Relating to a restriction on the acceptance of political contributions and the making of certain political expenditures by a member of the legislature and certain political committees during certain periods in which a member is absent from a legislative session; authorizing a civil penalty.

Contracts

• Lobbyist Engagement Letters: Amend contracts with external lobbyists. Add a clause requiring them to verify a legislator’s "eligibility to accept" status before physically delivering checks.
• Event/Venue Contracts: If hosting fundraisers, update "Force Majeure" or cancellation clauses. Ensure that "legislative unavailability due to quorum break" is a valid reason to cancel without forfeiting deposits.

Hiring/Training

• PAC Treasurer Training: Treasurers must be trained on the "Go/No-Go" protocol. No disbursements should be processed if the House or Senate has issued civil warrants for arrest.
• Mailbox Rule Protocol: Staff must understand that the date of *mailing* determines liability, not the date of receipt.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

• Proof of Mailing: For all contributions mailed during a legislative session, you must retain physical proof of postage, cancellation marks, or carrier (FedEx/UPS) receipts. This documentation provides the legal safe harbor if a walkout begins while a check is in transit.
• Returned Check Reconciliation: Accounting teams must establish a code for "Statutory Return - HB18" to ensure these returned funds are not mistakenly categorized as refunds or voided transactions in TEC reports.

Fees & Costs

• Administrative Costs: Potential costs associated with cancelling events or stopping payments on checks.
• No New Government Fees: The bill imposes civil penalties for violations, not licensure fees.