Texas Senate Bill SB2154

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/17/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/27/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/21/09

Caption

Relating to the confidentiality of certain travel vouchers submitted by certain peace officers.

Impact

The introduction of SB2154 is expected to have implications for transparency in government spending, especially regarding security-related expenditures. By granting confidentiality to these travel vouchers, the law may limit public access to information that can help constituents understand how resources are allocated for the protection of elected officials. Proponents of the bill might argue that the confidentiality is necessary to protect the safety and security of officials and their families; however, it may also raise concerns about accountability and the potential for misuse of funds without public oversight.

Summary

Senate Bill 2154 addresses the confidentiality of travel vouchers submitted by certain peace officers. Specifically, it establishes that travel vouchers submitted by peace officers for travel that is essential to providing personal protection for elected officials or their family members will be deemed confidential. This means that such vouchers will not be subject to public disclosure under Texas's open records laws, which is a notable adjustment in the state's approach to public information related to law enforcement.

Contention

Debates surrounding SB2154 could center around the balance between public safety and government transparency. Advocates for public disclosure may argue that maintaining public access to financial documents, including travel vouchers, is crucial for ensuring accountability and trust in elected representatives. On the other hand, supporters of the bill might emphasize that safeguarding sensitive information related to security details is paramount and that the potential risks of disclosing such information to the public outweigh the benefits of transparency.