Relating to certain activities by, employment of, and contracts of former members of the legislature; creating offenses.
Impact
The ramifications of HB 723 extend to enhancing ethical standards in political practices by formally enforcing a cooling-off period before former legislators can re-engage with the political landscape. This is particularly significant as it creates barriers that protect the legislative process from undue influence exerted by individuals leveraging their prior government experiences. Additionally, it aims to foster public trust in governance by exhibiting that former members are held accountable even after their terms end.
Summary
House Bill 723 focuses on the employment and contractual activities of former members of the Texas legislature. The bill proposes to restrict former legislators from engaging in various roles within state government and related entities for a two-year period after leaving office. This includes prohibiting former members from lobbying or taking employment with entities regulated by the state, particularly in matters they previously legislated on. The intent of these provisions is to mitigate potential conflicts of interest and ensure that public service is characterized by integrity and transparency.
Contention
Notably, the bill addresses contentious issues surrounding government accountability and the interactions between former public officials and private interests. Critics may argue that such restrictions could overly limit the professional opportunities of former legislators, potentially driving experienced individuals away from public service. Supporters, however, assert that maintaining robust limitations on post-service engagements is necessary to diminish corruption and uphold the quality of governance.
Provisions
The bill establishes that violations of these restrictions constitute Class A misdemeanors, thus emphasizing the seriousness of maintaining strict compliance. Furthermore, it applies retroactively to members who cease to hold office after the bill's effective date, which ensures that the ethical standards are uniformly applicable across all former legislators.
Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.
Relating to the procurement by local governments of energy savings performance contracts for certain conservation measures; creating criminal offenses; authorizing a fee.
Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.
A resolution to direct the Clerk of the House of Representatives to only present to the Governor enrolled House bills finally passed by both houses of the One Hundred Third Legislature.