Relating to the completion of sexual harassment prevention training and ethics training to register as a lobbyist.
Impact
The legislation impacts existing regulations under Chapter 305 of the Government Code, specifically enhancing the processes that govern lobbyist registrations. It also seeks to ensure that individuals who lobby understand both the implications of their actions and the ethical standards expected of them. The bill sets a framework for the Texas Ethics Commission to develop rules and guidelines for the implementation of these training programs, further solidifying the role of the commission in overseeing ethical conduct within the state’s lobbying framework.
Summary
SB161 relates to the requirements for individuals who are required to register as lobbyists in the state of Texas. It mandates that these registrants must complete a sexual harassment prevention training course and an ethics training course every two years. The bill aims to enhance accountability and ethical standards among those who engage in lobbying activities, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of ethical conduct in political engagement and influence. By creating specific training requirements, the bill intends to address and mitigate concerns related to inappropriate behavior and unethical practices in the lobbying profession.
Contention
While the bill primarily aims to institutionalize ethical training and create a standard for lobbyists, there are potential points of contention regarding the feasibility of mandating such training and the effectiveness of these programs in changing behavior. Critics could argue about the burden placed on lobbyists to comply with additional training requirements, while supporters will assert that ensuring lobbyists are trained in sexual harassment prevention and ethics is a necessary step to foster a more transparent and ethically responsible political environment.
Relating to school district policies on dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, sexual abuse, and sexual harassment; providing an administrative penalty.
Relating to required training and continuing education requirements for persons who provide medical care or other support to survivors of sexual assault.
Relating to the composition, continuation, and duties of the Sexual Assault Survivors' Task Force, compensation for task force members and certain other task force participants, and establishment of a mandatory training program for persons responding to reports of and treating survivors of child sexual abuse and adult sexual assault.
Relating to implicit bias training for justices and judges of state courts, judicial officers, certain court personnel, and attorneys licensed to practice law in this state.
Relating to required human trafficking prevention training and disclosure of certain information about human trafficking by tattoo and body piercing studios.