Texas House Bill HB2089

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to lobbying by former members of the legislature; creating an offense.

Impact

The bill stipulates that if a former legislator wishes to lobby, they may do so only after waiting a two-year period. However, there is an exception for former members who communicate directly with the legislative or executive branch on behalf of a private nonprofit organization. This is a notable point, as it allows former legislators continued involvement in advocacy, albeit within defined parameters. The imposition of Class A misdemeanor penalties for violation of this section highlights the bill's seriousness in enforcing these regulations.

Summary

House Bill 2089 seeks to impose restrictions on lobbying activities conducted by former members of the Texas legislature. According to the bill, which amends Section 572 of the Government Code, a former legislator is prohibited from engaging in lobbying activities that require registration under Chapter 305 until two years after they cease to be a member. This legislation aims to mitigate potential conflicts of interest and maintain the integrity of the legislative process by preventing immediate access to current legislative members after leaving office.

Contention

One area of contention surrounding HB 2089 relates to the balance between regulating lobbying to prevent corruption and allowing former legislators to have a voice in advocacy, especially for causes they may have championed while in office. Supporters of the bill argue that such restrictions are necessary to uphold ethical standards in government and avoid undue influence, while critics may contend that the waiting period could stifle valuable input from experienced individuals in public service who are committed to nonprofit causes.