Honorable Byron Cook, Chair, House Committee on State Affairs
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB22 by Davis, Sarah (Relating to the powers and duties of the Texas Ethics Commission; creating a criminal offense.), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend Government Code to make certain local filers subject to enforcement under the Ethics Commission. The bill would also require the Ethics Commission to adopt rules related to administration of the expanded enforcement duties. The agency indicates that any costs associated with the bill could be absorbed within existing resources.
The bill would take effect September 1, 2015.
Local Government Impact
A Class C misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of not more than $500. Costs associated with enforcement and prosecution could likely be absorbed within existing resources. Revenue gain from fines imposed and collected is not anticipated to have a significant fiscal impact. In addition to the fine, punishment can include up to 180 days of deferred disposition.