Texas House Bill HB3448

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the powers and duties of the Texas Ethics Commission; creating a criminal offense.

Impact

This bill modifies existing procedures in the Government Code, particularly in Chapter 571, which governs the Texas Ethics Commission. It mandates the commission to provide written opinions to individuals seeking guidance on the application of relevant laws to their specific circumstances. Additionally, it seeks to improve the process by ensuring that electronic submissions and reports remain confidential until they are filed, thus potentially safeguarding sensitive data from premature public disclosure.

Summary

House Bill 3448 addresses the powers and duties of the Texas Ethics Commission by introducing new notification procedures and defining specific responsibilities regarding the enforcement of various Texas laws, including campaign finance and local government regulations. One of the primary provisions is the requirement for the commission to adopt rules on how it notifies individuals about their obligations, thus aiming to enhance clarity and transparency in compliance with state laws.

Provision

Overall, if enacted, HB 3448 would bolster the Texas Ethics Commission's authority to regulate and enforce ethical standards among public officials while establishing clearer guidelines for notification and confidentiality regarding financial disclosures. The intended effect of such legislation reflects a broader commitment to enhancing governmental integrity and ensuring that public officials adhere to transparency mandates.

Contention

A notable aspect of HB 3448 is the proposed imposition of civil penalties for frivolous complaints, which aims to deter harassment and misuse of the complaint system. The bill defines a frivolous complaint as one that is groundless or made in bad faith, allowing the commission to penalize such actions with fines up to $10,000. Critics of this provision may argue that it could discourage legitimate complaints or stifle accountability if interpreted excessively.