Bill

SB 1812

85(R) - 2017
Senate State Affairs
Senate State Affairs
Appraisal
General Investigating & Ethics
Property taxes
Taxation

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Van Taylor

Bill Caption

Relating to the authority of an appraisal district to use public money for lobbying activity.

Fiscal Notes

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

SB 1812 would prohibit an appraisal district from using public money to directly or indirectly influence the passage or defeat of any legislation pending before the legislature. An appraisal district employee would not be prohibited from providing information for a member of the Legislature or appearing before a legislative committee at the request of the committee or the member of the Legislature.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Appraisal districts should not use taxpayer dollars to lobby state legislators on bills pending before the legislature. Not only is that an inappropriate use of taxpayer dollars, it also presents ethical conflicts of interest. For these reasons we support SB 1812 on limited government grounds.