HB 464 would impose a filing fee to appear on the general election ballot for state and county officers after they have already won the party's nomination. Candidates who have already qualified for ballot access, would then have to pay an extra fee (up to $5,000) to the state. If passed, this bill, sponsored by Rep. Drew Springer (R-HD-68), would seriously curtail the ability of the Libertarian Party of Texas and all other convention parties to field candidates for state and county offices. This law would essentially be a new TAX on political participation. Convention parties that have already legitimately met the legal standard for ballot access would no longer be able to freely nominate candidates per their own rules and process as is currently the case.

 It's clear that this law has one intention - effectively shut down all third parties in Texas. We strongly urge you to make the fair decision and oppose this bill.