Texas House Bill HJR115

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 3/4/11
• Refer: 3/10/11

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment to change the number, method of appointment, and terms of the Texas Ethics Commission members and the term and selection of the presiding officer of the Texas Ethics Commission.

Impact

If enacted, HJR115 would lead to significant changes in the governance of ethics in Texas. By adjusting the composition of the Texas Ethics Commission, the bill aims to simplify the decision-making processes and potentially increase responsiveness to ethical breaches in governance. Supporters believe this reform is crucial for improving public trust in governance by making the Commission more efficient in regulating and overseeing public officials. Conversely, critics of the amendment might argue that reducing the number of members could limit diverse perspectives and impair the Commission’s ability to fulfill its responsibilities effectively.

Summary

HJR115 proposes a constitutional amendment aimed at modifying the structure and operations of the Texas Ethics Commission. The amendment seeks to reduce the number of members on the Commission from eight to six, fundamentally changing the method of appointment and the terms served by these members. This initiative targets the selection process of the presiding officer, introducing a system that rotates this position biennially among the members affiliated with the governor's political party. Advocates argue that the streamlined structure would enhance efficiency and accountability within the Commission, allowing for a more focused approach to ethics oversight in Texas.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HJR115 exhibits a mixture of cautious optimism and criticism. Proponents express strong support, highlighting the necessity for reform to enhance the ethical standards of governance in Texas. They view the changes as a move towards a clearer, more accountable ethics structure while potentially reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies. However, there is significant concern among some legislators and advocacy groups regarding the implications of altering the Commission's makeup. These concerns largely revolve around the possible diminished representation of different political perspectives, which could lead to biases in ethical oversight.

Contention

A notable point of contention in discussions surrounding HJR115 is the balance between political oversight and independence necessary for ethical governance. While the bill aims to streamline the operational aspects of the Texas Ethics Commission, there are fears that the changes could result in politicization of the Commission's functions due to the method of appointments being closely aligned with gubernatorial preferences. This tension underlines a broader debate about how best to maintain transparency and accountability in political processes while ensuring ethical standards are upheld.