Austin, TX – The Texas Ethics Commission is considering a recommendation that would make politicians pay fines themselves when they break rules on campaign finance.
The current law lets political donors pick up the tab.
The idea was included in a draft copy of recommendations. The recommendations will be finalized at the commission's December meeting, before the Legislature convenes in January.
Most fines against candidates or officeholders are relatively small _ a few hundred or a couple thousand dollars, depending on the offense. But the commission in recent months has begun levying larger fines, specifically in cases involving more money.