Texas House Bill HB3945

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to restrictions on introducing, sponsoring, or voting on measures or bills in which a member of the legislature has certain interests; creating a criminal offense.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would modify existing laws to include stricter regulations surrounding members' voting behaviors and affiliations with business entities. It would create legal repercussions for legislators who fail to adhere to these restrictions, categorizing such violations as a Class A misdemeanor, which can be prosecuted in Travis County. The intended outcome is to bolster accountability and ensure that the legislative process remains untainted by private financial interests, thereby reinforcing laws governing ethical conduct among public officials.

Summary

House Bill 3945 proposes amendments to the Government Code, specifically focusing on restrictions regarding legislators' interests in business entities. The bill aims to prevent conflicts of interest by prohibiting members of the legislature from voting on or sponsoring bills that would directly benefit entities in which they or their spouses hold a controlling interest. This move is designed to enhance the ethical standards of legislative conduct and promote public confidence in the legislative process by ensuring decisions are made transparently and without undue influence from personal financial interests.

Contention

Notably, there may be varied perspectives on the implications of this legislation. Supporters are likely to advocate for increased transparency and a reduction of corrupt practices within the legislature, arguing that such measures are necessary for political integrity. Conversely, there may be concerns from some lawmakers regarding the practicalities of enforcing these restrictions, particularly on what constitutes a conflict of interest and the potential chilling effect it may have on legislative participation and initiative. The requirement to file a notice prior to introducing or voting on measures could lead to bureaucratic challenges and debates over the interpretation of 'controlling interest.'