Texas House Bill HB9

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to posting certain information regarding compensation of state agency executive staff on the Internet.

Impact

If passed, HB9 would amend Chapter 659 of the Government Code by adding a new section dedicated to the disclosure of executive staff compensation. This change is significant as it ensures that information about compensation structures becomes readily accessible to the public, potentially fostering a more informed citizenry. The bill aims to mitigate concerns regarding the lack of transparency in state spending and compensation practices that have historically been contentious points between government agencies and citizens.

Summary

House Bill 9 (HB9) aims to enhance transparency regarding the compensation of executive staff within state agencies in Texas. The bill mandates that state agencies publicly disclose their methodology for determining such compensation, including any employment market analyses. This initiative is intended to inform the public about how executive pay is structured and justify the salaries of individuals in significant management positions within government entities. By posting this information on their respective websites, agencies are expected to provide greater accountability in governmental financial practices.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding the bill primarily related to privacy and administrative burden. Some detractors might argue that disclosing specific compensation details could deter qualified individuals from pursuing executive roles due to potential scrutiny. Additionally, concerns may arise about the feasibility of implementing such disclosures for all state agencies, especially if they require extensive changes to agency websites and processes. Supporters, however, contend that the benefits of increased transparency and enhanced public oversight outweigh these concerns, promoting a culture of accountability in public service.