Texas Senate Bill SB1341

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to the authority of a county to advertise on leased vehicles.

Impact

The bill specifically revises Section 263.251 of the Local Government Code, which outlines the authority of county commissioners regarding advertising. With the amended text, counties will have the explicit right to lease advertising space on cars they lease, provided there is consent from the vehicle owner. This inclusion may foster greater collaboration between counties and private vehicle owners, leading to improved financial support for public programs while also expanding the visibility of local businesses through advertising.

Summary

SB1341 amends the Local Government Code to allow counties in Texas to advertise on leased vehicles. This legislation enables county commissioners to establish procedures for leasing advertising space on vehicles, as well as other county properties including buildings and official websites. By expanding the avenues for advertising, the bill aims to enhance revenue opportunities for counties, providing them with additional funding sources to support local initiatives and services.

Contention

While the bill aims to diversify county revenue streams, it may face opposition from those who believe that advertising on government properties, including vehicles, could lead to commercial influences on public perception and services. Opponents might argue that introducing commercial advertising into government operations could undermine the integrity of county services or lead to conflicts of interest, especially if the advertising is perceived as endorsing specific businesses or viewpoints. This concern reflects a broader debate about privatization and the role of commercial advertising in public sectors.