BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 1807
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Texas Ethics Commission (TEC) representatives have indicated that allowing notifications subsequent to an initial notification regarding sworn complaints to be sent by regular mail would immediately save TEC a few thousand dollars in mailing costs, freeing up funds that could be better utilized for other purposes. As mail costs rise in the future, there will be a concomitant increase in the value of this legislative change in relation to TEC's budget. This legislation does not change the requirement that TEC send initial notification by registered or certified mail.
As proposed, S.B. 1807 authorizes TEC to send any notification subsequent to the initial notification regarding a sworn complaint by regular mail.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 571.032, Government Code, as follows:
Sec. 571.032. MAILING OF NOTICES, DECISIONS, AND REPORTS. (a) Creates an exception under Subsection (b).
(b) Authorizes the Texas Ethics Commission (TEC), after written notice under Section 571.123(b) (relating to the requirement that TEC send written notice to the complaintant and respondent not later than a certain date) regarding the filing of a sworn complaint has been sent to a person in the manner required by Subsection (a) (relating to certain information required to be sent under this chapter by registered or certified mail, restricted delivery, return receipt requested), to send the person any additional notices regarding the complaint by regular mail unless the person has notified TEC to send all notices regarding the complaint by registered or certified mail, restricted delivery, return receipt requested.
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2009.