Texas House Bill HB2211

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to the availability on the Internet of reports of political contributions and expenditures filed in connection with certain county judicial offices.

Impact

The addition of Section 254.04012 to the Election Code, as stipulated by this bill, will apply only to reports that are due on or after January 1, 2014. Local governments that maintain a website will be required to ensure these reports can be accessed freely by the public, eliminating potential barriers such as mandatory registration. Through this provision, the bill aims to promote greater civic engagement and oversight of judicial offices, which are critical components of the electoral process.

Summary

House Bill 2211 aims to enhance the transparency of political contributions and expenditures associated with certain judicial offices at the county level. Specifically, the bill mandates that reports filed by justices of the peace and judges of county courts must be made publicly available on the county's Internet website, provided that such a site exists. This measure is intended to increase public access to information regarding the financial activities of candidates and sitting judges, fostering an environment of accountability in local governance.

Contention

While the bill is largely positioned as a positive step towards transparency, there may be contentions regarding the implementation and maintenance of such online reporting systems by various counties, especially those with limited resources. Concerns may arise over the potential challenges smaller counties face in maintaining a robust web presence capable of accommodating such requirements. Nevertheless, proponents argue that the benefits of transparency outweigh the challenges, advocating for a principle of open access to public information as essential for democratic integrity.