Dark Money: State District Judge Tim Sulak threw out a lawsuit challenging a Texas Ethics Commission rule requiring certain 501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations to disclose their donors if they engage in significant political activities. The suit, which was filed by the Texas Homeschool Coalition, is the second unsuccessful legal challenge to the rule. An appeal is expected. The group has a PAC but said in court filings that much of its political advocacy has shifted to the nonprofit entity. Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office defended the commission’s rule.
Pre-filed Legislation: Sen. Charles Perry (R-Lubbock) filed a bill that would permit cities and other local jurisdictions (other than counties) to hold their general elections on the same date as the March primary. Sen. Van Taylor (R-Plano) filed a bill that would extend by two days the period during which a primary election candidate could withdraw from the race. Current law requires a candidate to withdraw one day after the deadline to file for the primary.
Bandera: Justin Knight defeated incumbent Jim Hannah, 49 votes to 32, in a runoff caused by an 89-89 tie vote in November.
