BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 710
86R7314 SOS-D	By: Creighton
	State Affairs
	3/15/2019
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Currently, only certain counties may authorize their ethics boards to impose effective penalties against those who violate ethical standards. This leaves most counties unable to impose a civil penalty and can take little action when an elected official, lobbyist, or vendor violates ethical standards. S.B. 710 amends current law to remove restrictions on which counties may impose penalties, allowing all counties to chose whether or not to create a county ethics commission that may adopt and enforce ethics standards.

As proposed, S.B. 710 amends current law relating to authorization for the creation of a county ethics commission in any county.

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. Repealer: Section 161.001 (Applicability of Chapter), Local Government Code.

SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2019.