Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1492

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

Caption

Relating to restrictions on future employment for state officers and employees who participate in a procurement or contract negotiation on behalf of a state agency; creating an offense.

Impact

By enacting SB1492, the legislation reinforces the ethical standards expected of state employees during and after their service. The implementation of such a restriction is anticipated to deter potential corrupt practices where former state officials might leverage their insider knowledge for personal gain shortly after leaving public office. Failure to comply with these restrictions results in a Class A misdemeanor, thereby strengthening the accountability measures for state officers and employees involved in public contracts.

Summary

SB1492 establishes restrictions on the future employment of state officers and employees who have participated in procurement or contract negotiations on behalf of a state agency. The bill mandates that individuals who served in these capacities are prohibited from accepting employment from the entities involved in the procurement for a period of two years following their service. This restriction aims to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure the integrity of the procurement process within state agencies.

Contention

While the bill is largely aimed at promoting transparency and accountability, there could be potential concerns regarding its implications for recruitment and employment flexibility. Critics may argue that such restrictions could deter capable individuals from serving in public office or limit their career opportunities post-service, thereby affecting the pool of applicants for state positions. Nonetheless, the overarching goal of SB1492 is to protect public integrity in the procurement process and ensure that state employees act ethically.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3428

Relating to certain employment restrictions for former county or municipal officers or employees.

TX HB1418

Relating to state agency contracting and certain state employees involved with the contracting.

TX HB3846

Relating to requiring state contractors, political subdivisions of this state, and private employers to participate in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify.

TX SB1621

Relating to requiring state contractors, political subdivisions of this state, and private employers to participate in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify.

TX HB2760

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.

TX SB2459

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.

TX HB4248

Relating to the employment of certain executive heads of state agencies and employees reporting to those executive heads.

TX SB1828

Relating to the procurement by local governments of energy savings performance contracts for certain conservation measures; creating criminal offenses; authorizing a fee.

TX SB239

Relating to employment restrictions for former employees of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; providing an administrative penalty.

TX SB1376

Relating to an employment preference for members of the military and their spouses for positions at state agencies.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.