Texas House Bill HB17

Texas 2017 - 85th 1st C.S.

Caption

Relating to the disclosure of gifts by vendors to certain local government officers and of certain relationships with local government officers; creating a criminal offense.

Impact

If enacted, HB 17 will amend the Local Government Code by adding Chapter 176A, detailing the specifics of gift disclosures by vendors. The legislation creates a criminal offense for vendors who knowingly fail to submit the required disclosure forms, which could lead to a Class C misdemeanor charge. This amendment to the existing law signifies a step towards stringent ethical standards and increased accountability among both vendors and local government officers.

Summary

House Bill 17, titled 'Relating to the disclosure of gifts by vendors to certain local government officers,' aims to enhance transparency and ethical conduct within local government operations in Texas. The bill establishes a requirement for vendors doing business with local government entities to disclose any gifts valued over $100 that have been given to local government officers or their family members. This obligation helps to ensure that local officials are not swayed by potential conflicts of interest and that their integrity remains intact while performing their duties.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding this bill relate to the scope of what constitutes a 'gift' and the implications this definition has on the relationships between local officials and vendors. While some may argue that the new rules are necessary to combat ethical violations and maintain public trust, opponents might contend that the legislation could hinder legitimate business interactions and relationship-building between local governments and vendors. Furthermore, questions may arise regarding enforcement and the administrative burden placed on vendors to comply with the new disclosure requirements.

Implementation

To ensure compliance, the Texas Ethics Commission is tasked with adopting rules and creating the necessary forms for vendors to fill out regarding their disclosures. The changes in law outlined in HB 17 will only apply to disclosures occurring after the effective date of the legislation, allowing for a seamless transition into the new requirements for both local government officials and vendors.