Relating to address information contained on reports of political contributions and expenditures made available on the Internet by the Texas Ethics Commission.
Impact
The introduction of this bill is anticipated to create a more secure environment for individuals, especially campaign contract workers, by mitigating potential harassment and safety concerns linked to the disclosure of residential addresses. Supporters of the bill argue that it aligns the protection of residential addresses of individuals receiving campaign expenditures with the privacy measures already in place for campaign donors. They believe this change is crucial to protect those working in political roles from any undue distress stemming from public access to personal information.
Summary
House Bill 854 aims to enhance the privacy and safety protections for individuals involved in political campaigns by redacting residential addresses from public reports of political contributions and expenditures. This bill specifically directs the Texas Ethics Commission (TEC) to ensure that residential addresses are not publicly disclosed when individuals receive compensation related to campaign expenditures. Instead, only the city, state, and zip code will be made available online, with full addresses remaining accessible only in physical records at the TEC's office. The law would apply to reports filed on or after January 1, 2024, with an implementation date of September 1, 2023.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 854 appears to be largely supportive, particularly among those who advocate for better protections of individual privacy in political processes. Many committee members and witnesses expressed agreement on the necessity of the bill, recognizing the potential risks involved without such protections. However, any dissenting voices may focus on concerns regarding transparency in campaign finance, but such criticism was not prominently featured in the discussions available.
Contention
While the primary contention appears to be over privacy versus transparency, the legislative discourse has shown a uniformity of purpose among those supporting the bill, highlighting the significant need for safety precautions for campaign-related roles. The bill does not seem to face substantial opposition in the legislative process, making its advancement through the committee and toward passage increasingly likely.
Relating to address information contained on reports of political contributions and expenditures made available on the Internet by the Texas Ethics Commission.
Relating to the reporting of political contributions, political expenditures, and personal financial information, and to complaints filed with the Texas Ethics Commission.
Relating to the ethics of public servants, including the authority and duties of the Texas Ethics Commission, the regulation of certain contributions and expenditures, and the reporting of political contributions and political expenditures and personal financial information; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the ethics of public servants, including the authority and duties of the Texas Ethics Commission, the regulation of certain contributions and expenditures, and the reporting of political contributions and political expenditures and personal financial information; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the filing with the Texas Ethics Commission of campaign treasurer appointments and reports of political contributions and political expenditures.
Relating to the filing with the Texas Ethics Commission of campaign treasurer appointments and reports of political contributions and political expenditures.
Relating to the filing with the Texas Ethics Commission of campaign treasurer appointments and reports of political contributions and political expenditures.
Relating to ethics of public servants, including the functions and duties of the Texas Ethics Commission; the regulation of political contributions, political advertising, lobbying, and conduct of public servants; and the reporting of political contributions and expenditures and personal financial information; providing civil and criminal penalties.