82R2977 DRH-D
 
  By: Fletcher H.B. No. 1211
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to lobbying by former members of the legislature; creating
  an offense.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter C, Chapter 572, Government Code, is
  amended by adding Section 572.062 to read as follows:
         Sec. 572.062.  FORMER LEGISLATOR: LOBBYING RESTRICTED;
  CRIMINAL OFFENSE.  (a)  A former member of the legislature may not,
  before the last day of the first regular session to convene after
  the date the person ceases to be a member, engage in activities that
  require registration under Chapter 305.
         (b)  A former member who violates this section commits an
  offense.  An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
         SECTION 2.  Section 572.062, Government Code, as added by
  this Act, applies only to a member of the legislature who ceases to
  be a member on or after the effective date of this Act.
         SECTION 3.  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, 2011.