AUSTIN -- The Texas Ethics Commission is considering a recommendation that would make politicians pay fines themselves when they break rules on campaign finance.

The current law lets politcial donors pick up the tab.

The idea was included Friday in a draft copy of recommendations. The recommendations will be finalized at the commission's December meeting, before the Legislature convenes in January.

Most fines against candidates or officeholders are relatively small - a few hundred or a couple thousand dollars, depending on the offense. But the commission in recent months has begun levying larger fines, specifically in cases involving more money.