Texas House Bill HB2578

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/28/11
• Introduced: 3/8/11
• Refer: 3/15/11
• Report Pass: 4/12/11

Caption

Relating to the preparation of economic impact statements for legislative measures.

Impact

The bill specifically amends sections of the Government Code, setting a structured framework for how economic impact statements are to be prepared. The legislation requires that the statements investigate various economic dimensions, including employment changes across regions, potential revenue and expenditure effects for state and local governments, and any alterations in the costs of goods and services resulting from proposed legislation. This comprehensive analytical approach aims to paint a broader picture of how legislative actions might influence Texas’s economy over both the short and long term.

Summary

House Bill 2578 aims to enhance the transparency and accountability of legislative measures by instituting a requirement for the preparation of economic impact statements. These statements will be mandated for any pending legislative bill or joint resolution that directly affects a state agency. The intention behind this bill is to provide lawmakers with a clearer understanding of the potential economic implications of their proposals before they make decisions, promoting informed legislative action.

Contention

While the bill is framed as a means of promoting informed decision-making, it could also raise concerns regarding the operational burden it may place on state agencies responsible for preparing these economic impact statements. Critics may argue that the requirement could lead to delays in the legislative process or require significant resources that might detract from other essential government functions. The balance between thorough economic analysis and efficient legislative action will likely be a focal point of debate as the bill moves through the legislative process.