Texas House Bill HJR54

Texas 2017 - 85th 1st C.S.

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment prohibiting the governor or a specific-purpose committee for supporting or assisting the governor from accepting political contributions during a special legislative session.

Impact

If enacted, HJR54 would amend Article IV of the Texas Constitution by adding Section 8a. This section outlines that any political contributions made to the governor or a supportive committee must be refused and returned if received during the timeframe of a special legislative session. This initiative reflects a proactive approach to combat potential corruption and favoritism, as it seeks to curtail the influence of money in politics when decisions with significant legislative implications are being made.

Summary

HJR54 proposes a constitutional amendment that prohibits the governor or any specific-purpose committee that supports or assists the governor from accepting political contributions during a special legislative session. The key intent behind this resolution is to strengthen ethical guidelines surrounding political contributions and ensure that the legislative process remains untainted by financial influences during critical periods of governance. By restricting contributions during a special session, the bill aims to promote transparency and integrity in political proceedings.

Contention

There are several notable points of contention surrounding HJR54. Critics may argue that this amendment could weaken the governor's ability to fundraise effectively and, as a result, impact their political support network. On the other hand, supporters contend that these measures are necessary to uphold ethical standards in governance and to foster public trust in elected officials. The discussions around this bill might highlight the delicate balance between maintaining a robust political landscape while also ensuring legislative integrity.