LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD Austin, Texas FISCAL NOTE, 84TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION April 8, 2015 TO: Honorable John Kuempel, Chair, House Committee on General Investigating & Ethics FROM: Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board IN RE:HB1257 by Shaheen (Relating to the use by a political subdivision of public money for lobbying activities or lobbyists.), As Introduced No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. The bill would transfer Section 89.002, Local Government Code to Section 556.0056, Government Code. The bill would prohibit a political subdivision from using public money to fund certain activities to directly or indirectly influence the outcome of legislation. The bill prescribes exceptions, including providing information to a member of the legislature, an elected official advocating for or against legislation, or a person appearing before a legislative committee at request. The bill would permit a political subdivision to spend public money for membership of a nonprofit state association if certain circumstances exist. The bill would permit a taxpayer to injunctive relief and the ability to recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs incurred. Local Government Impact The fiscal implications to units of local government cannot be determined at this time.The Texas Association of Counties reported prohibiting county officials from having lobbyists or other representation could result in significant costs to counties due to the potential for an increase of unfunded mandates or other financial burdens on local governments; however the costs cannot be determined. The Texas Municipal League reported removing certain abilities of municipalities, as prescribed by the bill, could impose costs on municipalities; however, the costs cannot be determined. Source Agencies:356 Texas Ethics Commission LBB Staff: UP, FR, SD, EK
LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
FISCAL NOTE, 84TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION
April 8, 2015
TO: Honorable John Kuempel, Chair, House Committee on General Investigating & Ethics FROM: Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board IN RE:HB1257 by Shaheen (Relating to the use by a political subdivision of public money for lobbying activities or lobbyists.), As Introduced
TO: Honorable John Kuempel, Chair, House Committee on General Investigating & Ethics
FROM: Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE: HB1257 by Shaheen (Relating to the use by a political subdivision of public money for lobbying activities or lobbyists.), As Introduced
Honorable John Kuempel, Chair, House Committee on General Investigating & Ethics
Honorable John Kuempel, Chair, House Committee on General Investigating & Ethics
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
HB1257 by Shaheen (Relating to the use by a political subdivision of public money for lobbying activities or lobbyists.), As Introduced
HB1257 by Shaheen (Relating to the use by a political subdivision of public money for lobbying activities or lobbyists.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would transfer Section 89.002, Local Government Code to Section 556.0056, Government Code. The bill would prohibit a political subdivision from using public money to fund certain activities to directly or indirectly influence the outcome of legislation. The bill prescribes exceptions, including providing information to a member of the legislature, an elected official advocating for or against legislation, or a person appearing before a legislative committee at request. The bill would permit a political subdivision to spend public money for membership of a nonprofit state association if certain circumstances exist. The bill would permit a taxpayer to injunctive relief and the ability to recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs incurred.
Local Government Impact
The fiscal implications to units of local government cannot be determined at this time.The Texas Association of Counties reported prohibiting county officials from having lobbyists or other representation could result in significant costs to counties due to the potential for an increase of unfunded mandates or other financial burdens on local governments; however the costs cannot be determined. The Texas Municipal League reported removing certain abilities of municipalities, as prescribed by the bill, could impose costs on municipalities; however, the costs cannot be determined.
Source Agencies: 356 Texas Ethics Commission
356 Texas Ethics Commission
LBB Staff: UP, FR, SD, EK
UP, FR, SD, EK