Texas House Bill HB957

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/20/09

Caption

Relating to the eligibility of certain public officers to the legislature and prohibiting legislators from other public employment.

Impact

This legislation would amend existing provisions of the Government Code. By limiting the eligibility of certain public officials to serve in the legislature, the bill seeks to foster a more accountable and dedicated governance structure. Critics might argue this could lead to reduced diversity in legislative representation, as it may exclude experienced individuals with backgrounds in public service from political office. However, supporters of the bill argue that it is a necessary safeguard against potential conflicts of interest, ensuring that the legislature is composed of individuals wholly committed to public service.

Summary

House Bill 957 proposes significant changes to the eligibility criteria for public officers seeking a seat in the Texas legislature. The bill stipulates that individuals holding lucrative offices, which includes judges, the attorney general, and other public officials, are ineligible to serve concurrently in the legislature during the term of their elected or appointed office. This measure aims to eliminate potential conflicts of interest and ensure that state lawmakers are solely focused on their legislative duties without outside employment obligations.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 957 include concerns about the interpretation of what constitutes a 'lucrative' office, as the bill defines it in broad terms. This vagueness could create ambiguities regarding eligibility and potentially exclude numerous public servants who might otherwise contribute valuable perspectives to the legislative process. Additionally, the prohibition on public employment for legislators during their term could be seen as excessively restrictive, potentially limiting the professional opportunities available to those entering public service.

Procedural_notes

The bill requires a two-thirds majority vote in both legislative houses to go into effect immediately; otherwise, it will take effect on a specified date. This procedural requirement emphasizes the importance of bipartisan support for such significant legislative changes.