Texas Senate Bill SB1492

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to restrictions on future employment for state officers and employees who participate in a procurement or contract negotiation on behalf of a state agency; creating an offense.

Impact

By enacting SB1492, the legislation reinforces the ethical standards expected of state employees during and after their service. The implementation of such a restriction is anticipated to deter potential corrupt practices where former state officials might leverage their insider knowledge for personal gain shortly after leaving public office. Failure to comply with these restrictions results in a Class A misdemeanor, thereby strengthening the accountability measures for state officers and employees involved in public contracts.

Summary

SB1492 establishes restrictions on the future employment of state officers and employees who have participated in procurement or contract negotiations on behalf of a state agency. The bill mandates that individuals who served in these capacities are prohibited from accepting employment from the entities involved in the procurement for a period of two years following their service. This restriction aims to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure the integrity of the procurement process within state agencies.

Contention

While the bill is largely aimed at promoting transparency and accountability, there could be potential concerns regarding its implications for recruitment and employment flexibility. Critics may argue that such restrictions could deter capable individuals from serving in public office or limit their career opportunities post-service, thereby affecting the pool of applicants for state positions. Nonetheless, the overarching goal of SB1492 is to protect public integrity in the procurement process and ensure that state employees act ethically.