LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
 
FISCAL NOTE, 82ND LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION
 
April 17, 2011

TO:
Honorable Larry Taylor, Chair, House Committee on Elections
 
FROM:
John S O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
 
IN RE:
HB3409 by Kolkhorst (relating to reporting of changes in lobbying activities during a legislative session.), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend Chapter 305 of Government Code to require an individual registering as a lobbyist to file an amended registration if there is a change in the information required to be reported to the Texas Ethics Commission.  In addition, the bill would require an amended registration to be filed during a legislative session if there is a change in: (1) the person who reimburses, retains, or employs the registrant; or (2) the subject matter about which the registrant has communicated directly with the legislative member.  The amended registration would have to be filed no later than the fifth day after the date of the first direct communication with a member of the legislative or executive branch.  Finally, the bill would require the Texas Ethics Commission to make available on its website the amended registration not later than the next business day after the date the amended registration is filed.

It is anticipated that any additional costs associated with implementation of the legislation could be absorbed within existing resources.  The bill would take effect September 1, 2011, or immediately with two-thirds vote of all members of the Legislature. 


Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.


Source Agencies:
356 Texas Ethics Commission
LBB Staff:
JOB, JT, MS, DEH