Texas House Bill HJR110

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 1/13/25
• Out of House Committee: 4/17/25

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the filing of required political funding reports and personal financial statements to be eligible to hold certain public elective offices.

Impact

If enacted, HJR110 seeks to ensure that candidates adhere to strict financial disclosure requirements. Such amendments would impact the eligibility criteria for various public offices, making clear that failure to comply with these reporting obligations could result in ineligibility for candidacy. This policy is intended to align Texas laws with growing national demands for transparency in political financing.

Summary

HJR110 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to amend Sections 6 and 7 of Article III and Section 4 of Article IV of the Texas Constitution. This amendment requires candidates for public elective offices, such as State Senator and Representative, as well as the Governor, to file necessary political funding reports and personal financial statements as a condition of their eligibility to run for office. This change is aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

Sentiment

The reaction to HJR110 within legislative discussions is expected to be mixed. Proponents of the bill argue that such measures are essential for fostering a government that is accountable to its constituents, thereby reinforcing public trust in elected officials. In contrast, critics might view these requirements as overly burdensome, potentially deterring qualified individuals from seeking public office due to complexities associated with financial disclosures.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HJR110 include discussions on the implications of increased regulatory burdens on potential candidates. Some legislative members argue that while transparency is crucial, the requirements may disproportionately impact those from less affluent backgrounds who might struggle with the associated costs of compliance. Therefore, ensuring a balance between transparency and accessibility in the electoral process represents a core challenge for lawmakers considering HJR110.