HBA-KDB H.B. 1772 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 1772 By: Brimer State Affairs 3/1/2001 Introduced BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Under current law, venue projects (projects) include arenas, coliseums, stadiums, convention centers, civic center hotels, museums, and any other economic development projects. However, since economic development is not explicitly defined and is potentially subject to broad interpretation, the financing option for such projects may not be clearly defined. In addition, campaigns for elections for such projects are not subject to the same requirements as political campaigns, especially for campaign materials. This may lead to both proponents and opponents making accusations and statements that may be inaccurate or untrue without fear of legal retribution. House Bill 1772 includes in the definition of "venue" certain economic development projects in municipalities in regard to such projects, and establishes campaign material guidelines for elections related to such projects. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS House Bill 1772 amends the Local Government Code to add, in the definition of "venue," certain economic development projects in cities with specified populations. The bill removes from the definition of "venue" any other economic development project authorized by other law. The bill prohibits a person from printing, broadcasting, or publishing or causing to be printed, broadcast, or published campaign material that contains false or misleading information concerning a venue project. The bill authorizes an individual to file a complaint with the Texas Ethics Commission (commission) alleging a violation of this provision. The bill authorizes the commission to impose a penalty if the commission determines that campaign materials violate that provision. The bill provides that the commission has jurisdiction to consider and investigate a complaint regarding campaign materials with false information and to impose a penalty. EFFECTIVE DATE September 1, 2001.