Bill
SB 504
85(R) - 2017
Senate State Affairs
Senate State Affairs
General Investigating & Ethics
Vote Recommendation
Yes
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Neutral
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Neutral
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Positive
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Positive
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Neutral
Author(s)
Van Taylor
Bill Caption
Relating to lobbying by former members of the legislature; creating an offense.
Fiscal Notes
According to the Legislative Budget Board no significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
SB 504 would amend the Government Code to add that a former member of the legislature would not be permitted to engage in activities that require registration as a lobbyist before the end of the legislative cycle following the legislative cycle in which the former member last served. An offense would be a Class A misdemeanor.
Vote Recommendation Notes
This bill would enhance our limited government and personal responsibility principles by holding elected officials and lobbyists to a higher standard ensuring their unique positions are not abused for personal gain. This bill would help to prevent influence peddling by preventing former legislators from immediately cashing in on their public positions by lobbying their former colleagues. We support SB 504.