Texas House Bill HB498

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to lobbying by former members of the legislature; creating a criminal offense.

Impact

The implementation of HB 498 could significantly affect state laws pertaining to lobbying practices, especially concerning former legislators. By imposing restrictions on former members, the bill seeks to eliminate the 'revolving door' phenomenon where legislators transition directly into lobbying roles, potentially leveraging their prior relationships and knowledge for personal gain. The new regulations aim to contribute to ethical standards in governmental operations and ensure that former legislators cannot unduly influence current members of the legislature or the executive branch during the cooling-off period.

Summary

House Bill 498 addresses the issue of lobbying by former members of the Texas Legislature, establishing regulations and creating a criminal offense for violations. The bill adds a new section (572.062) to the Government Code, which restricts former legislators from engaging in lobbying activities for a specified period after leaving office. Specifically, it prohibits these individuals from engaging in activities that require registration under Chapter 305 before the adjournment of the second regular session of the legislature following their departure. This move aims to enhance transparency and prevent potential conflicts of interest in legislative activities.

Contention

While the bill aims to enhance government integrity and accountability, there may be differing opinions on its necessity and the implications for former legislators. Proponents argue that such measures are crucial for preventing corruption and maintaining public trust in government. In contrast, critics may raise concerns about the practicality of enforcing these restrictions and whether they could inadvertently hinder legitimate advocacy efforts on behalf of nonprofit organizations or low-income groups, particularly if former legislators are barred from communicating with their former colleagues during their transition to private life.