AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

S.B. 585 reduces the cap at which registered lobbyists must report certain details about the individual to whom they provide a benefit or service. Currently, Section 305.0061 (Detailed Reports), Government Code, requires registered lobbyists to file a detailed report with the name of the legislative or executive branch official, if that lobbyist provides the official with transportation, lodging, food and drink, or entertainment that has a value of 60 percent of the legislative per diem. S.B. 585 lowers the reporting threshold to $50, and also requires a report to be filed if the benefit or service is provided to the official's immediate family member.

 

As proposed, S.B. 585 amends current law relating to the content of detailed reports filed by registered lobbyists.

 

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 Sections 305.0061(a), (b), and (c), Government Code, as follows:

 

(a) Requires a registrant, if the registrant or a person on the registrant's behalf and with the registrant's consent or ratification makes expenditures that exceed $50 in a day, rather than 60 percent of the amount of the legislative per diem in a day, for transportation or lodging for a member of the legislative or executive branch or for the immediate family of a member of the legislative or executive branch to include certain information in a report required to be filed under Section 305.006 (Activities Report).

 

(b) Requires a registrant, if the registrant or a person on the registrant's behalf and with the registrant's consent or ratification makes expenditures that exceed $50 in a day, rather than 60 percent of the amount of the legislative per diem in a day, for food and beverages for a member of the legislative or executive branch or for the immediate family of a member of the legislative or executive branch or makes expenditures that exceed $50 in a day, rather than 60 percent of the amount of the legislative per diem in a day, for entertainment for a member of the legislative or executive branch or for the immediate family of a member of the legislative or executive branch to include certain information in a report required to be filed under Section 305.006.

 

(c) Requires a registrant, if the registrant or a person on the registrant's behalf and with the registrant's consent or ratification gives to a member of the legislative or executive branch, or to the immediate family of a member of the legislative or executive branch, a gift or an award or memento, the value of which exceeds $50 per gift, award, or memento to include certain information in a report required to be filed under Section 305.006.

 

SECTION 2. Repealer: Section 305.0061(g)(defining "legislative per diem"), Government Code.

 

SECTION 3. Makes application of this Act prospective.

 

SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 2015.