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Bill

Bill

SB 2045

Relating to the prohibition of certain actions with respect to campaign contributions and expenditures by foreign persons; creating criminal offenses.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Paul Bettencourt

Texas bill criminalizes campaign contributions and spending by foreign persons in state elections to prevent foreign interference in Texas political campaigns.

Referred to State Affairs
#attorneygeneral(v2811) #crimes--miscellaneous(i0200) #elections--campaignfinancing(i0290) #elections--general(i0310) #internationalrelations(s0038) #intergovernmentalrelations(i0447) #politicalcontributions(s0114) #secretaryofstate(v0042)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2045

Legislative bill overview

SB 2045 creates criminal penalties for foreign persons who make campaign contributions or expenditures in Texas elections. The bill establishes new offense categories and enforcement mechanisms to prevent foreign interference in state political campaigns.

Why is this important

Campaign finance integrity is a concern for election security and maintaining public confidence in democratic processes. Foreign influence in elections raises sovereignty questions and affects how Texans' votes are weighted in their own electoral system.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition and enforcement challenges: The bill may struggle to define "foreign person" clearly and enforce prohibitions against entities operating through intermediaries or shell organizations
  • First Amendment concerns: Restrictions on political spending raise constitutional questions about free speech and expressive conduct, potentially inviting legal challenges
  • Scope and coordination with federal law: Texas law could conflict with or duplicate federal campaign finance regulations, creating confusion about which prohibitions apply and to whom
  • Practical detection: Identifying foreign funding sources versus legitimate domestic contributions in complex financial transactions may prove difficult for prosecutors

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

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