Texas House Bill HB561

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 11/14/22

Caption

Relating to an annual state budget and legislative budget sessions in even-numbered years and to political contributions made during a legislative session.

Impact

If enacted, HB 561 will revise the calendar for legislative sessions, mandating that the legislature convenes in a budget session during even-numbered years. Additionally, the bill mandates that political contributions made during these legislative sessions be subject to stricter regulations, reinforcing a commitment to transparency and ethical governance in Texas. The intent is to ensure that budgetary discussions are aligned with the annual fiscal climate and to prevent potential conflicts of interest that may arise from political contributions made during sensitive periods.

Summary

House Bill 561 aims to establish an annual state budget process and legislative budget sessions occurring in even-numbered years. The bill seeks to amend existing statutes related to the timing of legislative meetings and changes in how budget sessions are conducted. This proposal reflects an effort to streamline the legislative process and encourage more frequent review and adaptation of the state budget in response to changing economic conditions and needs.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 561 is mixed. Supporters posit that an annual budget cycle, alongside regulations on political contributions during legislative sessions, will foster a more accountable and adaptable government. They argue that this approach will allow the legislature to more effectively respond to the fiscal needs of their constituencies. Conversely, opponents express concerns about the feasibility of implementing such a rigorous budget schedule and the potential impact on legislative effectiveness, suggesting that the changes could lead to rushed decision-making without thorough consideration of the issues at hand.

Contention

Notable points of contention within discussions of HB 561 include the practicality of conducting budget sessions every year and the implications for legislators' workload and resources. Furthermore, the restrictions on political contributions during sessions are expected to generate debate on the balance between regulation and political freedoms. The outcomes of these discussions will likely shape the final amendments made to the bill and its reception among various stakeholders within Texas governance.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

• Chapter 301. Legislative Organization
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 316. Appropriations
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 045
  • Section: 092
  • Section: 093

• Chapter 322. Legislative Budget Board
  • Section: 008
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 403. Comptroller Of Public Accounts
  • Section: 121

Election Code

• Chapter 253. Restrictions On Contributions And Expenditures
  • Section: 034
  • Section: 0341