Texas Senate Bill SB587

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the availability on the Internet of certain registrations and reports filed by lobbyists.

Impact

The proposed law will significantly alter how registrations and reports that lobbyists are required to file are managed. It sets a clear timeline for when these documents should be available online, specifically mandating that they be posted no later than 10 business days after submission. Moreover, this bill ensures the protection of personal information by requiring the commission to remove the home addresses of individuals from these public documents, addressing privacy concerns while still fostering transparency in government interactions with lobbyists.

Summary

Senate Bill 587 seeks to enhance the transparency of lobbyist registrations and reports by ensuring that such documents are readily accessible to the public on the Internet. This legislation mandates that the Commission make available each registration or report filed under Chapter 305 of the Government Code through its website. The goal is to increase public awareness and scrutiny of lobbyist activities and to hold those in the lobbying profession accountable through enhanced access to their submitted documents.

Contention

While the bill promotes greater transparency, it may engage in contention regarding the balance between the public's right to know and individual privacy rights. Some may argue that even the removal of home addresses does not go far enough in protecting the identities of lobbyists, potentially leading to harassment or undue scrutiny. Others might oppose imposing strict deadlines for public access, interpreting such regulations as an unnecessary burden on the processes of the Commission, which must ensure accurate and timely information dissemination.

Implementation

If enacted, SB 587 will take effect on September 1, 2015, applying solely to registrations and reports required to be filed after this date. Previous filings will follow the regulations that were in place prior to the law’s enactment. This transitional measure allows for a clearer delineation of expectations and responsibilities under the new regulation while preserving the legal framework for existing documents.