Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1059

Filed

Out of House Committee

Voted on by House

Out of Senate Committee

Voted on by Senate

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to the filing and contents of and public access to personal financial statements filed by public officials and candidates; amending provisions subject to a criminal penalty.

Impact

The implications of HB 1059 are substantial as it modifies the existing framework governing the financial disclosures of public officials. By requiring public access to this information, the bill seeks to create an informed electorate that can hold officials accountable based on their financial dealings. Furthermore, the increase in disclosure thresholds aims to ensure that even small financial interactions are reported, thereby minimizing the potential for corruption and fostering public trust. Overall, it represents a significant move towards greater governmental transparency in Texas.

Summary

House Bill 1059 aims to amend existing laws regarding the filing and public access to financial statements required of public officials and candidates in Texas. The bill establishes more stringent requirements for the electronic submission of financial statements, mandating that certain financial dealings, gifts, and liabilities be disclosed in detail. The intent is to enhance transparency and accountability among those in public office by ensuring that financial statements are accessible to the public and easily filed through a secure online platform. This aligns with national trends toward increased accountability in government positions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1059 is generally supportive among transparency advocates who believe that these measures will help combat corruption. However, there are concerns from some public officials about the practicality of the new filing requirements and potential civil liberties implications of public scrutiny over personal financial matters. Supporters argue that the benefits of enhanced transparency and accountability far outweigh the inconveniences posed by the new requirements. The debate illustrates a larger societal struggle over the balance between privacy and public interest.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the implications of stringent disclosure requirements on public officials, particularly regarding the risk of personal financial information being misused or politicized. Critics argue that such comprehensive reporting may inhibit individuals from seeking public office for fear of improper scrutiny. Additionally, there are challenges regarding how to accurately and effectively implement the changes, especially concerning the technology and resources required for data management and the potential for criminal penalties for non-compliance. These elements remain hot topics in discussions related to the bill's future.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4053

Relating to the contents of the personal financial statement filed by public officers and candidates.

TX HB1828

Relating to public access to personal financial statements filed by public officials and candidates.

TX HB1829

Relating to the publication of annual financial statements by a municipality.

TX HB2760

Relating to the disclosure of certain gifts, grants, contracts, and financial interests received from a foreign source by certain state agencies, public institutions of higher education, and state contractors, and to the approval and monitoring of employment-related foreign travel and activities by certain public institution of higher education employees; providing civil and administrative penalties.

TX SB2459

TX SB895

Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; authorizing the imposition of a fee.

TX HB7

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB4203

Relating to the public accessibility of open-enrollment charter school annual financial statements.

TX HB1402

Relating to the criminal penalties for certain criminal offenses.

TX HB61

Similar Bills

TX HB16

Relating to the ethics of public servants, including the authority and duties of the Texas Ethics Commission, the regulation of certain contributions and expenditures, and the reporting of political contributions and political expenditures and personal financial information; creating a criminal offense.