Texas Senate Bill SB709

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the applicability of the electronic filing requirement for personal financial statements to certain appointed officers.

Impact

The impact of SB709 on state laws substantially relates to the regulations surrounding financial transparency for appointed officials. By exempting appointed officers from electronic filing, the bill may ease administrative burdens on these individuals, while also possibly reducing the data available for public scrutiny. Critics of the bill may argue that this change could hinder transparency and accountability measures intended for government officials.

Summary

SB709 aims to modify the electronic filing requirements for personal financial statements specifically concerning certain appointed officers. The bill amends Section 572.0291 of the Government Code, which mandates that financial statements must be filed electronically using specified formats and software. Importantly, the amendment excludes appointed officers appointed by the governor from this electronic filing requirement, potentially simplifying compliance for these individuals.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB709 may center around the balance between compliance difficulties for appointed officials and the overarching need for transparency in government practices. Proponents may argue that the electronic filing requirement poses undue challenges for certain appointed officers, while opponents may express concerns that exempting them could lead to a lack of accountability. The discussions surrounding this bill particularly highlight the tension between efficiency in government processes and the public's right to access financial information about those in power.