Texas Senate Bill SB852

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the disclosure of interested parties by persons contracting with governmental entities and state agencies.

Impact

This legislation amends Section 2252 of the Government Code, introducing Section 2252.908, which sets forth the requirements for disclosure of interested parties. The definitions included in this section establish who qualifies as an 'interested party' and outline the obligations of governmental entities and state agencies to submit this information to the Texas Ethics Commission. By providing a clearer framework for accountability, the bill aims to foster a more ethical contracting process within state operations.

Summary

Senate Bill 852 is focused on enhancing transparency in state contracts by mandating the disclosure of interested parties involved in such contracts. Specifically, the bill requires that any individual or entity contracting with governmental entities or state agencies must submit a detailed disclosure of interested parties at the time the contract is signed if the contract's value is at least $1 million. This provision is designed to minimize potential conflicts of interest and ensure that all parties related to a contract are identified and documented.

Conclusion

Overall, SB852 represents a significant step towards fostering greater accountability in public contracting practices in Texas. By requiring the disclosure of interested parties, the bill seeks to strengthen the integrity of state contracts and maintain public trust in governmental operations.

Contention

While the bill's intent is to enhance transparency, there may be notable points of contention surrounding its implementation. Detractors could argue that such requirements impose additional bureaucratic hurdles for businesses looking to contract with the state, potentially discouraging participation in governmental contracts. Furthermore, there may be concerns about the effectiveness of the enforcement mechanisms associated with these disclosures, especially if penalties for non-compliance are not sufficiently stringent.