82R14447 T

By: Kolkhorst H.B. No. 3409

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to filing amended statements reflecting change in lobby registration; creating an offense.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 305.005(k), Government Code, is amended to read as follows:

(k) If there is a change in the information required to be reported by a registrant under this section, other than Subsection (h) or (i), and that changed information is not timely reported on a report due under Section 305.007, the registrant shall file an amended registration [statement] reflecting the change with the commission not later than the date on which an amended registration is due under Section 305.0065 or the next report is due under Section 305.007, as applicable.

SECTION 2. Subchapter A, Chapter 305, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 305.0065 to read as follows:

Sec. 305.0065. AMENDED REGISTRATION DURING LEGISLATIVE SESSION. (a) This section applies only during the period beginning on the date a regular legislative session convenes and continuing through the date of final adjournment.

(b) A registrant shall file with the commission an amended registration if there is a change in:

(1) the person who reimburses, retains, or employs the registrant and on whose behalf the registrant has communicated directly with a member of the legislative or executive branch to influence legislation or administrative action; or

(2) the subject matter about which the registrant has communicated directly with a member of the legislative or executive branch.

(c) The amended registration must be written and verified and must contain the information required in Section 305.005.

(d) The registrant must file the amended registration not later than the fifth day after the date on which the registrant, any person the registrant retains or employs to appear on the registrant's behalf, or any other person appearing on the registrant's behalf makes the first direct communication with a member of the legislative or executive branch on behalf of any person or about any subject matter required to be included in the amended registration.

SECTION 3. Section 305.009, Government Code, is amended by adding Subsection (e) to read as follows:

(e) The commission shall make available on its website an amended registration filed under Section 305.0065 not later than the next business day after the date the amended registration is filed.

SECTION 6. 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.