In a session marked by discussions on privacy and community support, the Texas Senate Committee on State Affairs convened on May 19, 2025, to deliberate on two significant pieces of legislation: House Bill 551 and House Bill 2820.

The meeting began with House Bill 551, introduced by Representative Swanson and sponsored by Senator Bettencourt. This bill aims to enhance privacy protections for individuals involved in political campaigns. Senator Hall explained that the legislation would require the Texas Ethics Commission to redact the residential addresses of individuals receiving campaign expenditures, ensuring that only their city, state, and zip code are publicly disclosed. This measure is particularly crucial for young campaign workers, including minors and college students, who may be vulnerable to harassment if their home addresses are made public. The bill seeks to extend the same privacy protections already granted to campaign donors, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding personal information in the political arena.

Following the discussion on House Bill 551, the committee turned its attention to House Bill 2820, presented by Senator Inahosa. This bill addresses the financial challenges faced by charitable bingo organizations across Texas. Currently, these organizations are limited to retaining a maximum of $50,000 in their bingo accounts for operational expenses, a restriction that has become increasingly burdensome due to inflation and the growing popularity of bingo as a fundraising tool. House Bill 2820 proposes to double this cap to $100,000, providing much-needed relief to these organizations and enabling them to continue supporting community causes effectively.

Public testimony for both bills was limited, with only a few individuals registered to speak. Mark Westerman, a CPA and Treasurer of Texans for Charitable Bingo, voiced support for House Bill 2820, highlighting the strain the current financial cap places on charitable operations.

As the meeting concluded, both bills were left pending, signaling ongoing discussions and potential adjustments before they move forward in the legislative process. The outcomes of these bills could significantly impact campaign transparency and the viability of charitable organizations in Texas, reflecting the committee's commitment to addressing pressing issues within the state.