Texas Senate Bill SB1368

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 3/26/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/9/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/15/09
• Voted on by House: 5/26/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/29/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the creation of a county ethics commission in certain counties; providing civil and criminal penalties.

Impact

The introduction of this bill signifies a substantial shift in local governance, as it places an emphasis on ethics and integrity among public servants. By creating a structured body dedicated to upholding ethical standards, SB1368 aims to curb potential misconduct and foster greater public trust in government operations. Additionally, the bill outlines specific civil and criminal penalties for violations of the ethics code, ensuring that accountability measures are in place. This regulatory framework differs from previous approaches, where oversight may have been less formalized, potentially leading to ethical oversights or abuse of power.

Summary

SB1368 establishes a county ethics commission aimed at improving governance and accountability in counties with populations of 650,000 or more located on the international border. This bill facilitates the creation of the commission by empowering county judges and commissioners to appoint members who will oversee and enforce an ethics code applicable to county public servants. The newly formed commission is responsible for developing and implementing guidelines meant to govern conduct among elected officials and public employees, thereby enhancing ethical standards within the framework of local government.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB1368 include concerns regarding local autonomy and the potential for overreach by the ethics commission. While proponents argue that the establishment of such a body is crucial for promoting accountability, detractors worry that imposing a strict ethics code could hinder local officials' ability to govern autonomously. Issues may also arise over the fairness of enforcing penalties, especially as the bill includes provisions for criminal penalties connected to ethics violations. This complexity highlights a balance between ensuring ethical behavior in local governance and respecting the unique needs and governance styles of individual counties.