Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HB2942

Filed

Out of House Committee

5/11/09

Voted on by House

5/18/09

Out of Senate Committee

Voted on by Senate

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to accountability and transparency in government operations, including disclosure, oversight, and enforcement measures; providing penalties.

Impact

The Act specifically modifies Chapter 321 of the Government Code, rebranding the State Auditor’s Office to the Texas Fiscal Responsibility Office. This change facilitates a structure whereby the State Auditor is assigned additional authority to conduct audits of state agencies, including those receiving federal funds. The bill also outlines mechanisms for the public to report suspected fraud or abuse, thus promoting greater engagement and vigilance from Texas citizens regarding public spending.

Summary

House Bill 2942, known as the Texas Government Accountability and Transparency Act of 2009, aims to enhance transparency and accountability in government operations. The bill establishes provisions for legislative oversight concerning the expenditures of public funds while introducing penalties and methods for enforcing compliance. The intent behind this legislation is to bolster public confidence in government by ensuring that state funds are subjected to stringent scrutiny and are managed efficiently.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding the bill involve discussions regarding the balance between necessary oversight and the potential burden placed on government entities. Proponents argue that stringent oversight measures will significantly reduce the risks of fraud and mismanagement, thereby protecting taxpayer interests. Conversely, critics express concerns that overly rigorous oversight might lead to inefficiencies within governmental units or inhibit the flexibility needed to respond to emerging needs.

Latest TX HB2942 Activity

View All Events: TX 2009 - 81st Regular HB2942

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4440

Relating to state and local government responses to a pandemic disaster, including the establishment of the Pandemic Disaster Legislative Oversight Committee.

TX SB8

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force and making funds available to certain governmental entities.

TX HB4979

Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including measures related to certain student records and conduct.

TX SB2377

Relating to homeland security, including the creation of the Texas Homeland Security Division in the Department of Public Safety, the operations of the Homeland Security Council, the creation of a homeland security fusion center, and the duties of state agencies and local governments in preparing for, reporting, and responding to cybersecurity breaches; providing administrative penalties; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB7

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB127

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Homeland Security Division, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.

TX SB11

Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including measures related to the health and safety of public school students and active shooter training for certain peace officers.

TX HB20

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB13

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing the Texas Homeland Security Division and the Border Security Advisory Council, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.

TX HB44

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the southern border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

Similar Bills

TX HB4307

Relating to the creation of the office of inspector within the State Auditor's Office and the appointment of deputy inspectors general at the Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Youth Commission, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Texas Education Agency, and Texas Department of Transportation; providing penalties.

TX HB2426

Relating to the creation of the office of inspector general, including the required appointment of deputy inspectors general at the Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Youth Commission, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Texas Education Agency, and Texas Department of Transportation; providing penalties.

TX HB2448

Relating to the creation of offices of inspectors general at the Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Youth Commission, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Texas Department of Transportation, and Texas Education Agency; providing penalties.

TX HB4161

Relating to the creation of the office of inspector general and the appointment of inspectors general at the Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Youth Commission, Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas, Texas Education Agency, and Texas Department of Transportation; providing penalties.