Texas Senate Bill SB115

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

• Filed: 11/10/14

Caption

Relating to the nonconfidential status of certain state pension information.

Impact

The legislation, if enacted, would significantly impact state laws regarding the management and disclosure of public pension information. By mandating that the names and annuities of legislative members be made public, the bill seeks to ensure that public officials are held accountable for the benefits they receive from the state retirement system. This could lead to increased scrutiny of pension allocations and how they are influenced by legislative actions.

Summary

SB115 is a legislative bill introduced in the Texas Legislature aimed at addressing the confidentiality of certain pension information under the Employees Retirement System of Texas. The bill specifically amends Section 552.0038 of the Government Code to clarify that information about the names and retirement annuities of state legislators who are members of the retirement system will no longer be considered confidential. This change intends to promote transparency regarding the financial benefits received by public officials, reflecting a growing demand for accountability in governmental operations.

Contention

Despite the intention of promoting transparency, SB115 may face contention from various stakeholders who argue about the potential implications of disclosing personal financial information. Critics may raise concerns about the right to privacy of public officials, suggesting that making such information public could lead to political backlash or harassment. Proponents, however, argue that greater public access to this information will enhance public trust in government operations and reduce perceptions of corruption or favoritism related to pension benefits.