Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB770

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to a prohibition against naming public property after certain elected officials and former elected officials.

Impact

The enactment of SB770 would alter existing state laws regarding the naming of public properties by enshrining a waiting period before any elected official can be honored in this way. This would affect local governments and state agencies tasked with the naming and renaming of public properties. The waiting period aims to foster a tradition of thoughtful reflection before honoring public servants, ensuring that their legacies are evaluated over time. This law might lead to a decrease in opportunities for immediate recognition of current officials, potentially reshaping public and political dynamics related to governmental honors.

Summary

SB770 is an act that introduces a prohibition against naming public properties after certain elected officials and former elected officials. Specifically, it dictates that public property may not be named after an individual who has held elective office until five years after they have last served in that position. This legislation seeks to distance public naming honors from current political figures and ensure that such honors are reserved for individuals who have been out of office for a time, promoting a more neutral stance in public naming practices.

Contention

Critics of SB770 might argue that while the intention of the bill is to promote fairer practices in honoring elected officials, it could also prevent timely recognition of individuals who have made significant contributions while in office. Some may view this as a governmental overreach that undermines the public's ability to show appreciation for their representatives immediately after service. Notably, the bill allows for exceptions for officials who have served in an elective office for at least 40 years, raising questions about why long-term service is treated differently than more recent service.

Notable_points

Additionally, SB770 illustrates a shift towards formalizing standards around the naming of public property, adding a level of regulation that could lead to more comprehensive guidelines in the future. Moreover, it underscores ongoing discussions about the relationship between public service and legacy, and how community sentiments towards officials can evolve over time. The bill's potential implications for local naming practices could also instigate further legislative debates on local governance.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2779

Relating to the compensation and retirement benefits of certain elected state officials.

TX SB293

Relating to penalties for intimidation and harassment of election officials and election interference; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB5038

Relating to protecting a public school educator's ability to contact elected officials.

TX SB215

Relating to the prohibition on lobbying by certain elected officers.

TX SB2438

Relating to the safety of a referee, judge, or other official at a public school extracurricular activity and prohibiting certain conduct by a spectator related to those officials' safety.

TX HB2484

Relating to the safety of a referee, judge, or other official at certain public school extracurricular activities and competitions and prohibiting certain conduct by a spectator related to those officials' safety.

TX SB2514

Relating to the provision of information relating to certain election officials appointed by the commissioners court.

TX HB1948

Relating to a requirement that certain rules proposed by state agencies in the executive branch of state government be approved by certain elected state officials.

TX HB3510

Relating to penalties for the intimidation and harassment of election officials; creating criminal offenses.

TX SB2018

Relating to prohibitions on camping in a public place.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.