Relating to the creation of the Texas Local Government Accountability Association; authorizing a fee.
Impact
If enacted, HB 1735 would significantly influence local governance by mandating local governments to adopt specified ethics and transparency standards. This could lead to increased public trust and accountability in local government operations, as it seeks to impose a uniform set of ethics guidelines that all participating entities must follow. Additionally, it provides a mechanism for citizens to file complaints about ethical violations, further encouraging government accountability.
Summary
House Bill 1735 aims to establish the Texas Local Government Accountability Association, which is intended to enhance ethics and transparency standards among local governments in Texas. This bill introduces a structured framework where local governments can voluntarily join the association and adhere to the developed ethics and transparency standards. The bill outlines the process for membership, including the ability to charge an annual fee for member local governments and sets in place measures for maintaining accountability through defined complaints processes.
Contention
One point of contention surrounding HB 1735 might be the mandatory nature of compliance for those local governments that choose to join the association, particularly regarding the complaint handling and arbitration processes. Some stakeholders may argue that this could impinge on local autonomy and the ability of local governments to manage their own ethical standards. Furthermore, the requirement for local governments to potentially hold elections to affirm their membership could lead to political disputes or pushback from constituents who prefer more local control over governance choices.
Relating to eligibility for membership on and the regulation of horse racing by the Texas Racing Commission and a prohibition on the conduct of greyhound or other dog racing as live events in this state; creating a criminal offense; authorizing a fee.
Relating to the procurement by local governments of energy savings performance contracts for certain conservation measures; creating criminal offenses; authorizing a fee.
Relating to the authorization, licensing, and regulation of casino gaming and sports wagering in this state, to the creation, powers, and duties of the Texas Gaming Commission, to the support of the horse racing industry and reform of horse racing and greyhound racing, and to other provisions related to gambling; imposing and authorizing administrative and civil penalties; imposing taxes; imposing and authorizing fees; requiring occupational licenses; creating criminal offenses.
Relating to local option elections to legalize or prohibit the operation of eight-liners; imposing fees and issuing fee permits; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.
Relating to the creation of the Presidio International Port Authority District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Relating to the creation of the Presidio International Port Authority District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.