For a decade, the Texas Nationalist Movement has been at the forefront of advocating for limitations on out-of-state campaign contributions. Our persistent efforts are finally bearing fruit as two bills make their way through the Texas Legislature that would place significant restrictions on these types of political donations.
House Bill 3592, authored by Representative Dade Phelan, is scheduled for a public hearing before the House State Affairs Committee on Wednesday, April 9th. Its companion legislation, Senate Bill 405, filed by Senator Mayes Middleton, is currently under review in the Senate State Affairs Committee.
These bills would implement a tiered structure of contribution limits for out-of-state donors: $5,000 for statewide offices, $2,500 for district offices, and $1,000 for county offices per contributor per election. Additionally, political committees would be barred from contributing to Texas candidates if more than 50% of their funds came from out-of-state sources during the preceding reporting period.
While many politicians and media outlets are framing this as a mere campaign finance issue, the Texas Nationalist Movement recognizes it for what it truly is – a sovereignty issue that strikes at the heart of Texan self-determination.
A Decade-Long Battle for Texas Sovereignty
The TNM has long maintained that out-of-state money flooding into Texas elections represents an intrusion on our sovereignty. When non-Texans can influence our elections with their checkbooks, the will of actual Texas voters is diluted. For years, we’ve watched as candidates rake in millions from New York, California, and Washington D.C., pushing policy positions that don’t align with Texas values.
“When non-Texans fund our elections, non-Texans control our government,” has been our consistent message since 2015, when we first introduced this proposal as part of our legislative agenda. While establishment politicians initially dismissed our concerns, the reality has become increasingly apparent to legislators across the political spectrum.
Critical for TEXIT’s Future
These restrictions are particularly significant as we continue to advance toward an independence referendum. When TEXIT comes to a vote, we must ensure that Texans alone determine their political future – not outside interests with deep pockets who fear Texas independence.
The history of independence movements worldwide shows that outside money pours in to oppose self-determination. From Scotland to Catalonia, external forces have pumped millions into campaigns designed to maintain the status quo. HB 3592 would place reasonable guardrails around this practice, ensuring that Texans’ voices aren’t drowned out by non-Texan dollars.
The Fight Isn’t Over
While these bills represent significant progress, the battle isn’t won yet. The House State Affairs Committee hearing on Wednesday will be the first major test for this legislation. The powerful lobbying interests that benefit from unrestricted outside money will undoubtedly mount significant opposition.
This is where grassroots activism becomes crucial. Texans who support this common-sense measure should contact their representatives and urge them to support HB 3592. Texas residents who wish to electronically submit comments related to HB 3592 without testifying in person can do so until the hearing is adjourned by visiting: https://comments.house.texas.gov/home?c=c450
Looking Forward
If passed, these restrictions would take effect on September 1, 2025, applying only to contributions made on or after that date. Violations would incur civil penalties up to three times the amount of the prohibited contribution.
The Texas Nationalist Movement takes pride in our leadership on this issue. Once again, a policy position that we championed years ahead of the mainstream has moved from the fringe to the foreground. This pattern – of the TNM identifying critical sovereignty issues long before the political establishment catches up – reinforces our role as the genuine voice for Texas self-determination.
As we continue our march toward Texas independence, limiting outside influence in our elections represents a critical milestone. True self-government requires that Texans alone decide Texas’s future. These bills are a meaningful step toward that fundamental principle.
The TNM will continue to monitor this legislation closely and fight for its passage. Stay tuned for updates as we work toward a Texas where Texans call the shots – not outside money.
Public input on pending legislation may not have as huge an impact as a whopping big check written to a political campaign but it does make a difference. If you can make it to Austin for this important hearing but aren’t quite sure what to say in your testimony, you still have a chance to let your voice be heard without having to say a word. In the House witness registration process, you have the choice to register not only your position but also whether you will be testifying or not. By registering your support and choosing not to testify, you have told the committee you care enough about this bill to carry out Rule One of political activism: Show Up!