Texas House Bill HB485

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to ethics training for legislators and certain other state officers and employees.

Impact

The introduction of HB 485 emphasizes the importance of ethics and accountability within the Texas government. By requiring mandatory training, the bill aims to equip legislators and certain state employees with the necessary knowledge about ethical standards and legal compliance, reducing the potential for ethical violations. Failure to complete the training results in a significant penalty: affected individuals are not eligible to receive salary or wage payments until the training is completed. This creates a strong incentive for compliance while also ensuring that public funds are not paid to those who have not fulfilled their obligations.

Summary

House Bill 485 addresses the requirement for ethics training for various state officials, including legislators and certain government employees. The bill mandates that these individuals must complete three hours of ethics training every two years. Such training is designed to educate those in public office about compliance with the laws administered and enforced by the relevant ethics commission. The initial training must be completed within 90 days of taking office, with subsequent sessions occurring biennially.

Contention

While the bill's intent to enhance ethical conduct among public officials is broadly supported, there may be discussions regarding the specifics of its implementation and effectiveness. Some may argue about the adequacy of a three-hour training session in truly fostering a culture of ethics among legislators, while others may express concerns about the administrative burden of monitoring compliance. Additionally, there could be debates on the penalties enforced by the bill and whether they are sufficient to ensure that all subjects fulfill their training requirements.