Texas House Bill HB782

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to permitting the Texas Ethics Commission to provide seminars and charge an attendance fee for those seminars.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would enhance the capacity of the Texas Ethics Commission to educate individuals regarding the laws and regulations pertinent to their roles in political settings and lobbying activities. By allowing the commission to charge fees, it not only provides a revenue stream for the commission but also reflects a move towards self-sustainability in providing educational resources. This could lead to better-informed registrants who understand their obligations under the law, potentially improving overall compliance and ethical standards in state politics and lobbying.

Summary

House Bill 782 aims to amend Section 571.071 of the Texas Government Code to permit the Texas Ethics Commission to conduct seminars for individuals required to register under Chapter 305. These seminars will address critical topics such as lobbying, political contributions, expenditures, and other relevant legal issues as determined by the commission. A notable aspect of this proposal is the authorization for the commission to charge an attendance fee to cover the costs associated with the seminars, including providing food or nonalcoholic beverages to attendees.

Contention

While the bill appears straightforward, there may be points of contention regarding the impact of seminar fees on accessibility for all individuals required to attend. Concerns could arise that introducing a fee may deter some individuals from participating, thus limiting the effectiveness of the seminars in promoting transparency and understanding of the law. Additionally, discussions around the Objectives of the Ethics Commission, and whether monetizing educational sessions is appropriate, could provoke debate among legislators and stakeholders who prioritize government transparency.