Texas House Bill HB2702

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to the electronic filing of personal financial statements by certain county officers, county employees, and candidates for county office.

Impact

The enactment of HB2702 aims to streamline the filing process for personal financial statements, enhancing the efficiency of local governance. By allowing electronic submissions, the bill seeks to reduce paperwork burdens while promoting transparency and accountability among public officials. The bill is expected to modernize the way county officers interact with file management systems and potentially improve overall governance practices by encouraging timely submissions.

Summary

House Bill 2702 concerns the electronic filing of personal financial statements by county officers, county employees, and candidates for county office. The bill amends existing statutes in the Local Government Code to facilitate the timely electronic submission of such financial statements. A significant provision within the bill establishes that if a county clerk has adopted rules and procedures for electronic filings, the filings will be considered timely if submitted by midnight of the due date, thereby expanding access and efficiency in government reporting mechanisms.

Sentiment

General sentiment towards HB2702 appears to be positive, as it is viewed as a step toward modernizing local government operations. Supporters emphasize the importance of electronic filing as a means to reduce administrative burdens and promote better governance. However, there may be concerns regarding the resources needed by county clerks to implement these electronic systems effectively, which could lead to discussions about the digital divide and the accessibility of electronic processes for all candidates and officials.

Contention

Potential points of contention include the implementation timeline and resource allocation for county clerks who need to set up the necessary infrastructure for electronic filing. Critics may argue that not all counties are prepared for immediate changes, leading to disparities in how efficiently different regions can comply with the new requirements. Additionally, the reliance on electronic systems could raise concerns about data security and the potential for technical issues that could hinder timely filing, which the statute aims to alleviate.