SRC-SLL C.S.S.B. 122 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 122
By: Bivins
State Affairs
4-9-97
Committee Report (Substituted)


DIGEST 

Currently, Texas law authorizes a member of the legislature to represent
clients in contested cases before state agencies, as well as perform
administrative duties, such as filing documents on behalf of a client.
Some concerns have been raised over a legislator's influence with a state
agency.  This bill would prohibit a member of the legislature from
representing another person, for compensation, before an executive state
agency. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, C.S.S.B. 122 will prohibit a member of the legislature from
representing a person, for compensation, before an executive state agency. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 572.052(a), Government Code, to prohibit a
member of the legislature from representing another person, for
compensation, before a state agency in the executive branch of state
government, unless the representation involves contacts with the agency
for informational purposes, among other reasons.  Deletes the exception
that authorized a member of the legislature to represent another person,
for compensation, before an executive state agency in an adversary
proceeding or a public hearing that is a matter of record. 

SECTION 2. Amends Section 572.021, Government Code, to require a state
officer, a partisan or independent candidate for an office as an elected
officer, and a party chairman to file with the Texas Ethics Commission a
verified financial statement complying with Sections 572.022 through
572.024, rather than through 572.025. 

SECTION 3. Repealer: Section 572.025, Government Code (Information About
Legislators' Representation Before Executive State Agencies). 

SECTION 4. Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 5. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 6. Emergency clause.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

SECTION 1.

Amends Section 572.052(a), Government Code, to delete the proposed
deletion of Subsection (a)(2), and to authorize contacts with an agency
for informational purposes only. 



 SECTION 4.

Makes a conforming change.