information:

(A) the full name of the committee, and, if the name is an acronym, the words the acronym represents;

(B) the address of the committee;

(D) the name of the person appointing the campaign treasurer; and

(E) the following information for the individual appointed campaign treasurer and assistant campaign treasurer:

(i) the individual's full name;

(ii) the individual's residence or business street address; and

(iii) the individual's telephone number.

(f) This section does not apply to a contribution from an out-of-state political committee if the committee filed a campaign treasurer appointment with the commission before making the contribution.

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 20, 2020.

TRD-202002974

J.R. Johnson

General Counsel

Texas Ethics Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 30, 2020

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5800

CHAPTER 34. REGULATION OF LOBBYISTS

SUBCHAPTER B. REGISTRATION REQUIRED

1 TAC §34.41, §34.43

The Texas Ethics Commission (the Commission) proposes an amendment to Texas Ethics Commission rules in Chapter 34. Specifically, the Commission proposes amendments to §34.41, regarding Expenditure Threshold, and §34.43, regarding Compensation and Reimbursement Threshold.

The Commission first adopted adjustments to reporting thresholds in 2019, which were effective on January 1, 2020. These new adjustments, if adopted, will be effective on January 1, 2021, to apply to contributions and expenditures that occur on or after that date. The thresholds contained in these amended rules are also duplicated in numerous statutes, as referenced above; amendments to the affected statutes are included with the amendments to Figures 1 through 4 of 1 TAC §18.31, which have been submitted concurrently with this proposal.

The amendments are proposed under Texas Government Code §571.062, which authorizes the commission to adopt rules to administer Chapter 305 of the Election Code; Texas Government Code §305.003, which authorizes the Commission to determine by rule the amount of expenditures made or compensation received over which a person is required to register as a lobbyist; and Texas Government Code §571.064, which requires the Commission to annually adjust reporting thresholds in accordance with that statute.

The proposed amended rules affect Chapter 305 of the Government Code.

§34.41.Expenditure Threshold.

(a) A person must register under Government Code, §305.003(a)(1), if the person makes total expenditures of more than $810 [~~$780~~] in a calendar quarter, not including expenditures for the person's own travel, food, lodging, or membership dues, on activities described in Government Code, §305.006(b), to communicate directly with one or more members of the legislative or executive branch to influence legislation or administrative action.

(b) An expenditure made by a member of the judicial, legislative, or executive branch of state government or an officer or employee of a political subdivision of the state acting in his or her official capacity is not included for purposes of determining whether a person is required to register under Government Code, §305.003(a)(1).

(c) An expenditure made in connection with an event to promote the interests of a designated geographic area or political subdivision is not included for purposes of determining whether a person has crossed the registration threshold in Government Code, §305.003(a)(1), if the expenditure is made by a group that exists for the limited purpose of sponsoring the event or by a person acting on behalf of such a group.

§34.43.Compensation and Reimbursement Threshold.

(a) A person must register under Government Code, §305.003(a)(2), if the person receives, or is entitled to receive under an agreement under which the person is retained or employed, more than $1,620 [~~$1,560~~] in a calendar quarter in compensation and reimbursement, not including reimbursement for the person's own travel, food, lodging, or membership dues, from one or more other persons to communicate directly with a member of the legislative or executive branch to influence legislation or administrative action.

(b) For purposes of Government Code, §305.003(a)(2), and this chapter, a person is not required to register if the person spends not more than 40 hours for which the person is compensated or reimbursed during a calendar quarter engaging in lobby activity, including preparatory activity as described by §34.3 of this title.

(c) For purposes of Government Code, §305.003(a)(2), and this chapter, a person shall make a reasonable allocation of compensation between compensation for lobby activity and compensation for other activities.

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 20, 2020.

TRD-202002975

J.R. Johnson

General Counsel

Texas Ethics Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 30, 2020

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5800