79R7377 DLF-F

By:  Truitt                                                       H.B. No. 2826



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to frivolous or bad-faith complaints filed with the Texas 
Ethics Commission.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Section 571.176, Government Code, is amended by 
adding Subsection (c) to read as follows:
	(c)  A person may file a sworn complaint with the commission, 
in accordance with Section 571.122, alleging that a complaint filed 
with the commission is frivolous or brought in bad faith.  A 
complaint may be filed under this subsection without regard to 
whether the complaint alleged to be frivolous or brought in bad 
faith is pending before the commission or has been resolved. The 
commission shall act on a complaint made under this subsection as 
provided by Subchapter E.
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives 
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as 
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this 
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this 
Act takes effect September 1, 2005.