HB919 - Relating to the offense of unlawful use of public funds for communications relating to a measure.

      By: Harrison H.B. No. 919       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to the offense of unlawful use of public funds for   communications relating to a measure.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  The heading to Section 255.003, Election Code,   is amended to read as follows:          Sec. 255.003.  UNLAWFUL USE OF PUBLIC FUNDS BY EMPLOYEE OR   OFFICER OF POLITICAL SUBDIVISION [ FOR POLITICAL ADVERTISING ].          SECTION 2.  Sections 255.003(a) and (c), Election Code, are   amended to read as follows:          (a)  An officer or employee of a political subdivision may   not knowingly spend or authorize the spending of public funds for :                 (1)   political advertising ; or                 (2)     a communication relating to a measure submitted at   an election as a result of an official action adopted or approved by   the political subdivision, other than notice required under Chapter   4 .          (c)  A person who violates Subsection (a) [ or (b-1) ] commits   an offense.  An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.          SECTION 3.  Sections 255.003(b) and (b-1), Election Code,   are repealed.          SECTION 4.  The change in law made by this Act applies only   to the use of public funds or resources that occurs on or after the   effective date of this Act.  The use of public funds or resources   that occurs before the effective date of this Act is governed by the   law in effect before the effective date of this Act, and that law is   continued in effect for that purpose.          SECTION 5.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.