BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

                                                                                                                                           H.B. 2489

                                                                                                                                         By: Berman

                                                                                                                                             Elections

                                                                                                       Committee Report (Unamended)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

Under current law, lobbyist compensation reporting ranges top out at a high range of "$200,000 or higher," meaning that lobbyist contracts of a higher value are not fully detailed.  With more lobbyists receiving contracts over $200,000, legislation is needed to provide for fuller disclosure of lobbyist compensation.  H.B. 2489 enhances disclosure of lobbyist compensation by providing new reporting ranges up to "$500,000 or more."

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. 

 

ANALYSIS

 

H.B. 2489 amends the Government Code to provide for new compensation or reimbursement filing ranges for registered lobbyist that top out at a range of $500,000 or more.

 

The changes in law made by this bill apply only to registration or registration renewals required to be filed on or after the effective date of this bill.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

September 1, 2007.