Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB3013

Filed

3/14/25

Out of Senate Committee

4/16/25

Voted on by Senate

Out of House Committee

Voted on by House

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to the contents and filing of personal financial statements with the Texas Ethics Commission and the removal of certain information in certain statements from public view.

Impact

If enacted, SB3013 would have significant implications for the transparency traditionally associated with financial disclosures by public officials. While proponents argue that it serves to protect the personal safety of individuals from potential harassment or threats, critics might argue that it could hinder the public's ability to access vital information about the financial interests of their elected representatives. The bill aims to strike a balance between privacy and public transparency in the realm of ethics, maintaining accountability while also addressing valid concerns around personal safety.

Summary

Senate Bill 3013 aims to amend the Texas Government Code regarding the filing of personal financial statements with the Texas Ethics Commission. The proposed changes intend to enhance privacy for individuals required to submit these statements, specifically by removing certain personal information, such as home addresses and the names of dependent children, from public view. This initiative appears to be driven by a growing concern over the safety and privacy of public officials and candidates for elective office in the state of Texas.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB3013 appears to be somewhat mixed. Supporters of the bill, likely including many lawmakers and advocates for privacy rights, view it as a necessary step in modernizing the ethics disclosure process to align with privacy expectations in today’s society. Conversely, opponents are concerned that this move might erode the public's right to information and transparency in government, arguing that open access to financial disclosures is crucial for accountability and preventing conflicts of interest among public officials.

Contention

One notable point of contention is the extent to which removing personal information from financial disclosures aligns with public interest concerns. Stakeholders may express differing views on whether the protection of personal data from public exposure truly justifies potential reductions in transparency. The discussion may touch on broader themes of ethics reform and balancing individual privacy with the public's right to know, especially in an age where personal safety and privacy have become paramount concerns.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

Chapter 572. Personal Financial Disclosure, Standards Of Conduct, And Conflict Of Interest
- Section: 023
- Section: 031
- Section: 032
- Section: 023
- Section: 031
- Section: 032
- Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4053

Relating to the contents of the personal financial statement filed by public officers and candidates.

TX SB1246

Relating to authorized investments of public money by certain governmental entities and the confidentiality of certain information related to those investments.

TX HB3495

Relating to the investment authority of certain state agencies and the confidentiality of certain information related to those investments.

TX HB1829

Relating to the publication of annual financial statements by a municipality.

TX SB2070

Relating to the funding of projects by the Public Utility Commission of Texas to promote the reliability and resiliency of the power grid in this state; authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds.

TX HB1828

Relating to public access to personal financial statements filed by public officials and candidates.

TX HB4854

Relating to the authority of individuals over the personal identifying information collected, processed, or maintained about the individuals and certain others by certain businesses.

TX HB1441

Relating to the inclusion of the mailing address of certain campaign treasurers in appointments and reports filed with the Texas Ethics Commission.

TX HB2843

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.

TX HB1585

Relating to matters affecting the powers and duties of the Texas Ethics Commission.

Similar Bills

TX HB16

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.