Texas House Bill HB1662

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to the availability of certain Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District financial information on the district's Internet website.

Impact

If enacted, HB1662 would significantly increase the availability of financial information related to the Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District. It would require the district to provide a searchable electronic format that includes details such as transaction amounts, payee names, and the purposes of expenditures, subject to certain exclusions for personnel payments. This could foster a culture of accountability within the district, as residents could scrutinize how financial resources are managed and spent.

Summary

House Bill 1662 aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the financial operations of the Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District. The bill mandates that the district maintain an electronic transaction register of its checking account, as well as a record of credit card transactions and personnel compensation information on its official website. The intent is to allow residents and other interested parties to have compliant access to the district's financial dealings, promoting informed public oversight over their governmental operations.

Contention

While the bill is primarily focused on transparency, some may argue about the operational implications for the district and the resources necessary to comply with these new requirements. Critics of such transparency measures sometimes express concern over privacy issues or the administrative burden imposed on governmental bodies. Conversely, supporters argue that increased oversight is essential for preventing misuse of funds and ensuring that taxpayer resources are managed responsibly. As discussions arise around the execution of the bill, striking a balance between transparency and operational efficiency will likely be a point of contention.