State Representative Four Price (R-Amarillo) may have violated Texas campaign laws earlier this year.
Price, who is currently running for re-election to the Texas House of Representatives, began placing campaign yard signs in late September of this year. Social media searches show supporters of Price's campaign discussing having the signs in their yards, as early as September of this year.
According to rules from the Texas Department of Transportation, as cited by the Houston Chronicle and Campaign Trail Yard Signs, candidates may not place yard signs any earlier than 90 days before Election Day in Texas.
Information from social media shows that Price's supporters began placing signs as early as September 26th of this year. Election Day is on March 6th, meaning that candidates in Texas may not place signs earlier than December 6, 2017.
Price's placement of the signs before the December date may be a violation of laws enforced by the Texas Ethics Commission. However, the Texas Ethics Commission will have complete responsibility for enforcing a penalty if Price's campaign did violate state law.
Steven Denny, a local attorney and former Republican candidate for 47th district attorney, said that during his campaign in 2016, he promptly dealt with any campaign sign issues his campaign faced. As for the current laws on the books, Denny says that all candidates should comply with campaign laws, as they are written for the protection of neighborhoods and motorists.
"All candidates should comply with advertising rules," Denny said. "They are in place to ensure fairness, safety of motorists, and the cleanliness of our communities."
Denny also added that not every candidate or voter is an attorney who understands state laws and that the Texas Ethics Commission has a multitude of resources to help ensure that all candidates and voters understand campaign rules.
Price, an attorney, is currently running for re-election to the Texas House of Representatives. Price is facing Fritch city manager Drew Brassfield in his bid for re-election.
Candidates interested in running have until December 11th to file for a place on the ballot.
For more information about campaign sign laws, visit www.txdot.gov.
Rep. Four Price (left) with House Speaker Joe Straus
Photo by Mental Health America Texas