Relating to the disclosure of interested parties by persons contracting with governmental entities and state agencies.
Impact
This legislation amends Section 2252 of the Government Code, introducing Section 2252.908, which sets forth the requirements for disclosure of interested parties. The definitions included in this section establish who qualifies as an 'interested party' and outline the obligations of governmental entities and state agencies to submit this information to the Texas Ethics Commission. By providing a clearer framework for accountability, the bill aims to foster a more ethical contracting process within state operations.
Summary
Senate Bill 852 is focused on enhancing transparency in state contracts by mandating the disclosure of interested parties involved in such contracts. Specifically, the bill requires that any individual or entity contracting with governmental entities or state agencies must submit a detailed disclosure of interested parties at the time the contract is signed if the contract's value is at least $1 million. This provision is designed to minimize potential conflicts of interest and ensure that all parties related to a contract are identified and documented.
Conclusion
Overall, SB852 represents a significant step towards fostering greater accountability in public contracting practices in Texas. By requiring the disclosure of interested parties, the bill seeks to strengthen the integrity of state contracts and maintain public trust in governmental operations.
Contention
While the bill's intent is to enhance transparency, there may be notable points of contention surrounding its implementation. Detractors could argue that such requirements impose additional bureaucratic hurdles for businesses looking to contract with the state, potentially discouraging participation in governmental contracts. Furthermore, there may be concerns about the effectiveness of the enforcement mechanisms associated with these disclosures, especially if penalties for non-compliance are not sufficiently stringent.
Identical
Relating to the disclosure of research, research sponsors, and interested parties by persons contracting with governmental entities and state agencies.
Relating to the disclosure of certain gifts, grants, contracts, and financial interests received from a foreign source by certain state agencies, public institutions of higher education, and state contractors, and to the approval and monitoring of employment-related foreign travel and activities by certain public institution of higher education employees; providing civil and administrative penalties.
Relating to the disclosure of certain gifts, grants, contracts, and financial interests received from a foreign source by certain state agencies, public institutions of higher education, and state contractors, and to the approval and monitoring of employment-related foreign travel and activities by certain public institution of higher education employees; providing civil and administrative penalties.
Relating to authorized investments of public money by certain governmental entities and the confidentiality of certain information related to those investments.
Relating to a prohibition against the consideration of race or ethnicity as a factor in governmental employment or contracting, in other governmental functions, and in higher education admissions.
Relating to the regulation of the collection, use, processing, and treatment of consumers' personal data by certain business entities; imposing a civil penalty.
Relating to the regulation of the collection, use, processing, and treatment of consumers' personal data by certain business entities; imposing a civil penalty.