Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HB163

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

Caption

Relating to reporting of the fair market value of certain gifts made to public officials.

Impact

The enactment of HB163 is poised to impact the ethical landscape in governance by instituting stricter regulations on how gifts to public officials are reported. By requiring an explicit statement of fair market value for gifts, the bill hopes to foster accountability and public trust. It aims to prevent situations where public officials may otherwise exploit ambiguities around gift-giving, thereby enhancing the integrity of governmental operations and public service.

Summary

House Bill 163 aims to enhance the reporting requirements related to the fair market value of certain gifts given to public officials. Specifically, the bill amends Section 572.022(d) of the Government Code, which mandates that individuals filing financial statements include a description and a statement of the fair market value of gifts, including cash or cash equivalents. The intention is to improve transparency in the dealings of public officials and to deter corruption by ensuring that any gifts received are properly documented and valued.

Contention

While the bill has received support for its intention to promote transparency, there may be contentions surrounding the practical implications of its implementation. Critics could argue that the added reporting requirements may create unnecessary burdens for public officials, particularly in determining the fair market value of certain gifts which could, at times, be subjective. Thus, the bill could stimulate discussions around finding a balance between transparency and the operational efficiency of public officials in their duties.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4053

Relating to the contents of the personal financial statement filed by public officers and candidates.

TX HB2989

Relating to a limitation on increases in the appraised value of certain commercial real property for ad valorem tax purposes.

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 HB1828

Relating to public access to personal financial statements filed by public officials and candidates.

TX HB3659

Relating to civil asset forfeiture proceedings, to the seizure and forfeiture of certain property, and to the reporting and disposition of proceeds and property from civil asset forfeiture.

TX HB5237

Relating to the disclosure of certain contributions, expenditures, and gifts between local government officers and vendors.

TX HB1189

Relating to limitations on the appraised value of certain real property in specified areas for ad valorem tax purposes.

TX HB2817

Relating to establishing a program allowing certain students who are educationally disadvantaged, have a disability, or failed certain assessment instruments to use state money or money the state receives for the purpose from gifts and non-federal grants to pursue certain educational alternatives to public schools.

TX HB3291

Relating to the deadline for certain officials of an appraisal district to take certain actions.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.