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Bill

HB 4309

Relating to the filing fee for nomination by convention.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by John Bucy and 2 co-sponsors

HB 4309 adjusts filing fees for Texas candidates nominated through party conventions, potentially affecting candidate accessibility and party competition in elections.

Statement(s) of vote recorded in Journal
#elections--candidates(i0280) #elections--general(i0310) #elections--politicalparties(i0275) #fees&othernontaxrevenue--local(i0361)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 4309

Legislative bill overview

HB 4309 addresses the filing fee required for candidates who seek nomination through a party convention rather than a primary election in Texas. The bill modifies the financial requirements and procedures for convention-based nomination processes. The specific details of the fee adjustment are not provided in the available information, but the bill failed to advance past the second reading in May 2025.

Why is this important

Filing fees directly affect candidate accessibility and can create barriers to entry in the political process. Changes to convention nomination fees impact both major and minor parties' ability to recruit and field candidates, potentially influencing electoral competition and representation options for voters.

Potential points of contention

  • Candidate access vs. administrative costs: Whether the fee level appropriately balances covering election administration expenses against making nominations affordable for grassroots or less-funded candidates
  • Party fairness concerns: Whether fee structures should differ between primary and convention nomination methods, and whether this creates unequal burdens across party affiliations
  • Impact on minor parties: Convention nominations are sometimes used by smaller parties; fee adjustments could either help or hinder their ability to participate in electoral processes

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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