Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1438

Caption

Relating to the contents of and public access to personal financial statements filed by public officials and candidates.

Impact

This legislation significantly modifies existing regulations concerning personal financial disclosures to ensure they are accessible to the public, theoretically promoting greater accountability and trust in public officials. By increasing the scrutiny on personal finances, the bill seeks to mitigate conflicts of interest and enhance public confidence in government operations. Additionally, the amendments adjust the monetary thresholds for reporting relevant income and gifts, reflecting contemporary standards in financial reporting and public expectations of transparency.

Summary

House Bill 1438 addresses the public disclosure and content requirements of personal financial statements filed by public officials and candidates in the state of Texas. It aims to enhance transparency in the financial dealings of elected officials and candidates, ultimately ensuring that the public has access to their financial information. This bill amends various sections of the Government Code relating to the disclosure thresholds and the specifics of what must be included in these financial statements. The updated requirements for reporting aim to clarify the financial activities and relationships that could potentially influence the actions of public officeholders.

Contention

While the intent of HB 1438 is to foster openness among public figures, it may encounter contention regarding the balance between transparency and privacy. Opponents may argue that the detailed financial disclosures required could infringe on the personal privacy of public officials, potentially discouraging qualified candidates from seeking public office. Consequently, assessments of what constitutes appropriate transparency could lead to debates in legislative settings about the scope and implementation of such disclosures, weighing the public's right to information against the personal rights of those serving in office.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4053

Relating to the contents of the personal financial statement filed by public officers and candidates.

TX HB1828

Relating to public access to personal financial statements filed by public officials and candidates.

TX HB1829

Relating to the publication of annual financial statements by a municipality.

TX HB4203

Relating to the public accessibility of open-enrollment charter school annual financial statements.

TX SB1246

Relating to authorized investments of public money by certain governmental entities and the confidentiality of certain information related to those investments.

TX HB2760

Relating to the disclosure of certain gifts, grants, contracts, and financial interests received from a foreign source by certain state agencies, public institutions of higher education, and state contractors, and to the approval and monitoring of employment-related foreign travel and activities by certain public institution of higher education employees; providing civil and administrative penalties.

TX SB2459

TX SB214

Relating to the content of detailed reports filed by lobbyists and to monetary limits on expenditures by lobbyists.

TX HB11

Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators, including financial and other assistance and waivers provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators, methods of instruction provided in public schools, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

TX HB4188

Relating to the rights, certification, and compensation of public school educators, including financial and other assistance provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators and to certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

Similar Bills

TX HB16

Relating to the ethics of public servants, including the authority and duties of the Texas Ethics Commission, the regulation of certain contributions and expenditures, and the reporting of political contributions and political expenditures and personal financial information; creating a criminal offense.