Texas House Bill HB559

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the report prepared by the comptroller on compliance with agreements under the Texas Economic Development Act.

Impact

This bill enhances the accountability of entities receiving benefits under the Texas Economic Development Act by putting in place stricter verification processes for compliance reporting. With the obligation for the comptroller to ensure accuracy through random data sampling, the bill aims to improve the integrity of economic development agreements, which could lead to more informed decision-making by policymakers and stakeholders involved in economic development initiatives.

Summary

House Bill 559 aims to amend the Texas Tax Code, specifically targeting the reporting obligations related to the Texas Economic Development Act. The bill outlines that the report prepared by the comptroller on compliance with agreements must be based on certified data from recipients of appraised value exemptions. The comptroller is tasked with verifying at least 33% of this data using reliable information sources, including the Texas Workforce Commission and local appraisal districts.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 559 could revolve around the balance between regulatory oversight and confidentiality of personal information. The bill stipulates that personal identifying information of individuals involved in these agreements is to be kept confidential, raising concerns among advocates of transparency and public accountability. Opponents may argue that while the bill strengthens reporting requirements, it could still obscure the public from fully understanding the impacts of economic incentives provided to businesses.