Texas Senate Bill SJR44

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment to change the number, method of appointment, and terms of members of the Texas Ethics Commission and providing for the governance, purpose, and mission of the commission.

Impact

The proposed amendment will directly alter existing state laws regarding the Texas Ethics Commission. By changing the number of members and their appointment methodology, there could be regional implications concerning the reduction of bipartisan representation within the commission. Critics may contend that concentrating appointments in the gubernatorial office might undermine the independence of the commission and could lead to potential political biases. Moreover, the stipulation for rotating the presiding officer between party-affiliated members seeks to ensure fairness but may complicate governance dynamics.

Summary

SJR44 proposes a constitutional amendment to modify the composition and operational framework of the Texas Ethics Commission. Specifically, the bill seeks to reduce the number of commission members from eight to six, which would include three members from the political party of the governor and three from a different party. The appointment process is restructured to grant the governor significant influence over commission appointments, with members serving staggered six-year terms. This change aims to enhance the governance and mission of the commission, reducing influences on elections, promoting public trust, and increasing transparency in government operations.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SJR44 relates to the potential implications on ethical oversight in Texas government. Proponents argue that streamlining the commission could lead to more efficient operations and enhanced focus on key ethical matters, such as campaign finance issues and lobbying activities. Conversely, opponents fear that reducing the number of members may diminish diverse perspectives in decision-making and could result in conflicts of interest, especially if the governor's office does not maintain a nonpartisan approach in its appointments. Thus, the conversation around SJR44 also touches on broader themes of government accountability and the necessity for a robust ethical oversight framework.