Texas House Bill HB2284

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the representation of an individual or legal entity by a member of the legislature for compensation before a state agency.

Impact

The proposed changes would affect Section 572.025 and Section 572.052 of the Government Code. It introduces a mandatory reporting system for legislative members who engage in compensated representation, thereby enhancing accountability and public trust in the legislative process. This is particularly relevant in light of concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest and ethical considerations surrounding lobbyists and those seeking to influence state agency decisions through paid representation.

Summary

House Bill 2284 seeks to amend the Government Code with respect to legislative members representing individuals or legal entities for compensation before state agencies. This bill aims to improve transparency regarding financial disclosures made by state legislators when they take on representation roles. Legislators will be required to report the name of the represented agency, the individual or entity they are representing, and the amount of compensation received for such representation on their financial statements.

Contention

Notably, the bill allows exceptions where representation can occur without the need for these disclosures, specifically in cases involving attorney-client relationships in criminal matters or in situations requiring only ministerial actions from the state agency. This dual approach may lead to debates about the adequacy of these exemptions and whether they sufficiently close loopholes that could allow for unethical practices in representation. Ultimately, the discourse surrounding HB 2284 reflects ongoing concerns about legislative transparency and the ethical implications of compensated representation in the Texas government.