Bill Caption

Relating to the eligibility for appointment to public office by the governor of persons who make certain contributions.

Fiscal Notes

From the LBB: No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

This bill would make a person ineligible to be appointed to public office by the governor if the individual made contributions that in aggregate exceed $2,500 to the governor or a specific purpose committee supporting the governor as a candidate or officeholder. The bill would also prohibit a person serving as an officer appointed by the governor from making political contributions that in aggregate exceed $2,500 to the governor or a specific purpose committee supporting the governor as a candidate or officeholder. A violation of this would make an individual liable in damages to the state for triple the amount of contributions in a year that exceed the limited prescribed by the section. A contribution by the officeholder's spouse or dependent child or contribution from an organization made in the officeholder's name and with their consent would be considered a contribution by the officeholder. Before taking office, an individual would also be required to sign an attestation that they have not made political contributions in aggregate of $2,500 as stated above. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

This bill would violate our principles of individual liberty and limited government by making a person ineligible for governmental appointment due to their political contributions. This would cause a person to have a job prospect taken away from them due entirely to the exercise of their freedom of speech. For this reason, we oppose this bill.