Texas Senate Bill SB1142

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 3/25/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/2/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/18/09
• Voted on by House: 5/26/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/27/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the authority with whom campaign finance reports must be filed in connection with a judicial district office filled by the voters of only one county.

Impact

By mandating the filing of campaign finance reports with the county clerk, SB1142 potentially increases the level of local oversight and scrutiny of campaign finances. This change could lead to improved accountability for candidates, as local constituents would have direct access to relevant financial information about their judicial representatives. The shift is aimed at fostering trust among the electorate by ensuring that candidates are accountable for their fundraising and spending practices.

Summary

SB1142 addresses the specific protocols for filing campaign finance reports related to judicial district offices that are filled by voters within a single county. The bill amends existing sections of the Election Code, stipulating that candidates for such offices must file their reports with both the relevant authority and the county clerk. This dual filing requirement aims to enhance transparency and ensure that all contributions and expenditures are accurately recorded and accessible to the public at the local level.

Contention

Notably, the bill does not appear to have faced significant opposition, likely due to its focus on transparency and accountability, which are generally well-regarded principles in electoral processes. However, there could be discussions around the administrative implications of this dual filing requirement, especially concerning the workload it places on county clerks and the potential for confusion among candidates. The efficiency of implementing these new procedures in practice may also be a point of consideration as the bill moves forward.